04/02/23

The flu-like feeling seems to be finally gone. After a few oats for breakfast, I head to Refugio Alerces. The hiking trail winds along the mountain stream through ferns and moss-covered trees, reminiscent of the movie Avatar. On the way, I meet Juliette and Lars, also volunteers from Germany. Their shift at Refugio Alerces is over.

After about 2.5 hours, I arrive at Refugio Alerces. The view over the lake in front of the refugio is amazing. The trunks of the dead Alerces trees (a type of larch) extend well over 10 meters from the greenish-turquoise water. The whole scene is framed by a fantastic mountain panorama. Refugio Alerces also has a wood stove and 6 bunk beds for up to 5 people each. The top two beds are reserved for park rangers and volunteers. Shortly after my arrival, the overnight guests start to arrive. The small talk I can offer is still very small and awkward. But it's something.

Just as I'm searching the kitchenette for something to eat, I hear a high-frequency fluttering. At first, I thought it was a big beetle, but then I see that a hummingbird has gotten lost in the refugio and is fluttering frantically against the window. Quickly, I put on gloves. I catch the wild flapping bird and release it. It immediately flies off over the lake.

In the kitchen, I find some leftover homemade bread as well as cheese from the previous shift. Mati arrives in the evening. There's bubatz by the lake. In the meantime, I read for a while. There's no internet here. Digital detox and all that. The refugio has a colorful assortment of books, including some in German. I dedicate myself to the book "Der Schneemann" by Jörg Fauser.