Out There in Argentina!

It was long trip out there only to get off the bus and wonder where in the world did I just end up?? Chasing volcano's on a recon mission only to be shut down by the lack of transportation. We tried hitchhiking only to have ~ three cars pass us all day, of which I don't believe any actually were going anywhere near where we wanted to be.....So, that part of the trip didn't work out so well. However, there were hot springs near by, amazing scenery, condors flying above, warm weather....couldn't have asked for a better trip!

Love and Affection the Argentinian Way

So, of course about all I ever report on is the mountains, being out in the mountains, or doing something in the mountains, but as we all know there is more to life than just mountains and playing outside, especially when it comes to international travel....Drinking espresso, eating pastries, drinking mate, the smells of meat on the fire, the language, the customs.....one of the things that I have found very surprising is the kissing customs here in Argentina. Here you are often greeted with a kiss on a cheek and in some regions both cheeks which instantly seems to take that "edge" or uncomfortableness away when meeting someone for the first time. But what I find even more interesting is the personal affection and kissing between couples....I've NEVER seen anything like it. Lips planted against one another for hours and hours and hours.....lounging in the park arms tightly wrapped around one another.....more smiles and more kisses......walking the streets hand in hand.....passionate kisses on every corner.....more kissing and more kissing......did i mention kissing?.....I just have to ask don't they ever get tired of making out? My theory is it makes up for that dead space when you run out of things to talk about, so they just make out instead....maybe.....but I have to say, whether they truly are in love or its the consumption of all the wine or its just part of the culture, it really is a pleasure to see and something us Americans could learn something from.....!

Greetings from the Arenales Valley in Argentina!

Just got back to Mendoza from a week of skiing and climbing in the Arenales Valley.... Unbelievable.....Could not have asked for better weather....Blue bird just about everyday. Some of our first views of the valley. Our first couple of days were pretty cold and windy, but did get a couple of days of climbing in....

Views from a 4ish pitch climb that we did....our approach was higher than the Grand Teton.....!!

We hiked up to the upper refugio to do some skiing and caught this amazing sunset....the clouds continue to blow, twist, swirl in these crazy patterns.....

This photo was taken pretty close to the top of a couloir we skied.....Definitely was feeling the altitude on the way up.....

The next day we hiked back down to our original camping spot, but stopped and skied another couloir......Check out that dot...thats PT hiking up.....

And this is me getting in way over my head....!

Thought this was a cool shot of PT packing up after skiing.....The clouds rolling in.....









Our last morning we woke up to snow......this was the view looking down the valley...... Till the next adventure!

When you see the Southern Cross for the first time

You understand now why you came this way....To steal a quote....But would have to say it really wasn't until coming off a climb in the evening, looking towards the end of the valley and seeing the Southern Cross that I actually realized I was in South America. So, yes I'm on yet another adventure, one that I am not exactly sure where it will take me or what I will learn...but I am certain it will take me somewhere and am certain I'll learn a thing or two and am certain it will be an amazing one......as they always are!! Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to........hoping everyday leads You to a new adventure....!

You can not discover new oceans unless you have courage to loose sight of the shore.....

Will do my best to keep updating as probably one of the easiest ways to keep everyone posted on my whereabouts.....but I have to say on a day to day, moment to moment basis it feels like there is so much to say.......I'll try and keep things simple and fill you in on the highlights of this crazy adventure....!!



Passing through San Francisco I was able to spend the weekend with one of best friends Tina and her man Gus.....