Argentina Project

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Pehuena tree

The HHC In Argentina's Patagonian Andes From a contact on the internet, HHC director Suzanne Mittenthal was invited to consult on development of trekking opportunities in the Patagonian Andes province of Neuquen. Pete Banta went along as photographer. A photo account of our 2000+ KM traverse is mounted on his web site. From lethally hot spouting fumaroles to condors and prehistoric Pehuena trees (see photo), it was an amazing journey. Fortunately, we were shown an area with clear potential to suit the trekking model of at least a 5-day experience.

The HHC In Argentina's Patagonian Andes After visiting there in March, to consult on trekking development potential, the HHC was invited back to help plan and build the route. A team went November 22-December 3, 2002.

The HHC's second expedition to Argentina helped tourism officials develop trekking opportunities in the mountain town of Caviahue, Neuquen, the northernmost Patagonian Andes province. This town is situated only 2 kilometers from the border with Chile. Four members of the HHC-Eric Mitter, Ed Lizewski, Pete Banta, and Suzanne Mittenthal-returned in November to follow up on recommendations made after the HHC's review of the province in March. Hilarious as well as spectacular events entertained us. We were traveling with friends as well as officials, and learned much about the ways of corrupt politicians as well as talented, dedicated, and experienced locals.

American and Argentinan volunteers building hiking trails.

The HHC'S Patagonian Andes Project Update: Karin Kvale, HHC member and I.U. student represented the HHC in Argentina in March. Her presence helped further the project immensely. In March and December of 2002 HHC members evaluated prospective sites for tourism/trekking development and marked some trail routes. Karin helped get the local high school in the town of Caviahue, situated at the trailhead to the project site, involved in the project. The HHC sent copies of trail building manuals to the high school and the University in Neuquen, the province capital. The University's Tourism Dept. selected a companion for Karin's trekking tour through a competition, and is also working with the Provincial Tourism Dept. that has accompanied and helped sponsor HHC visits. "Give a man a fish, and tomorrow he is hungry; teach a man to fish..."

Scouting a trail to Laguna Hualcupen.

The HHC Fourth Delegation To The Patagonian Andes Dec. 8-20, 2003: The next HHC crew of advisors heading for Argentina consisted of returning veterans Karin Kvale, Pete Banta, Suzanne Mittenthal, and new members Patrick Eaton, the Pioneer Trail committee head, and Ian Clayton, a student from the U.K. majoring in environmental studies and park management. We had hoped to focus this time on the neighboring town of Copahue, site of a mineral hot springs.

But because of a summer blizzard, we ended up completing instead a 1-KM trail to Laguna Escondida (hidden lake) in the crater of the extinct volcano behind the lower town of Copahue. We replaced a ditched user trail (sound familiar?) with a very carefully designed trail ascending gradually to the rim. (Because of extreme slopes, soft volcanic ash soil, and rock piles, this was the most challenging work we have ever done.) Tourists were already using the trail as we finished.

Join Us? For details: e-mail hikers@hoosierhikerscouncil.org.