Frey trip

Shortly after Joanna arrived to Bariloche, we set off for Frey hut. Due to the complete lack of recent snow fall and the plentitud of high winds and strong sun, the snow was bullet proof. Our packs weighed quite a bit-- food for four days plus all the gear we needed to camp out in the snow. It was Joanna's first time using skins to go up a mountain and first time skiing in a couple of years. All added up, we had quite the adventure.

It took us a full 12 hrs. to reach Frey on the first day. Since we didn't get on the trail until about 1 p.m. (complications with gear rental), a good majority of the climb took place during the night. Fortunately, it was the night of the full moon and the skies were perfectly clear. It was actually a really beautiful to be out!!! When we finally did reach the hut, we ate a bit of food and then fell asleep exhausted.

The following day we hung out at the hut, made a good lunch, practiced self-arrests, did beacon searches and took a short hike.

We really wanted to do some winter camping, so after two nights at Frey we descended into the forest and set up the tent... we also built a pretty fancy kitchen area in the snow! This night was particularaly memorable for the long conversations and hot chocolate we made with milk and actual chocolate... melted, of course.

Joanna showing off the kitchen we built in the snow

Joan, Joanna and I eating a really delicious lunch. The cat seems just a bit jealous.

The view from Frey

I can't help it, I dig the self-portraits

Joanna making her way down the mountain-- quite the balancing act given the pack on her back

Joanna and I just after arriving to Frey around 1:30 a.m.

Joanna became quite the expert at lifting herself up off the snow. The best part is that she always did it with a smile!

Joan and Joanna checking out the slope below on day one

Joanna

An attempt to cross over the log in an obstacle-course-like section of the trail resulted in a spill backwards. It just so happened that Joanna landed in quite a comfortable position-- back proped up on her backpack and legs proped up on the log. In not to long I had the tea and cookies out and we both took a break.

What a wonderful moon!