Camping trip at Patagonia
Another part of my stay on the Patagonia Ride was a 3 day pack trip. Here we would skirt the boundaries of the Lanin National Park and ride adjacent to the River Alumine.
Decked out in our customary ponchos we set off on the dusty dry trail for some adventure. We were spoilt with three days of great food, fantastic lunch spots, snow capped mountains hovering over us and peaceful evening spots to rest our heads.
The catering for the camping is outsourced to a family who run a fishing and hunting outfitting business at other times of the year. They are professional, friendly and great at what they do. Both camp spots were set up before we arrived and we were greeted with drinks and hors d’oeuvres right off our horses. Fresh olives, cheeses, chips, chicken stir fry, kebabs, barbeque beef, mashed potatoes, caramel crepes and fresh fruit are just a sampling of the delicious food we were offered.
I am not much of a “camper” and prefer the 4 or 5 star camping experience to the real nitty gritty get down and dirty style. These 3 days were just that. I was glad to get back to a hot shower and full size mattress but the experience of riding through the monkey puzzle trees and along side Lanin Volcano was worth the dirty face!
January 13th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
I reckon the camping could have been a lot harder – and on this trip, I thought it was pretty 4 star – as far as camping goes. Just having a plumbed in loo was utter bliss – I’ve done other trips where you have to take a shovel and go and dig your own hole. Going for a bucket of water was hardly a hardship and trying not to fall into the river a bit of an art but still a really good giggle. It’s such a shame there are not hot and cold running streams - but the scenery made up for every home comfort we were missing. Our tents were up and ready when we arrived, the sleeping bags were new, and very cosy. The food was delicious and our hosts incredibly friendly. I can’t wait to go back. Z xx
February 9th, 2007 at 11:22 am
Ok I guess I was a little harsh. I don’t go camping much and am one of those people that prefer to have a “base room” to come home to. Although I must admit if I was to camp then this standard that Patagonia set would be hard to beat!
I like your idea of a hot and cold running river Zara. I think someone should look into that one!