Its very difficult to put into words the beauty of the Patagonia region. The blue, crystal clear iceburgs, the rugged peaks of the Fitz Roy moutains, the green birds flying above singing a beautiful melody is all part of the what what we witnessed amoungst the Argentina Patagonia area.

After we left Puerto Natalas, we headed northeast to El Chalten, Argentina. This little town is situated in the valley of the Los Glaciares National Park. We arrived on a clear, cloudless day. The rugged, rugged peaks were piercing the sky with magestic beauty. They weather came as a shock to even the Park Rangers as they said for several days previously, there had been nothing but rain. The hiking gods were on our side today.

The park, one of the only parks in the region that is free to enter and free to camp in, is small and intimate. There are about 10 trails, as well as a three day loop that takes you to some of the most spectacular views. We decided to do the loop and take advantage of the the free camping. Our first stop was Fitz Roy mountain. (The Fitz Roy moutanin is the logo you see on many of the Patigonia brands.) We arrived and were welomed with a view of the Fitz Roy range and an azul lake that was so calm it was as though there were two mountain ranges. One in the sky and one under water.

The next day we made our way to Lag de los Tres. We set up camp and then headed to "the most difficult trail in the park." It was difficult as it was coverd in snow and ice and the assent was straight up. But the what we were about to witnessed made us forget that we had to make our way back down. When we made it to the top there was a beautiful lake and a small glacier. We explored around the area and discoverd another lake just beyond the next ridge. Standing upon that ridge, you could see both lakes, side by side, rippling as the strong winds raced across the surface. We were on top of the world.

Day three we headed to Glacier Grande. I had seen glaciers in New Zealand, but they did not compare to what was hiding far back in the National Park. We set up camp and what we thought was going to be at least an hour or so hike, ended up being about a five minute hike to another azul, azul lake occupied with azul, azul iceburgs and GLACIER GRANDE. We both stood there in awe soaking up the view that was before our eyes. We sat and listened to the ripples slash aganist the iceburgs and watched as the iceburgs floated sightly amongst the water. It was abcolutely stunning.

The loop offered three days of spectacular views and nothing but clear skies.

After El Chalten, we made the grueling 27 hour bus ride to Bariloche, Argentina where the road is lonely, and the scenry is dual. By the end of the journey, our legs were the size of sausages and we were serverly dehydrated from the salt-loaded meals that were served on the bus. We were happy to get off the bus and walk until our legs were back to normal size.

We arrived in the dark so we didn{t know what to expect. The next morning we woke up and looked out the window. There was a huge lake and mountains surrounding us in every direction. Bariloche has the biggest ski resort in South America, therefore, the town is bustling with fancy hotel after fancy hotel. The downtown is swamped with chocolate shops and tourist shops. We indulged in some of the most delicious helado.

Ahora, we are back in Chile and about to embark on an adventure to the farm we will be working on for the next 2 1/2 weeks. We were lucky to find an "Educational Farm" to volunteer for. We are not sure what we will be doing, but that is what makes it fun.

We are doing well. Happy and healthy and enjoying every moment.

Until we speak again,

Justin y Anna

"Throw Paint."