Back Country Trek continues........Argentina-2008

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The weather was perfect as our back country trip continued. There were many opportunities to stop and cool off in the many rivers we crossed. I never have seen such clear water. In fact, it was our drinking water source. The guide had brought along a few bottles of bottled water but then proceeded to refill them from the river. We were a bit nervous at first, but since it was our only water, we began to drink it. It was delicious but we were not convinced we wouldn't be sick at a later date! So far, so good! The kids particularly enjoyed swimming and Todd and Jack did some fishing.

The guide had been told by Todd that he would like to fish. Juan Carlos, one of the gauchos had the equipment and we laughed when he produced it.....a tin can with string wrapped around it, with a hook on the end. Well, guess what? It worked! Todd was able to catch a couple of rainbow trout which we had that night for dinner.

Meat had been brought along for the overnight and was cooked over the open fire on spits for several of the meals. It was hung in the trees overnight to "keep it cool." Again, we weren't convinced! Todd's fish was wrapped in newspaper and buried under the coals to cook. It was delicious and moist.

The gauchos keep a long knife on their back, tucked into their wide belt. It is a tool they use for everything. When it is time to eat, they spear the food off the serving plate and then, cut it up with their knife. The same knife is used all day whenever the need arises. "Germs" do not seem to generate the same fear in Argentina as they do in the US and the people seem very healthy....perhaps we need to learn from them.

It was a real joy to travel through the rugged countryside and see the sights. Another interesting one was when we came upon the remains of a sheared sheep hanging in a tree. The wool held the form of the sheep it had been removed from so at first glance, a sheep was hanging in the tree! We were miles from anywhere, seeing a part of Argentina that many miss......spectacular!