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After a couple of hours, we decided to stop to have lunch. The guide prepared a light meal for quick assimilation of calories and proteins in order to provide us with strength to continue the walk. At that height, we could see the waters of Lake Tromen. |
Some time later we continued hiking. We reached a very steep area, so the walk went slowly and we made longer breaks. That way, we rested. The guide decided to take a straight route to the assigned refuge. The slope we used was of average difficulty, each movement had to be controlled and consistent.
It was about 4 pm when we had another adjustment break. The lower limbs began to feel tired and the backpacks became heavier. We kept drinking water step by step. We ate cereal bars and had candies to increase our glucose level. At that point, the view was breathtaking. We could see Lake Tromen next to a mountain known as the Devil’s Fangs. |
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A few minutes later we saw our refuge, R.I.M. 26, which stands for Refugio de Infantería de Montaña (Mountain Infantry Refuge) located at 2,450 m MSL. We were eager to reach this spot and, once we made it, we changed our sweated clothes and loosened our boots. The guide told us that the “toilet” was located 50 meters away from the R.I.M.
We stretched our muscles with some exercises so that we would not feel bad the next day. We arranged the sleeping bags and selected the equipment. Once we were comfortable, the guide started to melt some snow to make water for cooking. Some people were in charge of getting dinner ready and some others were to prepare delicious nibbles to eat with a hot beverage: soup, tea or coffee. |
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The orange horizon signaled the beginning of dusk. After a small talk about how to use the technical equipment (crampons and picks), we were ready for dinner. Needless to say, the food was based on carbohydrates: ravioli with mushroom sauce. It is important to have a good dinner because it energizes you and “it feeds the adventurous soul”, the guide said.
After dinner, we made ourselves comfortable in the sleeping bags and left the flashlights close at hand. There was silence everywhere, only interrupted by the wind banging on the refuge roof. We were all asleep until dawn the next day.
The Big Day |
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The most exhausting and wonderful day in our lives was there. We got up and began to pack our bags. While the mountain helper prepared breakfast, the guide checked if the weather conditions would allow us to reach the summit.
We had hot breakfast with cookies and dry fruit to get calories. We put on some sun protection and cocoa cream on the lips to protect ourselves from the sun. We put some warm clothes on and carried the backpacks with food, water and clothes. |
We started climbing with a wonderful dawn. It was about 3 am and the reddish sun was there to keep us company during our hiking expedition. The sun at the Lanín is astonishing.
The guide patiently explained how to wear the crampons to continue. We kept zigzagging uphill. In order to walk correctly with the given equipment, one needs to place the tip of the crampon first and end the movement of the foot with the heel. This way, all the parts of the foot are rested on the snow. |
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After a two-hour walk we arrived at the C.A.J.A. refuge or Club Andino Junín de los Andes (Andean Club Junín de los Andes), located at 2,600 m MSL. This site features an unforgettable view. We were amazed to watch the Llaima and Quetrupillan Volcanoes, as well as Lake Huaca Mamuil and the rocky formations known as La Peineta and the Devil’s Fangs. |
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Welcome Argentina - Outings in Junín de los Andes
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