south for winter: Surf and Turf

Feliz año, y'all! I realize we're a bit late, but DandO (mostly O) are just emerging from the winter doldrums. Temp and day length don't change much here at the equator, but the seasonal gloom apparently sets in for some norteamericanas regardless. Unseasonably regular rain and irregular work hours made the last bit of 2011 less fun than we'd like, so the #1 new year's resolution for both D and O is to work less and play more. Here's us documenting the good times to help keep our priorities in order.

Coastal happiness at Punta Prieta

We are in the middle of our second year in Ecuador, charging toward our third, which may or may not be our last. Life here is going well, but that pesky travel bug is returning again, and it seems like a good time to enjoy to the fullest what may (or may not) be our last few years of kidless, mortgageless freedom. If you want to come to Ecuador while we're still around, consider this your 18-month warning!

Incredible weather! On our way to a great camp spot at the base of Cotopaxi, October 2011

We spent the holidays in Argentina this year, taking advantage of Ecuador's relative proximity to the southern hemisphere to cash in on a cheapish flight to Bariloche, a fave destination from our backpacking adventure in 2010. When it turned out there was a snag in our already less than luxurious 4-stop flight, we briefly considered heading north to the States instead. But when you have a choice between winter solstice in California or summer solstice in Argentina, which do you pick? We opted for the warm days and 10pm sunsets. (Sorry, Mom!).

DandO soak up summer sun, December 2011

Those of you who travel in coach understand that there are a few lucky moments in life when airline problems turn in your favor. And that is precisely what happened when LAN canceled our Buenos Aires-Bariloche connection due to volcano activity but failed to put us on their substitute flight/bus combo from Buenos Aires to Neuquen to Bariloche. Grrrr.

But the result...

~~First Class~~ Premier Economy, bitches! (We are easy to please).

O takes a siesta in the VIP lounge somewhere along our 4-stop itinerary

New Year's Day, 2012

On our way south we had a 24-hour layover in Buenos Aires, which allowed for a reunion with our porteño friend Leandro, a graphic artist/writer/anti-establishment activist that we met on our last jaunt through Argentina. He took us out for some great wine, mediocre steak (he's a vegetarian!) and fantastic company. Our much needed break from Ecuador was well underway.

Christmas Eve parillada with the folks at Alaska Hostal

Once in Bariloche we posted up at Alaska Hostel, the perfect mellow travel scene for the either-side-of-30 crowd. We were welcomed by our gracious hosts, Naty and Javier and their new little guy, Luca. It was a great feeling to return to the beauty of Bariloche and the familiarity of friends.

Javi introduces Luca, the new assistant manager

Our main adventure this round (with more money and less time than last) was to see how many calories we could consume in 10 days. We also ventured out on a 3-day hike, but with raging Malbec hangovers, beef filled bellies and 90 degree heat, it was not our most spectacular performance. But we made it through and shook off the swollen feet with a paragliding flight from Cerro Otto. A great way to launch ourselves into 2012!

In flight above Bariloche

The photos below tell the rest of the story of our past several months in Ecuador and our escape to Argentina. A couple of Devin's video projects are included as well.

ARGENTINA - Dec/Jan

Rack of lamb feeds the rack of O-face

Andes from above Santiago de Chile

By the lake, finally on vacation

100 degree hike with a hangover, Christmas day, Nahuel Huapi National Park

Seeking solitude, Refugio Frey, day 1

Morning view, camp 1

Heading up to the pass, day 2

Pondering an icy plunge

High point, day 2

Doble lago vista

Volcán Puyehue erupts in the distance

Melting!

Follow the red dots over the second ridge

Looking down at Lago Jakob (still day 2!)

Lakeside toga party, Refugio San Martín, day 2

Work less, play more! day 3 morning hike

Camp 2

Cool off in the river, day 3

Smoked trout recovery sandwich, day 4

D skips rocks. Look at that form!

Ash in the air on the 7 lakes drive

Ash scene, Lago Espejo, Seven Lakes Drive toward Chile

Wanna jump? (Devin did)

A bit windy at the Forehead Mirador

Warning, songbirds in the area

Coasting in on fumes

Beautiful Bariloche

Ready for takeoff

Devin takes flight

Perfect day

Parapente

Fede takes O for a ride

On steady ground

FEBRUARY 2012

D finally got a chance to put together a time-lapse video that was taken back in August. It starts out silent but sound comes in after a few seconds. Full screen is recommended.

JANUARY 2012