January 22, 2019
Up the volcano by any means necessary
Although the day dawned a bit cloudy, my head was in a much better space. The Circuito Lago Llanquihue took us 28 miles from Puerto Varas to Cascada, on a dedicated cycle lane along the lake. The scenery was more rural, passing thru some sleepy lakeside towns and a llama petting attraction. After lunch in Cascada, our route left Circuito Lago Llanquihue and headed up the side of Orsono Volcano – a 12 km, 3,500 ft ascent with an average 10% grade. Deciding that my body and my toes needed a break, I took the option of a van ride up the hill. It was a hard decision but, as had I learned on the hiking trip, it is sometimes necessary to listen to your body and take the sensible, but less satisfying path. We stayed at a ski refugio, located at on the side of the volcano, high above the lake. As the sun set over the lake, it cast a rose-colored glow on the snow-covered Orsono peak - and I was ready for the next day’s challenge.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
Today's ride: 28 miles (45 km)
Total: 83 miles (134 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 3 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 0 |