December 16th - Perito Moreno Glacier and a Windy Day

We all got to sleep in a bit today and had breakfast on our own time.  The Hostel del Glacier Pioneros is a lovely place with a sweet little breakfast concession that is reminisent of a Swiss ski lodge.  The staff were very pleasant and accommodating as we enjoyed a traditional continental breakfast of toasts, cereals, and coffee.  Our guide Nicholas met us on time and introduced us to our glacier guide, Juan and driver Esteban.  At 9:30 we boarded our private bus and headed out over the Argentinean Steppe toward the Andes Mountains.  The landscapse reminded us of the California foothills, sparce, dry, sagebrush.  We saw wild llamas, eagles, a condor in flight, several species of goose, and many flocks of flamingos.  The drive was broken up wiht a few stops to look at wild flowers and to admisre a large herd of sheep grazing near the road.

As we approached the mountains the elevations and landscape changed to that of Beech and Lengas trees.  Soon we were into the beauty of the Andean footnills.  After passing through the national park check point the face of the glacier was in view.  Being from Alaska you would think we would not be impressed by another glaceir.  Well, this one is massive and magnificent.  The series of steel walkways go on for miles.  We used them to view all of the aspects of the glacial face.  Afterwards we had a light lunch at the lodge before heading back into town.

When we reached El Calafate an hour later half of us opted to visit the lagoon and view the flamingos and other birds.  Another long walk of about four miles brought us back into the city center for some shopping time before dinner.  Later that night our trek guide Nicholas treated us to a traditional Patagonian BBQ - beef, lamb and all the fixings...too muich good...and oh so good.  A great night's sleep followed.  We have to get up very early tomorrow.