BOTTOM LINE:
Exploring the National Park of Huilo Huilo
BACK STORY:
Breakfast was included with our room and among the offerings were lox, eggs, sausage, assorted breads, yogurt, granola, juices, hot beverages, and fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Served buffet style a person could eat as much as they wished.
After our morning meal we ventured off on a hike to Lenore Falls. What a pleasant unexpected surprise! The walk was heart pumping and the falls were breath taking. As we cut through the resort grounds we found an odd wooden maze of elevated sidewalks cris-crossing a dirt road. We were told that the area was used for cross country skiing during winter months. Ski and snow shoe rentals were spotted in a detached building.
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| Lenore Falls |
We met up with our guide Jorje and his little dog Pico at the park headquarters. We had hired him as our guide for a three hour hike along Truful River and onto Huilo Huilo Falls. We paid $48 US dollars for an English speaking commentator that could teach us about the history, flora and fauna of the region.
As we crossed a field and headed into a thick forest the trail seemed hopeful. The pace of the guide and Bruce was faster than I wanted to go so I alerted them that I would be taking pictures and going slower. Once we started descending on the trail down to the river the camera was hung over my neck. The path turned into a dangerous mix of switch backs and rotten wooden steps that were so steep they resembled ladders. The enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings was over played by the caution that we had to take with every step. One slip and it would have ended in tragedy.
At one point we had made it to the water and the pounding of three rivers joining into one took our breath away. One false move and a person or animal would be gone forever. As we traversed up the steep trail we were thankful to have made it safely to the top.
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| raging river below |
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| steep and rickety stairs |
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| country flower of Chile |
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| bird nest |
Before leaving the park we were taken to the stunning Huilo Huilo Falls.
It was a day of exercise, beauty and a bit of fear. Thanking God for safety!
Rather than dine in the hotel, we chose to find a place in the little, primitive town. There was only one place serving food so we went in. It was clean and the owners were so charming. There was no menu. Food selected and prepared based on what the owners had to cook and offer. The food was excellent and since no one else was there, we were able to converse and laugh with the owners.
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| little restaurant |
When our meal was finished, Bruce asked if they had any ice cream. They shook their heads saying, "no." As we finished our beverage the husband quietly slipped out the door to the tiny neighborhood market across the street and bought some ice cream to surprise us! Soooo thoughtful! Gracias!
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| ice cream |
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