Good evening All,

Well, our time in Argentina is approaching…and rapidly!

Jane and I arrive in B.A. on May 10th and immediately catch a connecting flight to Bariloche. From there we’ll be driven to the Estancia Alicura lodge and spend the next five days playing Rover Boys in the Patagonia hills searching for a handsome stag, possibly shooting a few birds or catching a few fish, and just drinking in the panorama. As a favorite movie character of mine once observed, “There ain’t nothing like being on a fine horse in new country!â€

We fly back into B. A. on the afternoon of the 17th and pitch up in La Recoleta for a couple of nights to take in the city.

Given the timing of our visit to what promises to be an absolutely stunning land, are there any absolute “musts†or “must nots†that we ought to be aware of? Answers to this extremely broad question could cover travel, hunting, shopping, food, wine, local customs…anything that occurs to you!

Jane and I are outdoors people who manage in cities but aren’t ever really comfortable in them and don’t wish to offend anyone inadvertently. You see, we despise “ugly Americans†almost as much as the rest of the world!

We’re really looking forward to visiting your beautiful country!

Mark

Mark,

First of all, congratulations on your incoming trip, Alicura is by far one of the most beatiful and target-rich environment of our Patagonia. I hope you and your wife, have a great time.

Regarding the "ugly americans" please do not hear those comments, most people in Argentina welcomes americans with open arms. Of ocurse, don't include our president...and the lefty gang.

Regarding the cities, in general terms, I agree with you, and if possibly I'll live in Bariloche or nearby.

May I suggest that you spend your extra time visiting Villa La Angostura, EL Bolsón, Lago Puelo and other towns centered around Bariloche?

In Buenos Aires, as you can imagine, there are too many options, as in any other cosmopolitan, large city in the world.

Best luck and don't forget to post your after travel comments and photos!

Good evening Gus,

Thank you for the pleasure of your reply!

Agreed, it is certainly tempting to hide up in the mountains and avoid the press of any city. Still, despite our general distaste for urban environs, it's practically inconceivable that we'd not explore a bit of Buenos Aires while there.

From what I've read of her history, B.A. has a unique flavor that we'd like to experience...the trick I expect (as with any city), is to sample a bit without overindulging! Our two evenings and one day in B.A. will give us a "whistle-stop" experience to be sure, but it seems a shame to bypass entirely...

Early to mid-May in the Lake District appears to be cool but not cold, and I expect a touch windy, correct? Any feel for rain chances? Frankly, I'd prefer to travel with the smallest amount of gear advisable, but I'm a worry-wart and a packrat as well...so baggage tends to get heavy if I'm not careful!

Thanks again!

Mark

Mark,

I agree,it's impossible to make such a long trip down here, and don't take some time to wander around BA, and don't forget to have a taste of our nice "asados" and night life, which is very rich and caters to so many tastes, that you will find a nice spot for sure!

Right now in Bariloche (yesterday's weather report) temp went from a high 77°F to a cool 29°F, and yes expect a lot of windy conditions and long range shots, as it's the norm as you can guess.

But, a good light rain-proof outer garment ( may I suggest GoreTex ? ) will do and suffice, add a fleece jacket and don't look back. No need for any kind of backpack since you will be hunting from a nearby lodge, going back and forth.

And while in BA, do not expect cold, we're going subtropical...like in your home state, and count for sure with lots of humidity

Again be prepared for long shots, however if the guide is smart enough, maybe he can put into short range of a nice stag and before pressing the trigger, ask about the trophy quality!

Best regards from rainy BA!

You will love LA PATAGGONIA althoug you will see a bit of it only ,my family wife is from Rio Negro province and her granfather was a well known guide and trapper there ,so i hunt explore ,dive ,canoe and trek there all my winter holidays i was there skying and hunting red stag in the snow ,all my summers i hunt wild boar with my dogos in Choele Choel an small town where PHC hunted ,scubadiving and fished in LAS Grutas IN THE ATLANTIC SEA and in Puerto Madryn you will love my country and you will return ,and perhaps we can meet in a summer to fish sharks,hunt boars and dive.Juan

Hola Juan!

I quite agree; in five days we'll only see a tiny slice of Patagonia, and two nights in B.A. will likely leave us with more questions than answers! Still, it's a start...and one we're looking forward to with great eagerness!

I'm very fearful that what you say may be true, and that we may very well may fall a little bit in love with your country. Coupled with an already advanced addiction to Africa, an obsession w/ Argentina may put us in the poor house!

Mark