Huerquehue

2nd day - Huerquehue
18km -800 meters altitude difference

Packed with wanderlust and still a little handicapped from yesterday's trip, we laced up our hiking boots and were already on the bus to Huerquehue National Park at half past 8. (I tried to pronounce this name all week. Conclusion: it is not possible!) Today's trail was called 'Three Lake trail', first there is a 'small ascent' and then you hike on a plateau to three different lakes. The weather was slightly better than yesterday, so we could even admire the snow line on the surrounding mountains. We were advised to take a bamboo stick at the park entrance. It would serve us well. After a good hour, we knew why. It was muddy, so muddy that we had to lean on the stick to get to the next walkable piece of earth (and not sink knee-deep in the mud). This made the ascent increasingly difficult. But the landscape made up for it all. Even though we had already seen Araucarias and bamboo yesterday, this was a completely different experience. It feels a bit like being in the rainforest with the wrong temperature. A detour to a waterfall confirmed our rainforest feeling. Many mosses and ferns anyway, bird lovers also get their money's worth here. Just don't think, keep walking uphill, the muscles ache, but the views will be worth it. After 3 hours of ascent and passing the snow line (yay, the shoes are somewhat clean again!), we reached the first lake, Lago Chico. Naturally, there were meter-high Araucarias all around, hiding beneath their snow cloak. I think these trees are even more impressive in summer. The sun was shining up here and the snow was slowly melting, which made the trail increasingly slippery.
Believe me, guys, on these hikes, a cheese sandwich with a cup of tea tastes like heaven on earth and you are simply grateful to be able to experience it! But only a short break for eating, otherwise your hands will freeze.
Despite the good weather, not the entire plateau was passable, so we couldn't do the big round. Unfortunately, we had to do without the "Duck Lake", but at least the birds had peace and quiet. The time was also very advanced and we were facing a long, very muddy descent. At least it wasn't boring, because with every further step you can already see yourself lying in the mud. But like I said, it's simply worth it! On the way back, we were able to observe a red-headed woodpecker at work. I took the photo from a travel guide here, it is apparently very rare to catch sight of this bird.

Because the weather was better, we encountered a lot of people and it was not difficult to get lost due to the footprints. Small conversations keep arising, traveling alone would not be a problem at all.

Frieda (Sept. 25th)