Renewing the Charge
Renewing the Charge
We arrived To Bariloche, Argentina and immediately jumped in another rental car, this time a 4x4 Toyota Hilux (a diesel Tacoma/Tundra like truck). The roads were lined with big trees and every corner we turned, there was another gorgeous alpine lake.
Our first stop was to El Bolson, a small Argentinian town about 150 km outside of Bariloche. Set along one of the many rivers flowing through the region, we were in search of a campsite as close as possible to the sounds of water. When we pulled up to the visitor info kiosk, we had to turn off our headlights so not to blind the impromptu drum circle overflowing from the sidewalk into the street. We were in Hippieville, Argentina.
Having arrived after dark is problematic when you’re attempting to scout camping locations. We ended up settling with a site closer to town recommended in our Lonely Planet book. After a decent meal, epic ice cream and a less than peaceful night’s rest thanks to the incessant squawking of birds, we were ready to move on.
We stopped at the local supermarket to pick up some picnic goods and were off again. Winding through the sharp peaks and seriously lush valleys of northern Patagonia, lined with stoic poplar trees just beginning their transition to fall, we began to feel it… We were recharging.
We spontaneously took a right turn off the main road to follow the Lago Epuyen sign. A lake sounded like a great spot for a picnic and when it comes to rushing rivers and glassy lakes, Doug is a bit of a labrador. After 7km of right and lefts through the somewhat quiet and sparse town, we arrived. Indeed it was a perfect spot for a picnic.
Cheese, crackers, salami, chocolate, green olives and avocado. And bees. They loved Doug and his food. Or maybe his red flannel shirt. For whatever reason though, he couldn’t quite eat in peace. The charge was slightly draining for him. But the hilarity of Doug running all over the small beach and finally to hide in the car was kind of entertaining for me. Especially since I’m usually the one attacked by bugs.
After the food was consumed, it was time to do what all men who are part lab do. It was time for a swim. In a Patagonian lake. And of course, it was a team adventure. Bathing suits on, we dove into (er, cautiously waded) the unimaginably fresh and cold lake. When you’re on the road, camping and eating crackers as a meal, lake dips count as bathing, right? Either way we were feeling refreshed and recharged.
