The land of Patagonia

I've been in Patagonia for over 2 weeks now. It has felt like both a blink in time and a lifetime has passed. It's been really hard at times, particularly with regard to my current volunteer position (as a caregiver for a woman with quite advanced Multiple Sclerosis). At other times, it has just felt so right.
There's a lot to say, and I will catch up eventually. For now, it's the land here that impresses me most.

The land and climate here can best be described as relentless. It's the height of the summer and we're in the middle of a drought in El Huecu. Up until a few days ago when we arrived in Junin de los Andes (the site of a state fair, some 6 hours drive from El Huecu), I had not seen any rain - and few clouds, for that matter. Temperatures were reaching around 30-35 degrees daily, with hot, strong sun and constant, impressive winds. I've been given strict orders to save all outside work for the mornings and evenings, and I'm coming to understand the value of the afternoon siesta.

There's something about the land here, perhaps its well-worn yet extreme composure, that makes it so easy to picture as once being an ocean bottom. Sucked dry now, however, it is only the skeletal remnants.
Rivers are etched into parched earth, permitting small oasis' of lush greenery, small breaths of cool air. The mountains range from desert hills, speckled with both spiny and surprisingly delicate flora, to grand snow-capped volcanoes. Some of the scenery is reminiscent of the Okanagan, and some hills glow yellow much like the Canadian prairies in autumn. All seems somehow more extreme, however.

The road to Junin de los Andes showcased this variability well. We climbed in and around and down many gentler desert hills. We saw dramatic peaks with rocky spines that wind and settle like dinosaur tails. We had spectacular views of the distant iconic Andes.
And all the while the Patagonian wind never fails. And there's always dust. Lots of dust.

Growing sideways, this tree reminded me much of Newfoundland!

Volcan Lanin (near Junin de los Andes)