Argentina

November 6-29, 2009

November 17: Cerro Tronador: Cascada Los Alerces

Unfortunately we had a rough start to our visit in the parking lot of the waterfalls. As we got out the puppy from the refuge came to greet us but the cute puppy quickly became a yappy, annoying thing that kept trying to get in the car and nipping not too gently at the kids. Rubby quickly put Christopher in the carrier and moved further. In the parking lot there were various birds hanging around and so Rubby tried to get closer to take a picture. But the birds must have been nesting right in the middle of the parking lot and as Rubby got too close, the birds started to attack quite viciously. Rubby, caught of guard, started to back away but lost his balance. He started running backwards to stay on his feet but after traversing half the parking lot finally ended up tripping backwards right on top of poor Christopher who ended up with quite the scare, a couple of bruises and a big gash on his chin. Our first and only mishap with the carrier... luckily he was strapped in good and it wasn't any worse.

The only good thing was that the people up at the refuge heard Christopher's cries and assuming that the dog had done something, called it back to the house. So we cleaned up Christopher and headed off the short little walk to the waterfall. We stayed there for a while taking photos and admiring the waterfall and then headed back. Still a little shaken from Rubby's fall with Christopher and feeling a little chilled, we decided to check out what the "torta fritas" sign at the refuge was all about. Moments later we were seated in the simple rustic refuge, warming ourselves by the wood stove, and dipping our torta fritas into our hot chocolates and coffee. Mmmmmm!

We finally arrive at Cascada Los Alerces.

The hosteria at the start of the trail to the waterfall.

An overexcited aggressive puppy...

... and a nesting southern lapwing in the parking lot...

... make for a nasty fall for Christopher.

As we head to the waterfall, we take note of the sign advertising the tortas fritas...
may have to try some of those on the way back!

The trail follows along the rio Manso which travels over the waterfall, through the mountains and to the Pacific Ocean.

A view of the river with the snow covered mountains in the background.

Rubby taking some pictures along the 250 m trail which was mostly boardwalk.

Despite being called "Manso" for its little current, the river seems quite powerful here.

A view over to the only alerce that still appears to be living in this forest.

Getting closer to the waterfall.

Looking back at the calmer waters above.

Arriving at the waterfalls.

Samantha pointing out a strange little animal on the interpretive sign.

The view from the Rio Manso lookout with Cerro Granito in the background and
the ñire (light green) and maiten (darker) forests.

Samantha at the Rio Manso lookout.

What looks like a stick on a couple of small rocks is actually a giant log on some boulders.
The torrent ducks (Pato de los Torrentes - Merganetto armata) on the boulder to the left provide scale.