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2 registered members (Ngaire, 1 invisible),
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 Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196515
11/09/06 05:47 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,929
Ngaire
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Okay, first I need the new hotel, second I need one of those chairs they had in India where I sat down and the four guys carried me around. Now that would be the way to hike.
Ken would love it --- me, well the Princess factor would be revolting after hours trudging around in long grass with no moia to see.
I want to see it but not expend that amount of energy so I would take the "easy" hikes. It is a fascinating place and I am determined to get there one day.
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196516
11/09/06 05:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Denise ... you are named the "energizer bunny" for good reason...agree, this trip is not for the faint of heart ... :ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy: :ohmy:
Joanna
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196517
11/09/06 06:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Or, weak of legs and sore of feet, Joanna!
Ngaire, I'm with you on those 4 guys carrying me around!
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196518
11/09/06 08:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,440
gf
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Seeing all of Leslie and Brad's photos will be a wonderful substitute for "the faint of heart, weak of legs and sore of feet!!!" :D
Another Kathy
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196519
11/09/06 08:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,395
southernlady
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The hiking would be ok (but not 5 hours in the rain). However, I didn't read about any nap time. I would need that nap to recover from the hiking :D . I like to hike but I'm also a wimp and a "sort of" princess!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196520
11/10/06 01:09 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
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As Robin would say "Holy blisters, Batman!". The forced march would NOT be for me. The remainder of the Easter Island adventure sounds remarkable. Thanks for doing all of the legwork (literally and figuratively), Leslie and Brad! If the facilities are on schedule or opened, this might be a good add-on for the ICE cruise.
Cheers, Anne
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196521
11/10/06 04:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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Fascinating report. I really know/knew very little about this area. Denise, talking about walking around in circles going nowhere and having a revolt? Remember Dubrovnik..."Just a bit longer...around the corner."
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196522
11/10/06 02:41 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Checking in from Atacama. Unfortunately I have come down with a cold - not surprising after the forced march and lots of airplane air, but I plan to soldier on. Interesting that you mention nap time, Donna - this was seriously lacking while we were on Easter Island - it was go, go, go. It is a little more civilized here - you have your morning excursion, get back by 1 or so - have lunch and then the afternoon excursions start between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM - back around 8 - ¨8:30 - then cocktails with the guide briefing for the next day`s options, then dinner. So today we had a nice nap after lunch. Much needed! We are again enjoying our pre dinner pisco sours right now. Our morning excursion was a hike down from a ridge, down to a salt plain and system of canyons and caves. The Cordelierra del Sal (sp?) It was very interesting seeing the different forms the salt takes - ranging from grains to crystals to marshmallow looking formations on the ground. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_1919.jpg) The president of Chile was speaking in the square of San Pedro de Atacama at noon time so we stopped for a while in town for part of her speech. This afternoon`s excursion was down through a gorge formed by volcanic lava through which a river runs, with cacti on the rocky hillsides, which look slightly remiscent of saguaro cacti in Arizona. The landscape is like moonscape, with volcanoes and the Andes in the distance. Our guide this morning pointed out that one of the volcanoes is active. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_1949.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_1970.jpg)
Leslie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196523
11/10/06 02:56 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Hi Leslie,
Another great installment.
Sorry to hear you're coming down with a cold, but not surprised because of the pace you are keeping along with the trek in the rain. Hope you're feeling better soon. Good thing you were able to nap.
Sounds like today's excursions were extremely interesting.
Awaiting your next report. Feel better! Can you get some Chilean chicken soup?
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196524
11/10/06 03:23 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Take care of yourself Leslie!!! Yes Chilean Chicken soup :3smile: :3smile:
Joanna
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196525
11/10/06 04:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Leslie, If they can't whip up Chilean chicken soup, I found a great recipe for Chilean seafood soup. This one looks like it would cure what ails you! Chilean Seafood Soup
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196526
11/10/06 07:29 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,395
southernlady
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Sorry to hear about the cold, Leslie. I'm glad this portion of your trip includes naps. I can't wait to see your pictures. Hang in there and eat more soup!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196527
11/10/06 10:58 PM
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Posts: 7,967
jhp
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Leslie, can't wait to see the pictures! You have given wonderfully descriptive accounts of your many adventures! Yes, find some Chilean Chicken Soup, the universal elixir!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196528
11/11/06 12:51 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Quick update for today. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_2000.jpg) San Pedro de Atacama is an oasis in the middle of the desert; there are 2 rivers in the area. Brad reminded me to mention that yesterday`s hike through the gorge along the small river featured grasses and reeds in addition to the cacti. This morning we did the "cornisas" excursion, which was a hike up to a plateau and along the rim, kind of like the grand corniche of Atacama. The finale to the hike was bounding down tall dunes. This is a popular spot for sand boarding - similiar to snowboarding. There was a horseback excursion there also - the riders galloped past us while we were hiking on the rim. I would have loved to see them going down the dunes. We chatted with a couple who said it was just amazing, but only for very experienced riders. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_1979.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_1985.jpg) This afternoon we went for a hike in the Valley of the Moon, appropriately named! Stunning scenery! We opted for the mini version of the hike and are back early with time to clean up, get briefed on the options for tomorrow and then go to the Chilean barbecue. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_2004.jpg)
Leslie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196529
11/11/06 02:52 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Hi Leslie,
Great update on your day's events! More amazing sights and hiking! Can't wait to see some stunning photos!
Chilean barbecue - YUM!!!! Have a wonderful time!!!!
