Back to Ushuaia – Lapataia

The first wet day – what a difference to the country side – it all looked so different and a little gloomy. We stopped at Tolhuin at the panaderia for lunch – another pastry lunch – they certainly make great pastries.

Back in Ushuaia we went up the mountain to the bottom of the glacier walk – a good view of the town with the Beagle Channel in the background. The first heavy raindrops fell and the thunder rolled. Back into town to check the details for the National Park accommodation and facilities. Missed the park headquarters closeoff by 3 minutes so a 10 block walk to the information centre. Accommodation available at the refugio so off we went after a provision stop at the supermarkardo.

A refugio with a difference – no hot meals after 4pm, toasted sammies to 6pm, no water in the kitchen, showers available for an hour 6pm – 7pm. All this for 40 pesos – the worst refugio I’ve used. No power after 8pm (7.30 second night).
An interesting experience.

The national park walk was one I did in 2007 and it was just as beautiful again. Walked from the park headquarters end and then walked back along the road – totally out of luck in getting anyone to stop and give any of us a ride so 8km by track and 8km by road back to the car. Slightly nackered.

Took the car to the end of Route 3 – and came across a pair of grey foxes. I know they’re pests here but they were cute and came very close – especially as we threw them a couple of crackers. Right at the end of the road we came across two more trying to raid the rubbish bins – the bins have been well designed so although they stood on top of the bins the gaps are too small for the foxes to get into.