A Mini golf course, a Brighton UK like pier, huge slabs of cake and an abundance of beautiful German style houses lining one of the largest lakes of Sth America - "WTF" this is supposed to be a hard "arsed" cycle adventure holiday !!!
We peered out from our beds with only a glimmer of light suggesting that the sun had in fact started to rise on a cold and overcast Chilean morning in the Southern Lakes district of Patagonia.
We'd arrived in Frutillar as reported after an all day ordeal finally crashing into bed near midnight so were keen to get out and about to explore our local surrounds after breakfast !
First impressions were that we''d taken a wrong turn somewhere as our hotel, surrounding buildings, gardens and even cafes were of a distinct German style.
Apparently Frutillar was settled openly by German migrants in a deal with the Chilean Govt back in the 1850's. The result is a beautiful settlement on one of the largest lakes in Sth America where on a clear day one can see the towering Osorno Volcano on its Nthn Shore !
One of the highlights of this small lakeside town is its 1200 seat Opera House fabulously situated and reportedly one of the best & largest in Chile !
After walking the shore and scoring a huge slice of German Cheesecake it was off to the Hotel for World Championship mini Golf round 2 - Round 1 played in Scotland on our end to end ride in 2011.
After Henley pipped me in round 1 I squared up the challenge! Admittedly Kev was using a right handed golf club (he's left handed), was still limping, had about 2 hours sleep after my snoring the night before and was partly blinded by the driving rain but hell i"ll take a result any way I can get it !
Late afternoon saw the arrival of our guides , our bikes and our good friends from the UK Kev and Julia who we've shared numerous adventures with going back to Tibet in 2010.
The rest of The day was spent catching up before heading out for dinner to the Opera house where we took in the lovely views, local fare and some local wine a decision both Kev and I regretted later that might when we tag teamed each other going to the toilet multiple times during the evening !
Brilliant commentary Mike, or did H write it and forsake the literary credit????
ReplyDeleteI also admire your self appointed mission in life to resurrect H to his days of fitness an internal placidity. May the force be with you.
And to Kev, Darth Vader is your father.
Cheers
Jon