TO THE TOP OF THE ANDES

On a Saturday afternoon we and the Schows decided it was time to take a closer look at the Andes. For over a year, these mountains have watched over us bravely showing through the smog. The climate in this part of Chile is temperate so even in the winter the temperatures are not sever. It is a desert climate so you do not see evergreen trees. In fact, the mountains appear brown and somewhat barren.

Gail and I stop for a photo op the the way up the mountain.

Their trusty little car did a great job of getting us to the top and back.

In the city we have street dogs. In the mountains they have street horses. They actually belong to someone but roam the mountain like wild horses.

This looked like lots of fun. He had on skiis and landed smoothly and collected his chute.

Look closely and you will see the ski lines. North Americans come to Chile in the summer to ski in the Andes. You need to be really brave to do it though. Because the road up is narrow, windy, and has no guard rails. Happy driving!! Wouldn't do it for the world with snow on the road.

Once you get to the top you are greeted with all sorts of development related to skiing. Lots of condos and hotels.

It feels like you are at the top of the world. The mild temperatures make even winter skiing a pleasure I am told.

On the way down we stopped in investigate this. It turns out it is an ancient rock shelter.

These archeologist are pulling out artifacts that date to 7000 years ago. Mostly arrow heads.

The workers were students and teachers. They actually interviewed us to see how we responded to the site. I would say I would prefer the hotel on the top of the mountain to the rock shelter any day. It is an interesting piece of history and needs to be preserved.

On the way down to encountered several street cows also. This fine animal is lovely and seemed as interested in us as we were in her.