Just before I was due to leave Pucon for the trip down south into Patagonia I managed to run a little classic with David called the Rio Maichin. Nothing taxing, a few fun drops and an amazing little gorge at the end!

It was now time to leave. So off I headed to the Futaleufu, I had changed my plans and hitched a lift with Nelson and the team as they were heading directly there. So we took a night in San Martin de los Andes in Argentina where I managed to meet up with an old friend Alex (Kmionero) for a coffee, then we headed to Bariloche via the amazing 7 lakes route. Bariloche brings you to the best steak in the world, hands down it is amazing, nothing tastes just like it.

We left Bariloche with full stomachs and headed back into Chile and the Futaleufu. I did not realise just how many people I knew in the Cara del Indio campsite. It was great meeting old friends and kayaking with new ones!

The Futa is amazing, I only managed to run the Bridge to Bridge section as the river was double the volume of what it should have been. Apparently it had been continuously raining for the previous 7 months!!

I am now back in Europe after an epic time in Chile, I would like to say a big thanks to some amazing people who helped and checked on me while I was in Chile. I will be coming back that is for sure. I still have not visited Fico!!!

The Spring is coming soon and we are getting ready for what should be a great season kayaking here in Europe. My first full European summer season since 2001, bring it on!!

Words by Steve Brooks, Photos by Steve Brooks and Nelson Rubilar, Valle de Maipo, Chile.


Rio Maichin


Rio Maichin


Rio Maichin


Rio Maichin


Volcon Lanin


Cara del Indio


Futa


Futa


Futa


Futa

(Posted on the 4th Mar 2010 by timb)

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