23.7.13

Laguna Torca and Lago Vichuquen





Hacienda Laguna Torca
Check out the website here.  We had an amazing time!  The owners could not have been more accommodating and lovely!  We will definitely be going back. They have two cabins on their property and they, themselves, live in a beautifully renovated colonial farmhouse.  Breakfast every morning included same-day-fresh eggs, homemade marmalade and jams, oatmeal, cereal, toast, and honey from the hives on site!  The property overlooks a national reserve, and the orchards attract all sorts of birds.

 I bought 6 kilos of sea salt for four dollars!

Don't forget your wellies in the winter





The girls


Only a couple kilometers from the coast.



Cozy, cozy, cozy
The cabin is all wood and glass.  Our's had two bedrooms (the other cabin is bigger).  One of the baths actually has the shower built into the stone of the hillside!



Rufus, the official greeter



...and Ingrid's best friend



The famous black-necked swans


 Llico





Fishing fleet.  They still use oxen to pull in the boats.



Goooooooooooool!




Explaining things to Rufus






The Bosca



 The plunge pool with natural waterfall
Icy cold in winter, but there is a sauna, so maybe after using that



Look out for horses, sheep, and cows on the road!


Plaza in Vichuquén




We had some wonderfully comfy times in front of the fire while it rained for a few days, doing puzzles and playing rummy.  When the sun came out we went exploring.


 Vichuquén, a quaint colonial town being renovated













Museo funded by native son of the region, Carlos Cardoen.  Interesting article about the arms dealer, now wine and tourism promoter here.


Mysterious stones in the museum


Rambo's ancestors?




Near Duao












Back at the farm






Honey


Violeta


 The cabin

 Rambo



 Olive orchard.  The owners make amazing olive oil




The Farmhouse


 Violeta roaming










On a side note:
The roads in the area are not paved.  While it does keep the tour buses out, it's a bit difficult to get around when it rains.  We came across this fisherman stuck in the mud one night in the middle of nowhere.  We gave him a ride back to town, but had we not seen him, we might have tried to clear that spot and become stuck ourselves!