Words That Have Never Been Spoken

Juan Williams, on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, speaking words that have probably never before been spoken:

"... tough going with Katie Couric in that interview."

My Head is Exploding

Two articles that are up on CNN.com right now:

McCain To Show Up For Debate After All

...McCain's campaign said the Republican presidential nominee believed enough progress had been made for him to travel to Mississippi to participate in the debate...

Bailout Talks Implode, Leaving Economy's Fate Unresolved

...One day after President Bush said the nation's economy is at grave risk, lawmakers argued over competing counterproposals and wound up without any apparent financial bailout deal on the table.

I can't comment. It's just too surreal.

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.

The Beach at Puerto Santa Cruz

 

Monte Leon

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

 

Isla Leon

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

 

The Beach at Monte Leon

The Atlantic shoreline just north of Isla Leon.

 

Guanaco at Monte Leon

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

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.

 

Some of the 35,000 Hectares

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

Always Close the Gate

... or else you'll let the sheep out.

 

Approaching the Main House of the Toro

 

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.

 

The Main House of the Toro

 

The Valley of the Rio Santa Cruz

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

 

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.

 

Plains and Mountains

Approaching El Calafate in western Patagonia.

Intrepid Explorers

 

The First View of Glaciar Perito Moreno