Argentina

November 6-29, 2009

November 15: Alerces National Park - El Abuelo: Lago Verde

Once back at Puerto Chucao we took the other side of the loop trail back to the suspension bridge. This part of the trail identified many plants with medicinal properties that were important to the Mapuche.

The trail took us along the shores of Lago Verde and past the abandoned settlement of Puerto Mermoud. In the late nineteenth century the first settlers crossed from Chile to this area. They came and settled in the valleys suitable for farming and small scale horticultural activity. Felix Mermoud's family came to Lago Verde in December 1916, introducing cattle, gardens and orchards. Their inn also pioneered the tourist activity in this sector of the park. When the last of the family died, the buildings were abandoned and eventually they were destroyed by fire.

Along the way there was also a lookout where we enjoyed the stunning scenery and watched some fishermen on Lago Verdo. Once back at the suspension bridge it was just a short jaunt back to the car.

On the way back to Esquel we hoped to find a parilla along the way. But since nothing was open we headed back to town and not wanting to keep the already tired kids up too much longer we opted for the only place that seemed to be open and serving food... Killarney's pub.

A little shrine back at Puerto Chucao.

It looks like this Lada has seen better days.

Very thick cana colihue. The poisonous latex is used by the Mapuche for toothache.

The trail back to the pasarela. Along the way, many plants with medicinal properties were identified and described.

Several beautiful unidentified flowers. (anemone multifida?, Vicia nigricans - Arvejilla?)

A frutilla? (aka strawberry)

Samantha having fun walking in the eroded ditch beside the path.

Beautiful vistas along the path.

A stand of myrtle trees (arrayanes). Myeceugenella apiculata. The mapuche call this tree quetri. It has antiseptic, astringent and antidiahrretic properties. It is also used as an expectorant and for washing in case of herpes or ulcers. It is often found around Patagonian lakes and rivers.

An apple tree in blossom.

Maqui - Aristotelia chilensis. For the mapuche this tree was a symbol of good intentions. It was used to cure many illnesses including fever, mouth ulcers, and wounds. The fruits could be used to make wine.

A beautiful giant tree and a little stand of myrtle trees right next to it.

Samantha under a natural archway of branches.

Maitenus boaria (maite) - The mapuche consider this a sacred tree and use it against fever and as a purgative.
Cattle spend the winter below the snow line eating its foliage that stays green year round.