In search of America...

23-29 November: We quit El Calafate to visit the Estancia Rio Mitre, close to the Perito Moreno glacier. Our stay at the estancia will allow us to finally discover the star of the area (the glacier), but also to get an idea of what life looks like on the other side of the fences we have been following since Buenos Aires. On our way to the estancia, we suddenly decide that we cannot wait more and we head to the Perito Moreno, for an impressive encounter with the ice.

The usual family picture in front of the ice!!! Behind the cliché, the site is fantastic and allows seeing different aspects of the glacier: from the top to the bottom, through the forest, from the coast or at a distance. Cracking sounds, falling blocks, changing lights…the glacier keeps surprising and entertaining us.

After all this ice, we head to the estancia, ideally situated on the shore of the Brazo Rico, with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Everyone wants to go horse riding and it is a good match as there are horses for all kinds of riders here! Getting ready for the first ride: Papy poney, Cleo and Geraldine for a tour of the surroundings. 

Next, it is the boys’ turn, for an initiation with Papy Poney and Beto the gaucho. Theotime has the tallest horse but seems to enjoy the view while Emile experiences his first trotting with a visible pleasure and a great freedom.

Eating lamb raised at the farm, and grilled and served by Esteban, the owner of the estancia. The view from the dining room is unique and the goats rest on the terrace.

Drinking mate, another important part of the life at the estancia… 

 
 
Playing football...not as traditional, but funny anyway!! 

25 November: fishing trip at Lago Roca. The lake is 30 km further south, on a rough gravel road. The motorhome hardly fits on the bridge but the trip is worth it: we have the place all to ourselves and the fishing is excellent!

Fly fishing in Patagonia....

Emile’s trophy!!! A huge rainbow trout, and apparently not even hard to bring back for our proud little angler. 

The ultimate riding experience for Sebastien and Cleo! Two days to discover the immensity of the land, from a horse back. Leaving the estancia at 10 in the morning, they will be riding through the landscape for 6 hours in a row, to get to a small “puesto” where two gauchos live and work, only connected to the world by their cellphones and horses. 

Lamb and mate for dinner, as usual for the host, happy to share a meal with visitors.

A “short” excursion after dinner…which will take 4 hours and bring everyone on top of a mountain, in the condor habitat.

Here at the top of the mountain: exhausted but delighted to be there…our two riders are still a few hours away from home. They will be back at 5 PM on the next day, after a total trip of about 80 km in two days and an unforgettable experience.