I´m Back

It has been some time since the last post and I am sorry for that. It is my sincere hope that I did not lose a large number of my reading audience. It might be the case that my mother is the only one who will read this and I´m okay with that.
I last left you on my way to Junin De Los Andes and boy was it a magical little mountain town! I did not get the opportunity to wet a line but I did take the opportunity to swim in the very river that people fish for those infamous trouts. They were none to pleased with your boy as I was floating by and snaggin their lines. That day will go down as one of the best I have had so far. The river was crystal clear and warm with a strong current that made for just a great swim. Later that day BQ and I managed to find a pick up volleyball game with some of the local boys. All was going well, we were enjoying the sun and sport until one of the bigger boys (maybe 17) called me a chica (I think). I think he was reffering to my hair and not my play so I let it roll off my back. besides I didn´t feel like getting my bottom kicked by a school boy...again. That night I feasted on trout and stayed at a very accommodating inn.
Crossing over into Chile was a breeze it took all of 45 minutes with zero fees, so that was a good thing. The bus dropped our sorry rears off in Valdivia and we got busy trying to find a place to stay as it was difficult with the festival going on. Valdivia was a relaxing time; nice people, good seafood and a nice view of the river. I tried renting a kayak to make the loop around the city but they would not let you go outside the area that was marked off (about the size of a olympic pool). In all it would be an excellent place to spend some quality time getting to know your grandmother a little better.
Niebla was the next stop. It is located about thirty minuets from Valdivia and it is a costal town over looking the Pacific. We stayed at a campsite with an incredible view and met some good people there. Our stupid children´s tent makes for a good conversation starter especially when they arrive while we are still sleeping side by side with our feet hanging out the front. Making it to Niebla allowed us to claim a coast to coast excursion in one months time. Is there any significance it that claim? I don´t know.
From Niebla we headed to Pucon, Chile by far my most favorite stop on the journey thus far. Pucon is located in Southern Chile and is their adventure capital. The town itself is amazingly clean and beautiful with an economy based on tourism so it was also over the top friendly which was nice. We stayed at a super cool backpackers hostle with people from all over and enjoyed the change in company. Our first full day in town we went rafting on the Trancura river in the class 4 section. The experience was tits! The river was vastly different from my excursions down the Niangua. Although I had the same rowing partner as I always had when conquering the mighty Ni it was the first time we were able to have a coherant conversation at the end of the float. The following day called for a 4:00 am wake up call which I was not to happy about. I made this decisios by listening to the ultra enthusiastic people who had gone before I to make an attempt at climbing Volcon Villarcia. The currently active volcano hovers over the small mountain town and is a steep climb of about 3600 meters. The climb was maybe the most physically difficult thing I have done (Enter Zeke with a girly man comment) as it became steeper and steeper as you worked your way up it. On top of that it was necessary to wear ice climbing gear for a good majority of the five hours it took to summit it. As I climbed the last 20 meters exhausted and only going forward because it seemed to be easier then going back down all pain subsided when I reached the top and took in the view. It was an incredible natural high of the purest kind. Atop the volcanco was a massive smoking hole (Also of the purest kind) about the circumference of a football field. We were unable to see any active lava that day as there was too much smoke pouring out but you could hear the laving crashing against the rocks (at least thats what the guide said he could be full of bull whooey). The trek down was only bad for the first thirty minutes as we got to slide down on our bums the majority of the way. That day I went from freezing cold temps at 6:00 am to beach bummin it on the perfectly chilled lake at the edge of town at 6:00 pm. Quick side note: That night a group of us got together at our place mainly those who made the trek that morning and some who were to depart the following morning including a couple Aussie boys named James and James for a BBQ. The two James seemed to have thought that they had already made the hike as they drank with us right up to there four am departure. Needless to say they were unable to complete the climb.
Thats all I have for now as I am heading to San Pedro to see what they got cookin up there. I already have my next post in mind so look for it soon, it involves lots of girls. Also I have added more pictures for your enjoyment. Sorry for the rambling I did not have any time to edit this post. In the mean time take care and hold steady!

Paz, Petro

Shout out to my brother Chuck!

