On Saturdays, John has started road biking on Farrellones which is the road that leads up to the ski resorts not far from our house.  Outdoor activities abound here and cycling is a big one.  He recently purchased a new bike in New York City on a layover (Bikes are SO expensive in Chile) and has found two work colleagues who are serious cyclers and have given him great guidance.  He is big time now – even has the shoes that snap in and the bike pants with the padding.

So on Sunday, we made the drive up and went for a hike with the kids.  We ended up going only 1 hour out and coming back because we got such a late start but it was spectacular.  I’ve posted below a bunch of photos from the hike.  It was great for the kids because there were cows around every turn and horses off in the distance.

Parque Cordillera Yerba Loca has a hike to a Glacair La Paloma where you hike for 19.24 kilometers (about 9 hours they suggest) and you get to the foot of this remarkable Glacier.  John and I have decided we need to do it before we leave Chile.  They also have a hike in the winter that takes you to a giant frozen waterfall where you can go ice climbing.  People say it is the best place in South America for ice climbing.  Not sure we will try that one.

The kids are always incredibly proud at the end of a hike. We are all going to be outdoor adventure sports enthusiasts before we leave. The topography of Santiago is so amazing that it is hard to believe this hike was just a random Sunday outing.