hiking wonders

so i went on the most amazing hike yesterday. im in el bolson by the way, which is 2 hrs south of bariloche. very refreshing after bariloche, which was spectacular, but too resort like for me. el bolson is very much in the hippie style of northern california. so this hike started out common enough with some dusty trails and a walk through the woods. the farther up i got though the more astounded i became. the view of the surrounding snow capped mountains was unbelievable and we were soon following the rio azul, which has the brightest blue water i have ever seen. it´s pure melted snow and crystal clear. we hiked farther up along this river gorge until we got to a series of wooden ladders and makeshift bridges over the gorge. finally we arrived at a refugio where we were welcomed with a steaming cup of mate and a place to rest and eat our lunch high up in the mountains. the refugio consisted of a cozy wood cabin, an impressive garden, chickens, and horses...these people are living completely off the grid in one of the most tranquil place i have ever been. the hike impressed me and the people at the refugio who have choosen to live such a simple and rustic life impressed me even more. how they got their horses over those dodgy rocks where you are a foot away from death i´ll never know. i am staying at a great hostel where they make their own beer and cook the best asado i have had yet in argentina. dad, you would be in heaven...looks like i might get ¨stuck¨here for a while, but i better enjoy it as i think im going to head down to el calafayte next to see the mother of all glaciers and the bus ride is around 28 hours...loving the shaved head, you boys might be on to something!