The other day we took National Route 3 (part of the Pan-American Highway, the longest road in the world - they say) over Garibaldi Pass, the highest point of the crossing of the Andes mountain range (they told us) to drive in the Fuegian forest.
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| El Lago Fagnano and in the distance el Lago Escondido - 100 km long |
It was a delightful day driving through old growth Fuegian forests dense with ancient Nothofagus trees - also known as the southern beeches, is a genus of trees and shrubs native to southern South America and Australasia - same family as those that we saw growing in Tasmania. The layer of top soil is so shallow that storms bring down the older, bigger trees. Like so many places in the world logging, once a thriving industry, is now prohibited.
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| The tracks were a bit rough. Wahoo! |
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| This small lake was created by beavers |
The floors of the valleys is matted with deep spongy peat moss. During winter they are blanketed with snow and they then become popular for Nordic skiing - people come from all over the world. We drove on dirt trails in 4x4 cars through the forest and came out at Lake Fagnano where we drove along the pebbly shore stopping for thermos coffee (there's also 'mate' - an Argentinian favourite herbal tea) and cake and a wander. The silence was broken only by the lapping of the water. Sheer heaven - a very happy place.
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| I poked around and found some pretties. |
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| Many of the trees had balls of green which I think were mistletoe (Top 2 pix) |
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| Hey we're happy! |
We drove further along side the lake before diving back into the forest to return for a late lunch at a husky lodge.
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