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196530
11/11/06 02:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Leslie: I have enjoyed every post!!! Hope you feel better - wait!! you must feel better
Joanna
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196531
11/13/06 04:04 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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final dispatch from Atacama: Today we fly back to Santiago; we`re staying overnight and then tomorrow night we fly home. Yesterday we did an all day excursion. We started our hike in a remote mountain village, Machuca, at about 13,000 ft. and hiked 8 miles, mostly down hill, through a long canyon, crossing over streams, passing lots of grazing llamas to an abandoned family compound of stone houses where our guides set up a lovely lunch, complete with tablecoths and wine. After lunch we continued on passing ancient stone terraces, people tending their animals and fields, ending in another remote mountain village where 2 rivers converged, Rio Grande, where the van picked us up again for the hour drive back to the hotel. ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_2033.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/lkbside/IMG_2036.jpg) Both these little villages are so remote - it is hard to imagine what compelled them to be settled, other than the presence of water. The drive is through a landscape of deep gorges, huge rocks & boulders, desert, very little vegetation except cactus - building the road must have been an enormous undertaking and surprising to serve such small villages. Today I`m finally feeling better, although Brad is now got the bug and is coughing and sneezing. We`re just taking it easy until our flight late afternoon. All the guests are out on excursions so we can monopolize the two computers. Glad you all have been enjoying my dispatches. I`ll work on uploading some pictures once we get home.
Leslie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196532
11/13/06 04:27 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,395
southernlady
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The hike sounds like a great conclusion to your trip. You certainly have the adventures and I love reading about them. Can't wait to see your pictures. Safe travels to you and Brad.
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196533
11/13/06 04:34 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Hi Leslie,
Your final excursion sounds like it was an incredible experience. You and Brad are so adventurous. Your excursions take you very off-the-beaten-paths. I think that this is the ideal way to really experience a visit to a country, getting a true and greater sense of people, culture and landscape. I cannot wait to see the photos.
Good to hear that you are feeling better; however, sorry that Brad is now sick.
Wishing you safe travels home. Hard to believe that your wonderful journey is coming to an end.
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196534
11/13/06 06:29 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,079
DenaH
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Thanks for your posts, Leslie. I've enjoying hearing about your experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing your photos! Have a safe trip home.
Dena
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196535
11/15/06 03:34 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,215
adrenn
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Welcome back and hope Brad recovers quickly. This has been such a great adventure. We enjoy tagging along!
Pictures? YES, please!
Cheers, Anne
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196536
11/15/06 05:34 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,821
Suzie
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Leslie and Brad, What an adventure! To have your energy! Enjoyed all your reports and look forward to the pictures. Safe trip home
Suzie
The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.
- Joshua Slocum
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196537
11/15/06 06:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,084
petlover
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Ditto Suzie.......your energy and sense of adventure is amazing!
Marcie 
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196538
11/15/06 07:16 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,612
Michele & Don
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What an adventure, Leslie! It's been great traveling along with you!
Michele
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196539
11/16/06 10:56 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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Added a few photos to the text descriptions throughout. Will work on uploading to kodak site.
Leslie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196540
11/16/06 11:48 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
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Leslie, Welcome back. Thanks for your posts, and I look forward to your photos! 
Betty ![[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]](http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y150/bkoonin/Carnival%20Cruise%20%20-%202003/myoceanview.jpg)
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196541
11/16/06 05:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
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borntocruz
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Welcome home Leslie and Brad--what awesome photos! I really enjoyed reading about your adventure, and the photos you added are simply fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
Jacki
Jacki
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196542
11/16/06 10:21 PM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,471
sedona
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Wow, Leslie, love that first picture. It is wonderful.Welcome home. Bet you'll be glad to see your babies.
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196543
11/17/06 04:39 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,395
southernlady
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I loved the photos from Bariloche. Those snow-capped mountains and volcanoes are calling my name! Waiting for the rest of the photos - I know they'll be fantastic.
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196544
11/17/06 05:18 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,358
Denise
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Outstanding photos to go with your excellent reports, Leslie!!!!! Love the Valley of the Moon and abandoned compound photos!
MORE, PLEASE!!!!
Denise
Retired and loving it!
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196545
11/17/06 06:12 AM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,078
Leslie B
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the pictures are now up at kodakgallery.com web site - in the friends albums section:
cruise@yahoo.com
password: cc
Leslie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196546
11/17/06 06:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,641
joannapv
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Joanna
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196547
11/17/06 06:50 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,612
Michele & Don
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Wow! Photos are spectacular, Leslie & Brad!
Michele
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196548
11/17/06 06:56 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,868
Betty K
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Wow...Wow...and WOW!!! Thank you, Leslie! Loved your great photos!!!
Betty
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196549
11/25/06 02:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 259
jackie
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Leslie, I missed this thread. Our Easter Island stay is like yours, arrive late from Santiago & overnight 3 nights. We have private guide & are staying at a B&B. We are staying at two explora lodges in S. Chile. I can hardly wait. Your pictures & descriptions are wonderful. Thanks so much for the heads up.
Jackie
Jackie
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196550
12/01/06 09:30 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,929
Ngaire
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Leslie, just had time to read your report. Such a wonderful trip report to read. I LOVE the pictures that really makes it all come alive. Thanks so much for posting this as you went it makes me feel as if I am along with you. That area around the Volcanoes is so gorgeous. We saw a little of that when we were in that area but nothing compared to what you saw. I could never do a trip like this, cant hike like that anymore but was great to read of your experiences and walk with you on a "read only" basis.
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Re: Si mail from Argentina and Chile
#196551
12/17/06 08:25 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,744
pkd
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Leslie, somehow I missed this thread earlier. What a fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing both the photos and the vivid descriptions. Fascinating!
Priscilla
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