Pucon and Villarrica

"And He said to them, 'Come aside by yourselves....and rest a while.'" Mark 6:31

Monday morning saw us packing up and loading our luggage onto a couple more tour buses. The group milled around while the drivers tried to figure out how the were going to get all this American, Canadian, and Swedish luggage onto the buses. One was smaller and didn't have much luggage space, so we were really packed in.

While we were waiting, many Chilean neighbors came out to give kisses and hugs to many of our group. It was touching! Many children came by also to say goodbye. As we drove away others stepped out of their homes to wave. I felt so sad at leaving them, looking back at the school it seemed too empty and quiet. We'd descended on this little street for 10 days, and I knew from our neighbors' responses that we would be missed.

We headed over to the church for a group photo. Dick took the photo and we trust we will receive it when he has a break in his busy schedule. Some children followed the bus to the church to say goodbye again. Eduardo, Miguel, and a group of local workers were busy on other areas of the church. It was actually comforting to have people there working. It seemed less like we were abandoned them.

From there we rode about 2 hours to Pucon--the gateway city to the Lakes Region, a beautiful area that draws tourists from all over. It would have been a bit quicker, but our bus had a blow-out, so we got a chance to step out and watch Chilean tire changing. They were quite fast, probably because of all the Northern Hemispherians hovering around to watch.

(The inner tire was shredded. Good thing there were two per side.)

We made it to Pucon, where we disembarked. The weather was perfect. The mountains were beautiful, with the volcano Villarica hovering over the town, as well as crystal clear brooks, rivers, and lakes. It reminded me in many ways of western Montana where I grew up, although most of the trees in Chile were hardwood.

(Villarica from the bus.)

Several people went shopping, while we went for a "Canopy Tour". This was a series of zip lines strung up in the tree canopy in sections. We were harnessed in and flew over the land. You hold on to the line with special padded gloves so you can stop yourself at the end. It was amazing that on some of the lines I had more problems keeping going than stopping. Too cautious, I guess.

(Starting off on the training zip line.)

The final zip line was the fastest and longest (over 1,000 yards), but hey if Phyllis could do it at age somewhere-around-70, we could too! (For those of you who would like to see Phyllis zooming in for a landing, you can view it at the end of this post.) The only down side was the bus ride out to the little "resort" and all the waiting around for our large group.

(Leah on the longest zip line)

For our Tuesday excursion we chose to go horseback riding rather than go whitewater rafting or hike up the volcano to the top. There was quite a bit of discussion about this, but we decided to choose one excursion and stay together as a family. It was another bus ride out to the same place as yesterday. We saddled up and headed down a countray road for about a two hour ride. The scenery was beautiful and we could view two of the four volcanos mentioned in the brochure. We noticed that liability doesn't seem to be an issue here, as there were no helmets, and there were several loose girth straps. Jim came off his horse when his girth was loose, but he was okay. Fortunately I spotted Leah's loose girth before she took a tumble.

(Leah on Blondie with Villarica volcano in the background.)

We got a good look at rural living, lots of livestock, and quaint old houses. One time we passed a cow that had gotten out of it's pasture and was watching us with disinterest, and another time a pig that looked just like Babe bolted down the road toward us, weaving in and out between the riders. My horse didn't notice the goings on until the pig was right under it's feet at which point it hopped straight up with all four feet off the ground in surprise! The guide and I laughed, but I'm glad that I'm an experienced rider because there was potential to end up in the dust. Speaking of dust, we were quite coated by the time we returned to the lodge to wait (again) for the tour bus.

That evening we all climbed aboard two pontoon boats for a ride about Lago Caburgua, the large lake in front of the camp. One was big double decker and the upper deck looked homemade. It had a 50 horsepower motor--can you say "put, put, put"? We had an enjoyable time, though. The view of Villarica from the lake was fabulous!

(The big homemade pontoon boat.)

(Villarica behind the "normal" pontoon boat)

By the time we got back to disembark it was after dark and we were all quite chilled! Several of the kids were still lightly dressed from swimming in the lake just before the boat ride. They were regretting it!

Wednesday we were treated to an afternoon at Temas de Huife, a hot springs resort. It was very pretty with several pools of varying temperature and a clear cold river running by.

(The main Huife lodge)

(The river and the Rogers)

Several people went on zip lines at Huife, but we stuck to the pools. We especially enjoyed the covered hydrotherapy pool that had waterfalls, bubble jets, etc, to sooth weary muscles. It was worth wearing the clear shower caps that were "necesario."

(I relax just looking at it again)

We were served our last supper at the lodge, and then rode the buses back to the camp to round out the evening with our last worship together and a slide show. The Lord treated us to a gourgeous sunset before we started the challenge of packing up to head to Santiago the next day.

(Sunset at Lago Caburgua)

Here's Phylis!