Sunday, February 10, 2019

Hosteria Helsingfors

February 10
In front of El Pilar before leaving. 
After driving for four hours with two of those hours on gravel we arrived at Hosteria Helsingfors and what a beautiful place and they gave us the most welcoming greeting!
Finally a clear view of Mount Fitz Roy. 
The hotel is tucked into a large grove of 100 year old Chinese Cypress trees that totally block the wind that blows almost constantly from the glacier lake.  Waiting for us was a lunch of gastronomic enjoyment! A half lamb was slowly roasting near an open fire where it had been since 9 am. On a log table was a huge platter of meats, cheese, olives and nuts. Then they brought over provolone cheese melted in iron skillets and covered with olive oil, herbs and tomatoes served on fresh baked bread. As we stood around enjoying the sun and the fabulous views they served us Malbec wine and empanadas fresh out of the pan. Lunch was eaten at the picnic table and included the lamb (delicious!) salads, roared potatoes and vegetables.  What a spread!!
And then our leader Karen said we could go for a “short” hike of 4 miles or do as John did and take a nap then take advantage of the Internet that we’ve been without the past 5 days.

I did the hike along the lake out to a windy point with a view of the lake, mountains and part of a glacier.  Wind was about 34mph. I have determined that Karen’s definition of a level hike means that there is little elevation change but there will be several 200-300 foot hills to climb.

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