Gangs of El Calafate
Leaving El Chalten with some American girls, I met in Bariloche, Angela and Dannielle, we arrive at around 10pm at the bus terminal in El Calafate. Hmmm I have no transfer to the hostel so I play dumb and jump in for the ride. At least I wont need to lug my backpack too far.
The following day I am booked on a tour to see the Puerto Moreno Glacier. This Glacier is one of the most accessable in the region with lots of activity. Ice consistently falls form the monolieth. It stands at about 15 stories high, and about 4 kilometres long. We take a short walk to the viewing area before grabbing a quick bite to eat. By this time the weather has taken a turn for the worst and the rain comes down. Luckily I had some company while I waited for the weather to clear up for a decent look-see, a fellow by the name of Sam, from Germany.
We patiently waited on the bus, but realising that the weather was not going to relent we ran down to the viewing area to take a couple obligatory shots, luckily was saw a bit action, and with a big crash we got to see what everyone Oohhs and Aaahhhhs about.
That evening a few people from the hostel decided to paint the town red and we ended up getting home about 5am. We were in a little resturant that became a disco after midnight where all the old tunes were being played.
The dogs situation in Sth America is insane. Strays are everywhere, but none more evident than on this evening. They travel in gangs, causing havoc with humans and other canines alike. Short, fat, skinny, long and tall. These guys don't descriminate, you just need to know how to sniff butt. They chase the wheels of cars fearlessly, their tails wagging, and the pampered pooches with owners, they corner on the street hoping for confrontation.
All you could do is laugh at the mischeif they caused, and at one point, with the camera at the ready, two exhibitionists were caught in the act. Right in the middle of the road! After a night of shagging and mayhem you see them scattered all over the streets, taking it easy, and rejuvenating themselves for the following nights debauchery.
After my big evening, I also took it easy the following day. Eating hellado and pasta. With the disappointing weather at the Puerto Moreno Glacier I decided to take a boat cruise to see some other famous Glaciers. It would be remiss of me not to check out as much of this amazing landscape while all the way down in Southern Patagonia.
The Upsala boat cruise was definately the highlight of my stay in El Calafate. We saw three glaciers and hundreds of icebergs. It was beautiful. The water, a milky green, from the minerals of the glaciers and the magnificent ice castles, ones of little girls dreams, in hues of blue and white. The weather was bitterly cold on the water while travelling to visit the three glaciers. The Upsala Glacier is melting at an incredible rate due to global warming, kilometres have been lost in the last 50 years. the Upsala is named after a Swiss group/university who studied the galcier extensively. What they discovered is that glaciers change the landscape of its surrounds, resulting in rocky outcrops and few trees.
We lunched at a bay which is now reconginised as a national park. Magestic icebergs float around, breaking and melting. They float to the shore where many a photo opportunity presents itself. And you just can´t help but take picture after picture. Large two story icebergs have broken away from the glaciers, these take about three months to melt in their entireity. Only 15% of the glaciers are floating above water, with the remaining 85% submerged. It is difficult not to think of what would happen if the captain of the boat steered too close for the photo frenzied tourists. Watching theses giants cruise the waters you cant help but be in awe, its is like they live and breath, constantly changing their shapes, one never the same as another.
The following day I am booked on a tour to see the Puerto Moreno Glacier. This Glacier is one of the most accessable in the region with lots of activity. Ice consistently falls form the monolieth. It stands at about 15 stories high, and about 4 kilometres long. We take a short walk to the viewing area before grabbing a quick bite to eat. By this time the weather has taken a turn for the worst and the rain comes down. Luckily I had some company while I waited for the weather to clear up for a decent look-see, a fellow by the name of Sam, from Germany.
We patiently waited on the bus, but realising that the weather was not going to relent we ran down to the viewing area to take a couple obligatory shots, luckily was saw a bit action, and with a big crash we got to see what everyone Oohhs and Aaahhhhs about.
That evening a few people from the hostel decided to paint the town red and we ended up getting home about 5am. We were in a little resturant that became a disco after midnight where all the old tunes were being played.
The dogs situation in Sth America is insane. Strays are everywhere, but none more evident than on this evening. They travel in gangs, causing havoc with humans and other canines alike. Short, fat, skinny, long and tall. These guys don't descriminate, you just need to know how to sniff butt. They chase the wheels of cars fearlessly, their tails wagging, and the pampered pooches with owners, they corner on the street hoping for confrontation.
All you could do is laugh at the mischeif they caused, and at one point, with the camera at the ready, two exhibitionists were caught in the act. Right in the middle of the road! After a night of shagging and mayhem you see them scattered all over the streets, taking it easy, and rejuvenating themselves for the following nights debauchery.
After my big evening, I also took it easy the following day. Eating hellado and pasta. With the disappointing weather at the Puerto Moreno Glacier I decided to take a boat cruise to see some other famous Glaciers. It would be remiss of me not to check out as much of this amazing landscape while all the way down in Southern Patagonia.
The Upsala boat cruise was definately the highlight of my stay in El Calafate. We saw three glaciers and hundreds of icebergs. It was beautiful. The water, a milky green, from the minerals of the glaciers and the magnificent ice castles, ones of little girls dreams, in hues of blue and white. The weather was bitterly cold on the water while travelling to visit the three glaciers. The Upsala Glacier is melting at an incredible rate due to global warming, kilometres have been lost in the last 50 years. the Upsala is named after a Swiss group/university who studied the galcier extensively. What they discovered is that glaciers change the landscape of its surrounds, resulting in rocky outcrops and few trees.
We lunched at a bay which is now reconginised as a national park. Magestic icebergs float around, breaking and melting. They float to the shore where many a photo opportunity presents itself. And you just can´t help but take picture after picture. Large two story icebergs have broken away from the glaciers, these take about three months to melt in their entireity. Only 15% of the glaciers are floating above water, with the remaining 85% submerged. It is difficult not to think of what would happen if the captain of the boat steered too close for the photo frenzied tourists. Watching theses giants cruise the waters you cant help but be in awe, its is like they live and breath, constantly changing their shapes, one never the same as another.
posted by trudy.p at 5:57 am
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