AUG 20/21 Argentina- The Approach

Rob and I have set off to get our August turns and like most ski trips , it has been fraught with difficulties and disappointment and frankly only the years of skiing in the harsh environment of the Cascades has gotten us through it, unscathed  but wiser.
The troubles commenced on the LAN flight from LA to Santiago when I was given a hot towel that frankly was not heated all the way through! I felt I should say something but I puckered up and wiped my face with the tepid article, grimacing as the cold towel hit my face.
The next test was choosing the in-flight meal. I chose the lamb thinking that the forthcoming trials “ a la piste” would require protein.  Rob, going a different tack chose the scallops and a nice dry white.  Alas, once again my choice proved disappointing. The lamb was overdone (difficult to get it right in the air I suppose) and the Malbac  a little too fruity for my taste.  The green eyed monster called jealousy struck me as I looked at Rob relishing his scallops. I had always thought I was a good judge of bivvy grub but Rob had shown me I had a lot to learn.
The trials continued. We had successfully found the smoking lounge in both LA and on our short stop-over in Lima, Peru but the smoking lounge in Santiago proved more difficult. Upon arrival we had asked for the” Salon de Fumar “and after schlepping several concourses  we found it locked and not to open until 6:30 am. It was 5:30 am and our flight to Buenos Aires boarded at 6:50!!What to do? I was panic stricken and nicotine deprived. Rob, showing superior route finding skills as he always does in the backcountry located the LAN first class lounge that had a smoking section. The day was saved!
A couple of café con leches and two cigarettes later I was sufficiently in control to look at the weather  report for Bariloche and found it was snowing hard!
We are now on the flight to BA and hope to God that the hot towel service will be better!
It’s tough getting August turns but we will prevail! Onwards!

You are a stalwart survivor, Scotty, and I can only hope to weather the same difficulties myself, tomorrow.

Sounds arduous fellas. Maybe more comfortable foot wear would have set the stage a bit better. Maybe your stress level would have been lower therefor reducing your reliance on the hot towel. Maybe if you had your track slippers and matching track suite on you would have felt fruity enough for the Malbec (don't give up on the varietal, the Chilians and Argentinians produce some fine Malbec).

SUPERSTAR!

Scotsman last year just above Brand X: "Sheep are fair game for anything as far as I am concerned."
Maybe I misinterpreted your meaning.

Get it guys. Here is hoping for just a little too much fresh snow for you.

We finally arrived last night at about midnight. It was blowing a storm when we arrived with wet snow falling at lake level. Very tired after 36 hours of travelling time.
This morning the wind has abated and we are hoping to ski.
The mountain is reporting 200cm new powder at top of hill but visibility could be a problem.

Have a good trip Marucs. See ya soon.