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San Carlos de Bariloche Circuito Chico |
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March 2003
Ever the bargain hunter, Myke checked into The Tyrol B&B which is a block closer to the water the night we returned from Chile. I must admit that $20.00 per night is much better than $110.00 per night and although all the amenities were not at the smaller hotel, we spent very little time in the hotel. We met for breakfast the next morning and walked around the town while awaiting delivery of a rental car which we would keep for the next two days. After signing the papers we took off to explore the Circuito Chico.
Driving along Lake Nahuel Huapi we stopped at several cabanas and B&Bs looking for an ideal spot to bring a group next November.
Several promising places on the water were beautifully landscaped with unobstructed views of the lake. The only obstacle might be the many stairs with uneven steps at most places we visited.
Most of the cabanas along the shore had a strong Tyrolean influence. Since the land sloped to the water's edge just about every place we visited had unobstructed views of the mountains across the shimmering lake.
We found the Welsh Inn we had seen the night before, Tiempos Viejos. The owner, Alex Gough, is the great grandson of Lewis Jones for whom the town of Trelew is named.
He gave us a tour of his hotel. The rooms are quite Spartan but they serve a full Welsh Tea in their large dining room and he offered that if we returned with a group he would provide an authentic Argentinean barbeque feast.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Continuing along the road we stopped at the Llao Llao Hotel and Resort. Set on a rise on the Peninsula, this hotel has the ideal setting in this picture perfect community.
We strolled about the grounds and lounged in the colorful gardens.
A small finger lake separated the Resort from it neighbors.
We relaxed on the veranda taking in the views of the majestic mountains across Lake Nahuel Huapi.
After enjoying the views from the lakeside and Resort, we rode the chairlift up to Cerro Campanario for 360° views of the peninsula, surrounding lakes and islands.
Myke made a memorable exit from his chair at the top when he jokingly hopped on a “tray” that was heading back down. He only rode a few feet but it made a lasting impression on the staff there who immediately recognized us when we returned a couple of days later. They firmly grabbed him and led him away from the chair lift on our second visit.
After completing the circuit we returned to town in the early evening. I freshened up and visited the Internet Café before heading to another steak dinner at the Old Munich Restaurant. I could get used to this very easily. In fact, I did get used to it!
While dining, Inga of the sore finger came in with someone she met at the Hostel where she was staying. She greeted me like an old friend. Her hand had swelled to the wrist by this time. As yet she did not receive proper medical attention. I hope she is well and was able to continue her adventure.
