After our day climbing near the lake, the storm really started to move in. The weather did not mess around switiching from hot hot summer to cold fall and winter in alpine areas like Frey, dropping snow in the mountains. Since we didn't want to wait around 2 days for the storm to pass, we decided to head to the desert (only 40km away) for dry climbing! Thank God that the Bash Brothers have a car and can make this possible. We headed back to Villa Llanquin (where Bob and I previously spend a week) this time with The Bash Brothers, Camila (Marco's Girlfriend), and Tyler (a friend of mine from the Hostel I am staying at). We had a great day escaping the rain and Camila even did her first lead!
The whole crew
Out of the Crux and into the jugs I go!
Rock album cover
The next day the weather was seemingly getting better and we decided to risk our luck being optimists and head to Ventanna to climb (an area beautifully situated above the lakes in town). Although the day was partly sunny and we got glimpses of the snow covered peaks and Fray, it was also partly rainy and we were constantly switching coats.
First sunshine and views in 2 days! The Mountains got quite a dusting of snow
The distant view of Frey
Deciding that we weren't going to risk our luck again with the bad weather, Santi and I decided to head to the desert again this time to the Enchanted Valley with his friend Thomas from Buenos Aires. The Enchanted Valley is this amazing sport climbing area on super featured volcanic towers perched right next to the Limay river. The weather was perfect, with beautiful blue skies and sunny weather for the first time in a few days! Santi and his friend Thomas were busy working on 8a and 8b projects respectivly (wicked hard!!!) while I was having plenty of fun climbing in the 6's!
Thomas projecting an 8b
The beautiful view across the Limay.
The next day, Santi needed rest and Marcos and I decided to head out to a sub alpine granite area called Cerro Lopez only 15 min from where we were camped. We could not have picked a better day and climbed an incredible 6 pitch route called the Thunder and The Zebra! The route was a little slabby and run out for my liking, but I was able to free my mind of fear and truck on when it was my turn to lead.
Marcos and I pre climb!
the wall we were about to scale!
water fall on the hike in!
Awesome summit pic from the top of Cerro Torre what a beautiful day!
After getting down the route safely (thank God we had a 70m rope, ARG guide books aren't reliable), we were welcomed back to our cabin with a big Argenetine asada (BBQ) dinner!
Santi the Asadador! (you always clap for the griller when the food comes to the table)
The BBQ included 2 types of chorizo and steak with a salad! It was grilled over wood and charcoal. Mmmmmm! We even finished the night with some Malbec and a few games of Truco (the national card game).
The next day Santi wanted to finish his project at The Enchanted Valley, so we headed out for another day in the sun and finished with a dip in the beautiful Limay River!
Down valley on the Limay
Acorss the river more climbing is to be had, as long as you have a boat!
Santi almost finishing his 8a project (1 take.... soooo close!)
Me flailing on a hard overhanging route!
Yesterday was my last day with the Bash Brothers and thus, we decided to go out with a bang and head to the Psicobloc for the day for some deep water soloing. It was a great way to finish off a great trip with them. They provided me with such great Argentinian hospitality and it was great being able to get a closer look to the culture of the country. Mate, asada, mayo, cookies for breakfast, driving ARG style etc... Hopefully it will not be the last time that we climb and adventure together!
Here are some fun pictures from the sunny day!!
Bash Brothers going Bash Style!!
Marcos sending high as Santi hits the water!
Me, getting scared!!
Santi attempting the hard side (of course).
Now that the bash brothers are off to El Chalten I am taking a rest day or two to do laundry recoop my muscles and get ready for the next 2 weeks, when my awesome girlfriend Sarah will come to town (on Thursday!) and we will rent a car and head to Piedra Parada, and who knows where else!
Ciao for now!
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