02.29.08 - Pucon

Leap Year Luck

How did he really know? Was the volcano really that effective at weather forecasting? Either way, our volcano climb was cancelled, due to deteriorating weather conditions and the hostel manager's meteorological oracle ability confirmed. The only appropriate thing to do was to document the striking resemblance of Dan and the climbing agencies angry mannequin.



Afterward, we headed back to the beach to eat empanadas, previously packed for the climb. We attracted a pack of stray dogs, or in this case puppies, eager for a stray scrap or nibble.



Dan and I hardly made it back to the hostel before the first volleys of rain began to pound the roof. As it turns out, Pucon hadn’t received any appreciable rainfall in over forty days, so the locals were happy for the moisture. We ended up appreciating the break as well, as Dan was now struck with the same “energy funk” that had incapacitated me the day before. It must be some sort of 24-hour bug.



Later that evening we headed out to find dinner and Dan ended up scoring a killer hat at a local native crafts market.



Trying to keep with the native theme, we headed to a local looking restaurant and bar for dinner and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try an Antarctic Krill and cheese empanada. Yep,  this is the same micro-crustacean that serves as primary food source for many whales and tonight served as a slightly salty tasting appetizer, in a whole-wheat crust.