Monday, April 17, 2006

A Partial Travelogue

The following series of pictures captures some highlights of our trip to Argentina. It's in roughly chronological order, starting in Patagonia with the drive from Rio Gallegos to Puerto Santa Cruz and then to the family ranch (El Cañadon Toro), continuing with El Calafate and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, and concluding with some sights in and around Buenos Aires. Click on the picture for a full-size version.

Nandu

Ñandu, or choike in the native Tehuelpe language, are also known as lesser rhea, or Darwin's rhea. It's a wonder they don't get confused. Posted by Picasa

The Beach at Puerto Santa Cruz

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Monte Leon

The namesake of Parque Nacional Monte Leon, the Lion's Head.
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Isla Leon

Isla Leon, an island off the coast in the Parque Nacional Monte Leon.
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The Beach at Monte Leon

The Atlantic shoreline just north of Isla Leon.
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Guanaco at Monte Leon

Guanaco along the Atlantic shoreline at Parque Nacional Monte Leon. Guanaco are related to the llama, alpaca, and vicuña.
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The Entrance to the Toro

The entrance to the Estancia Cañadon Toro. The main house is about 14km up a dirt road from this sign.
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Some of the 35,000 Hectares

The Toro consists of 35,000 hectares of Patagonian pampa alta, or high plains - about 135 square miles.
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Always Close the Gate

... or else you'll let the sheep out.
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Approaching the Main House of the Toro

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The Old House of the Toro

When the well dried up, rather than piping in water from a new well on higher ground, the family abandoned the old house and built a new one. All that remains of the old house is the foundation.
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The Main House of the Toro

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The Valley of the Rio Santa Cruz

Looking down from the pampa alta into the Rio Santa Cruz valley.
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In the Valley of the Rio Santa Cruz

An estancia - I'm not sure whether it's La Enriqueta, La Victoria, or another - in the valley of the Rio Santa Cruz.
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Plains and Mountains

Approaching El Calafate in western Patagonia.Posted by Picasa

Intrepid Explorers

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The First View of Glaciar Perito Moreno

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North Face of Glaciar Perito Moreno

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Cerro Moreno and Glaciar Perito Moreno

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Cerro Moreno and Glaciar Perito Moreno, Otra Vez

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Sundown over Cerro Negro

Looking over the north face of Glaciar Perito Moreno.
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Running into the Wind

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On board the Chonek in Lago Argentino.

Ice and Sun

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Glaciar Spegazzini

Glaciar Spegazzini, with the Upsala Connexcion on the left to give some sense of scale.
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Glaciar Spegazzini

A view of Glaciar Spegazzini. The moss on the hillside to the right is actually 10m-15m tall trees.
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