Every Once In a While

The hikes we did in Patagonia were spectacular but occasionally the most popular spots could get a little crowded. This is in El Chalten at a really nice viewpoint. Two big guided groups had just come through and everyone wanted a pic with the gorgeous backdrop. Not typical by any means but kind of funny at the time. We just moved out quickly to get ahead and never saw them again.

Last Light

From the beach in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay. Everyone goes down to the beach for sunset, then gradually filter away to restaurants. Pretty fun and really beautiful.

Garzon Restaurant, in Garzon Uruguay

By one of South America's most beloved chefs, Frances Mallman. His specialty is grilled meats over the wood fire. About an hour drive out to the middle of nowhere from José Ignacio which is practically nowhere itself! Last 1/2 on dirt roads. Pretty tasty - and for the first time this trip, a place with NY style pricing.

La Mano. Punta Del Este, Uruguay

By a Chilean artist, installed in 1982. One of Uruguay's most recognizable landmarks. The hand was made to serve as a warning to swimmers. Left of this pic, water gets rough. To the right, it gets more quiet.

We got up early for a bike ride and I can promise you that was the only time all day you could take a picture without 100s of other people in it!

Sand Angels are Better Than Snow Angels

Great great dunes up and down this coast. I would have included the video of my sand angel but my videographer chose a rather unfortunate angle. So we give a before and after. Excellent sand.

Our Negotiations on Pool Temp Were Successful

John got in today and said "You may never hear me say this again — I think this pool is too warm".

Sunrise from José Ignacio House

Proving again that life is just better if you get up early.

Beach in Uruguay - WOW

A stark contrast to Punta del Este which had its own charm, but where we are now there is NOBODY. The coastline from Argentina to Brazil through Uruguay is just one amazing stretch of Atlantic coast. Yesterday we plopped ourselves on the beach right across from our house and for as far as the eye could see (which was probably a mile on yet another impossibly perfect weather day) there were about 4 people. Including us! Mornings are pretty calm but in the afternoons there is a constant nice breeze.

Dinner Last Night at Marismo

Toes in sand, next to bonfire. Grilled figs and burrata followed by the lamb and flank steak. YUGE. We should be running a few miles to work this one off but we will opt for a beach walk instead.

Our House in José Ignacio

Note my office on the left. Our sorta view of the ocean over the trees and lavender hedges. But only a 5 minutes walk to a beautiful beach. A perched cement and glass box all mid-century modern. With a mostly heated pool. It's 81 but we are negotiating for 90 degrees. In case you're wondering, we checked the interweb for perfect heated pool temp. They say it's 85 but we think that is BS. 90 or bust.

Preparing for Brunch Picnic at the Beach

Sausage peppers and onions with avocado and arugula on some crispy focaccia. Some ingredients purchased in Punta del Este at a Walmart-like supermarket (but a lot nicer with an amazing butcher shop). Some purchased at a small amazing market here in José Ignacio (think: every possible thing you could want or need in about 600 square feet and I mean everything). Some from meal leftovers as the portions here are insanely large most places. Put all that together, add some champagne, some OJ, and we will have a perfect brunch on our deserted beach a few hundred steps from our rental house. Can't wait. Unfortunately, since preparing the sausage, I may have to go vegetarian on this brunch.

Someone Earned His Saddle Sores

The second day of riding, we told our guide we wanted to canter. And so we did. It's a learning experience but fun.

I suffered no blisters, having enough padding added to my rear from the hundred empanadas I have eaten in the past three weeks.

100 Degree Hot Tub

.... or a jump into a beautiful blue glacial lake that was 40 degrees. We opted for the hot tub, but a few brave souls went for the lake.

Worked Up a Good Appetite on the Horses?

Yes! Huge Asado lunch about an hour from the Explora lodge with lamb smoked all morning plus sausages, empanadas, pumpkin, corn, salad, beets, you name it! We hiked for a few hours after the lunch and returned in time for a little time at the spa. Before you judge us to be completely obnoxious, recall that this blog is the Bragabonds. We are just being true to our mission.

Horsing Around in Torres del Paine, Chile

What a day! We enjoyed it so much, we did a different ride the next day.

Best Empanadas So Far

One lamb one vegetable. Followed by a repeat which disappeared just as fast as the first order, before any photo could be taken. Delicious.

Sendero Fitzroy and Laguna del los Tres

El Chalten - one of the most famous treks in the world. Midway through the 18 miles we hiked was an ascent of 400 meters in just 1 km. But then the view - wow. Our weather was perfect - not a cloud, which is very unusual. Many people make the hike, get to the top and can't see more than 20 feet in front of them.

Hiking en El Chalten

If you're willing to hike 3 hours to reach your destination, you can see some pretty cool stuff! We hiked to Laguna Torre today, and check it out! Great place for a picnic. Then another 3 hours back into town.

Crossed into Chile

And now at our hotel in Torres del Paine

World’s Worst Golf Course

But fun on a beautiful day. 6 greens and 9 tees. A wall of trees 50 yards in front of every tee.

The End of the World

Ushuaia, Argentina. At the harbor, starting point for most trips to Antarctica, about 2 1/2 days away across the Drake Passage.