I have returned from my brief stint as a Gaucho farm hand and I must say that I still prefer city life over sleeping on lamb wool. I do feel that we as Americans live a glutinous lifestyle however, shame on all of you for always having to use your "own" fork and spoons! Shame on you for refrigerating your goat meat. Just hang it on the hook next to the dinner table. And shame on you for owning more than one pair of underware you can´t wear them both at once! Life on the ranch just seemed to make more sense.
Well the time came a little earlier then expected but we had to get the hell off the ranch as the second week lacked any real adventure and started to mirror slave hood. All in all I am darn sure that someday in the near future I will only remember the good experiences of the last two weeks. There were some great ones at that. (See BQ´s blog for more of an in depth report on the weeks activities- brianquarnstrom.blogspot.com). Reluctantly, I must admit that my critics were right, paying to work is not all its cracked up to be. So upon my return home I will go back to practicing capitalism in my work experiences.
Onward, the next stop for ol´Petro is the supposed trout fishing capital of the world, Junin De Los Andes, AR. This will be nothing more than a 24 hour layover as I make my way into Valdivia, Chile. Don´t think for one moment that your boy ain´t gonna wet a line though. I have great envisions of feasting on frest trout a welcomed change from goat. By dumb luck (which is my favorite kind) we are arriving in Valdivia on the eve of their largest annual festivle Noche de Valdivia which sounds very promising as the city was founded by Germans and is renowned for its breweries and fireworks. (I think the latter is actually Chinese)
One last thing, it is becoming apparent to me that I need to get mobile in someway. So I was thinking that I should either walk the docks/marina and try getting on a sailing, fishing or yachting crew. However, I´m reluctant to that idea more now then ever as my last "volunteer" job was not so hot. The other idea is buying a used motorcycle on the cheap and travel around on it for a bit. Anyhow, I will leave this up for a vote. Please feel free to voice your opinion. I just ask that you try to remain positive. (Brother Zeke- By the way big shout out to him on turning thirty this last week, did not see that one coming...Happy Birthday brosif!) Also as of right now I am unable to upload pictures to the site because of technical difficulties. (I lost the USB cord. Not to worry situation is under control.) However, you can check out some pics on BQ´s site of the beautiful Patagonia scenery. I will also hold to vote whether I should cut the hair or not as it is starting to feel similar to wearing a wool cap in August. Please keep in mind that certain people´s opinions will weigh more heavily then others on this matter. I.E. Mark Paul and my stylist Lori Underwood. Thats all I have for now sorry for taking up your time... deal with it!



Much Love

Petro

* L.O.M.E so sorry to hear about my boy Shaq-Nasty gettin the boot from the Heat. What has happened to the Heat since that Triumphant 2006 season.

*Jacque please proof read and send back ASAP. I almost gave up writing becasue of you.

* Big Reg where have you been on the post I´ve been missing you.

* Stitches I have blocked you from this blog (Jacque your next)

* Erin the Peter Meter done broke but rest assure I´m putting my best man on it!

* T-Bone don´t think for one moment that I don´t have high hopes of resurrecting Tiehen Lawn Service. Call Mike and see where his interest level is at.

* Mandi the beard is as grisly as ever and I would like to honor Mike´s request however, I don´t have a razor that will trim it. Explain to Mike that I´m working on it.

*Hi Sweetums

*Jefferey I´m glad I can shed just a little bit of light on your dark dreary days in class. Knowing that makes this all worth it.

* Mom when you see your name and the message you just typed on the computer screen you have successfully posted a comment!

* Vic tell those kids to stay in school the Gaucho life is no life for them

* Last and most importantly a big hello to you G-ma! The Caballos (Horses) do speak Spanish here, I had a the only bilingual one however.

*Please note that the USB cord situation is not under control and if anyone has an extra one laying around I could use it please*

Bien dia!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and sanity is still somewhat in check! I was trampled by a large calf this last Saturday but it only did damage to the already damaged part of my head so all is good. I am enjoying life on the farm very much except for the large quantities of goat I have consumed over the last week. I will write more later as I am not finshed with the job I have started.
Er Chico Pietro