Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world outside of the Himalayas, and for mostly that reason, Michaela was dying to go. Because it's so high, climbing it is one of those things that requires weeks and resting at base camps and experience, so we opted for the day hike to the first base camp, Confluencia, and back.
The bus ride to the park entrance from Mendoza is four hours long, so we got up insanely early to buy bus tickets to be able to leave on the 7am bus. Because the park entrance fee is A$300, and the bus company only accepted cash, we realized belatedly (i.e. standing at the counter buying bus tickets) that we didn't have enough cash among the four of us to cover both the ticket and entrance fee for everyone. After checking that both ATMs in the bus terminal were out of service, minor panic began to set in. Michaela and I headed out into the sleeping city to find an ATM, while Caroline and Lauren searched the bus terminal for a place to change the ~US$40 we luckily had in cash. After trying the ATM at the nearby hospital without success, Michaela and I decided to take our chances with missing the bus and half ran towards the next closest ATM. Fun tangent, in the process, we were nearly vomited on by some drunk youths headed home (I hope?) from their night out. Halfway there, I received a call from Caroline telling us to run back because they were able to change the money. The bus ticket seller guy had kindly lent her his cell phone to tell me that. We made it on the bus, barely, and headed off for our adventure.
The scenery was amazing, with wild, rugged mountains and an incredible sense of space that the pictures just don't capture. When we got to the base camp (after a fairly rigorous hike and many breaks), the resident park rangers welcomed us into their little shelter and were in the process of making mate to share when time restraints forced us to leave. Our biggest communal regret of the trip was not getting a picture with them. We headed back with more purpose in our step, because we realized we were cutting it close in catching the bus back. As such the hike down was much less enjoyable; everyone was getting stressed and frustrated with everyone else. When we reached the roadside, we decided to attempt to hail the bus rather than hiking back into town and risking them passing us on the way. I was very psyched when this plan worked.
 |
| (the tiny smudge in the back is Aconcagua) |
 |
| We made it to Confluencia! |
After such a long, tiresome day, we decided to take Monday easy. We hung out in the hostel in the morning, barely waking up in time for breakfast. In the afternoon, we explored the city a little more and walked down Avenida Las Heras in the hopes of doing some window shopping. Most of the shops were closed, so we headed back a little early to get ready for dinner. The plan was to meet an old acquaintance of mine, Matt, for dinner at a parrilla he knew of. This was easier said than done, because it was pouring rain and we were unable to get a cab. After walking a ways and taking a short bus ride, we arrived soaked and enjoyed several hours of good wine, good food, and his lovely company.
 |
| Plaza España |
 |
| Plaza España |
 |
| Plaza Independencia |
We headed home Tuesday morning, all flying this time. Normally I wouldn't mention it, but this travel attempt yielded a story as well. As we were checking our bags and getting our tickets, the counter lady informed us that Michaela had booked her ticket for May 18 instead of April 18. The flight we were on was full, and the lady said the next flight she could go on for free wouldn't be until the next evening. Not so mild panic ensued as we prayed that another airline would have an open seat. Aerolineas Argentinas sold her a ticket home for the evening for not too hefty a price, and we all made it home eventually.
It's been back to the grind the past week, and I spent most of my weekend studying and reading for class. I'm looking forward to the upcoming long weekend and hoping new adventures will be in store!
No comments:
Post a Comment