Puyehue to Puerto Octay on Lago LLanquihue

Another fantastic day weatherwise and cycling wise. I can't believe our good luck with the weather. This morning, for the first time, most of started out in cycling jerseys without our jackets. The temperature stayed pleasant all day and the sunshine was perfect.

We have been following the principal road through the national park. Today we had a 3.5 mile detour on a side road and were told that there might be a "surprise" for us. There was (as you can see in the photo below). The surprise was that there was no fog to obscure the magnificent view of the Orsono volcano and Lago Rupanco in front. The view point was a place called El Encanto.

We did 38 miles before stopping for lunch at a pleasant restaurant where we had three choices -- roasted chicken, a thin beef steak, or trout.  I had the trout (in a sandwich) with lettuce, tomato and a wonderful avocado. This was followed by a choice of "kuchens." There is still a very strong Swiss and German influence here, so German words pop up quite regularly.

For those who wished to do the afternoon ride, we had to take about a 30 mile shuttle ride in the van around the city of Osorno. We then did another 20 miles on the bike into Puerto Octay. There was some climbing, but long flat stretches as well. The pavement was excellent, except for the last mile or so which was an unpaved road right into our hotel which is right on Lago Llanquihoe. From my room, I have a view of the lake and the Osorno volcano.

Dinner is coming up, so I will close.