Viva Chile- where "anything goes"

Well, I can finally cross “climbing up a volcano” off my bucket list! What an amazing experience, challenging of course but I must say it felt unbelievable when Michelle and I made it to the top. Monday morning I got back from Pucon, about 9 hours south by bus from Santiago. We arrived early Saturday.. checked into our hostal, walked around and then rented bikes and did a little biking in the afternoon but not too much because we wanted to be set to do what we went to Pucon to do- climb the Villarrica Volcano. Pucon looks like Beaver Creek or another ski resort town- full of international food options, restaurants,  travel agencies, adventure groups and lots and lots of tourists from Australia, Europe and the United States. On Sunday morning, we popped out of bed at 6:15 am, headed across the street to the adventure agency we were going hiking with, got our gear all set out and were in the van by 7:30. After about a 45 minute van ride, we had arrived at the base of the volcano where we gathered our stuff, learned a few things about the tools we had with us and began climbing towards the chairlift. The chairlift took about an hour and a half off our hike and allowed us to begin a bit further up. Five hours later, we had reached the top and couldnt have been happier or prouder of what we had accomplished. Yes, it was quite windy and I couldnt see much at about the half way mark but it was so worth the money and the time. To be able to have climbed a volcano at age 20, with one of your best friends is quite an amazing feeling. Because of the poor visibility, the gas and the wind we couldnt be at the top for very long but it was enough time to take pictures and breathe a bit! On the way down, it was all on your butt. We were given kind of like extra fabric for our butts so that we didnt run through the snowpants and then once we got to the less steep part we were able to use our plastic sleds to make it to the bottom. Quite the wet and snowy adventure on the way down but must say it was quite fun! 

This week, I basically will just be saying my goodbyes to those that take off while im on my next adventure, getting last minute shopping in and relaxing before Sunday, when Zoe and I embark on our 8 day trek to Patagonia. Today we finished most our planning and will be flying into Punta Arenas, then off to Puerto Natales for the night.. then finally off to Torres del Paine to begin our 5 day and 4 night adventure hiking the W circuit. Photo attached! 

Then, I get back from Patagonia, have eight days to do last minute things and spend some time with my family and on the 20th I am on my way back to the United States! Still cant believe how fast the time is flying. Only about 3 more weeks and I will be home! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sending love to everyone!