Painful waking up so early, and we blow through breakfast (and can get the best table in the house, since we’re like the 4th and 5th people to show up) and pack a couple of sandwiches for the road and we’re on our way to meet Emanuel from Trout Bariloche at the gas station at the 8km marker.
We meet up after a bit (in different places at station) and head out to pick up his raft, then out to the Limay (means “clear water”) River that borders the Nahuel Huapi National Park. The boat gets lowered into the water and loaded up:
and we’re on our way. Don’t know if you can see, but the snow-capped peaks are way in the background:
It’s way different fishing that I’m used to – we’re using streamers that we cast to the side, and then slowly strip back in. The awesome thing is that the fish hook themselves, so no more missing the fish cuz not fast enough to set the hook. And also no real change-up on the fly; Emanuel says that they eat what they eat, and it changes by river and time of year, not by the time of day.
We both get the hang of it pretty quickly, and before long, we’re bagging some beauties (mostly rainbow, but Emanuel hooks an Atlantic salmon, which I get to wind in almost all the way to the boat)!
how does he do it?
the proud fisherman:
It’s a lovely, albeit it windy and chilly, day and we enjoy the water and the catches until about 2:30, when we take-out and head back to town. I head in for some chocolate (now that I’ve researched which store to go to: Mamuschka) and have a ball learning all the varieties and tasting:
In full sugar shock, we headed back to the hotel for a bit of rest, blogging, and coffee. At 7:30, we meet at the front door for our drive to Alberto’s, a parilla (grill house) between here and town. Going out to dinner Argentinean style!
First ones in the door (they open at 8), and we receive the menus, which are perfect reflections of the fare:
not only made from cowhide, but this particular one actually has the brand from the cow on it! We each order a different cut of steak, a lovely bottle of Argentinean malbec, and a full salad:
all of which is waay yummy (yes, that’s a blood sausage, or morcilla, in the corner of the board. had to try after the wonderful blood sausage bread in Vienna. weird texture, but flavor pretty good).
But something is missing…I order fries, and they bring us a small side:
and we do it all justice. And lucky me, I saved just enough room for some homemade flan and creme:
A wonderful meal and a really fun, sweet waitress who just loved my velvet reading glasses. We drive home, a bit silly, and head straight to bed after our early fishing morning and the delicious wine.
I probably won’t post tomorrow – only likely to be photos from a short hike we’re taking that’s supposed to have spectacular views – because we’re off to the airport, but do have a couple of great videos to add to the blog once I’m home and get them onto YouTube. Thanks for following mom, Michael and my adventures through Brazil and Argentina. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m loving the idea of heading back to the snow (not!). Am looking forward to seeing my loved ones and heading back up to Montana to check things out. Keep in touch and ……..hasta luego!!