Today was a perfect day.
Firstly the hotel we are staying in will rank amongst our favourites. It is almost brand new so I suspect priced to attract new customers, it is not pretentious, the rooms are large enough, the showers very effective, everything works (I am pleased to say there is no TV) and the views from the windows stunning but more importantly the staff are polite, helpful, friendly and good at putting you at ease.
Dinner last night was excellent with the correct wine with each menu choice (Chilean of course) and a great big log fire to sit in front of whilst we had our coffee.
This morning we borrowed mountain bikes and headed off into the hills. I don't think Chilean people of our advanced years do anything like that, the ranger who sorted them out for us said farewell, I don't think he expected us to return! We cycled up hill for five miles passing some spectacular waterfalls and pools until we reached a stunning lake where we could have climbed in kayaks and paddled around in circles but it was too tranquil and our splashing about would have spoilt things. So we just sat by the waters edge watching dragonflies and birds doing whatever dragonflies and birds do at this time of year in the sunshine.
Then we were back on the bikes and five miles downhill in time for a late lunch and a siesta (actually Gill went for a swim in the pool).
Whilst cycling we only saw four other people, we had the lake to ourselves and in the afternoon we were the only customers by the pool – perfect.
Tomorrow we move further north into a busy part of the Lake District.