Sunday, May 4, 2008

Mendoza Rocks

We both arrived on time (with all our luggage) in Santiago :) Hunter was there waiting and had already scoped out buses etc to take us over the Andes from Santiago(Chile) to Mendoza(Argentina)...about a 7 hour bus ride including customs. The mini bus ride is a MUST do...beautiful scenery with an eclectic group of folks.

Haggling with the little people of Santiago´s bus terminal


Stopped just across the border between Chile and Argentina
We arrived about 4pm found a great hostel for about US$7 a night. Mendoza is a beautiful town (approx 120,000 peeps) with tree lined streets and beautiful plaza every few blocks...it reminds us a little of Savannah(Ga) in the spring or fall. We enjoyed some great wine, beer and food last night...Hunter is now a fan of Los Andes Dark beer in the BIG botle and ANY vino tinto does it for me :)

Today we are trying to purchase maps, buy food and get some expert local advice for our mountaineering trip...we hope to get up close and personal to Aconcagua but getting to the top is not feasible this time of year - its been done but only by kick ass climbers as part of a VERY well prepared winter expedition.

All the best and Cheers,
Neal

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Hunter and Neal!

So glad to see that you both made it to Mendoza safely, and that you have already enjoyed some authentic Chilean wine and beer! Neal: watch out for Hunter. He's a bit of a two-beer-queer :)

Despiertense,
Michelle

Unknown said...

Hi Neal,
Keep checking those fingers - You need them all!
THINK.. bait hooks?!?..cast out..There is a BIG Kingfish waiting for your return.
To both of you - Good Luck - Have a Great Adventure.

Take Care
Love Mum

Perpetually in Motion said...

Rock on guys! Talked to Hunter just a few weeks ago and he didn't know what he was going to be doing down there. Looks like you figured it out in a big way!! Bag a peak for me! -Mark

Justin Davidson said...

Hey Hunter and Neal,

It was great meeting ya'll at the hostel campo base. Good times eating loads of meat and drinking beer and wine! Best of luck on the adventure and I will keep in touch!

Best,

Justin

Sorella Cycling said...

I keep checking every day for updates, but you guys seem to be too busy climbing mountains to write. Hope you're doing well and having a blast. Have you moved your flight back for another two weeks of adventure yet, Hunter?? Can't wait to meet up with you.
Julia