30617Talca

Bus to awful city of Talca 3 hours south of Santiago but 9 hours from Pucon..ok ride.3/6 wine tour at Balduzzi vineyard and to colonial town of Villa Alegre with Franka German guide walked around town.. not too impressive..Plaza

pretty 

31to35Pucon

Stayed 1 night at a luxury hotel on Lake Villarica..had indoor pool but it was rainy. Ate there dinner and breakfast and 2 swims! Taxi to Geronimo hotel a more 

homey place....a balcony and refrig.. small room but nice. Town with lots of restaurants and on same lake. Hung out until Friday when we went birdwatching.the volcano showed its beautiful face that day and we took plenty of photos from many angles! Visited owner of large hotel which arranged tour up at her mountain home, Ronni. Kevin borrowed chef!s toque! That Magellanic woodpecker is only one I saw😭!

22627Valdivia

Yes, those are seal lions!

Bus to Valdivia on Cruz del Sur..nice bus..known as Los Rios since it is on at least 2 rivers which go to the Pacific..enjoyed the waterfront including market and fish market complete with wildlife! Walked across the bridge to the botanical garden and museums. Lovely sunny days until day we left which was rainy.

22517PuertoVaraspart2

Bus back to P.Varas and finally able to see the volcano! End of summer celebration as well with concert. Nice dinner there .

22417relaxinginChiloe

Palafito are houses on stilts over the water. Castro is known for these houses.

Hung out in our Palafito apt then took a walk along the water seeing black necked swans and even hudsonian godwits and whibrels a real treat! Nice sunny day but cool and pleasant! Ate at a pretty restaurant.