Lake Llanquihue and Orson Volcano
Today was planned as a rest day, and we needed it since we’ve been going steadily since we left home a week ago yesterday. This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, we asked for a map at the front desk, and for the location of an ATM. The desk clerk showed us where there is a bank in the centre of town, about 3 kilometers away.
The walk was nice, along the shores of Lake Llanquihue. Early this morning it was cloudy and cool, looking as if it would rain, but by noon as we headed to the bank it had cleared, and there was a strong breeze coming across the lake.
Fisherman in Lake Llanquihue and Orsono Volcano
Not far from the hotel we came to a small pasta and pizza restaurant, so decided we would stop for lunch. It was good that we did, as there was nothing more until we came to the center of town. We had a really nice Italian style pizza.
Fishermen in Lake Llanquihue
After going into the bank, and getting some Chilean pesos, we thought we would change the bills into smaller amounts. However, we waited in line for a bit, and then felt that actually the bills weren’t so big that we would have trouble with them, so left the bank, and crossed over into the park where we divided the money between Enid and myself.
As we sat on a park bench, there were several workmen sitting in the shade — it was just lunch time — and they had obviously been setting up a large tent. A gust of wind lifted one side of the tent, and all the supporting poles fell out. Then the tent collapsed on that side, and tipped so that all the supports came out on the other side as well. It made a lot of noise, and caused a bit of excitement with the people in the park.
After that we crossed over to a “Patagonia” store, more for curiosity than anything else, to compare prices. It would cost quite a bit more to buy Patagonia clothing — which of course is actually made in Vietnam — here in Chilean Patagonia than in Canada.
On the corner was a fruit vendor. He offered us a sample of some white cherries, they were delicious, and so we bought a kilogram. Having our dessert purchased, we decided we might as well buy some more groceries so we can prepare our own meal tonight and tomorrow. We found a supermarket and got some vegetables, bread, meat, and cheese. As we were paying for it, the amount registered on the till, but I am so unused to the money, I took out the wrong — much too large bills — and the clerk tried to tell me it was wrong. Fortunately there was a woman behind in the line who spoke English and straightened me out! Once again we have found nothing but very friendly, helpful people.
Historical Lutheran church in Puerto Varas
We walked back along the lakeshore. Now in mid-afternoon there were a number of people either sitting in the sun on the beach, or swimming. There was a very strong wind. We saw a hat blowing along the beach, and Enid pointed it out to some people lying there. However, it must not have been theirs, as they ignored it.