The weather had turned cooler over night and it was a novelty to see clouds after such a long time. We cycled around to the Llao Llao peninsular where we stopped at the grand hotel of the same name, hoping to be allowed past the guards to sample their coffee. The guards were extremely pleasant and welcoming despite our disheveled appearance and directed us to the entrance where we were welcomed even more enthusiastically by smartly uniformed staff with genuine smiles. We apprehensively entered, expecting a stuffy wood panelled foyer where rich Rolex wearing gentlemen peered over their glasses (whilst nursing a shot of scotch) contemplating an afternoon round of golf. Instead we walked into a wood panelled hall where people of all ages, nationalities and dress chatted happily with smiling staff. As we paused, taking it all in, a member of staff approached and guided us onto their stunning terrace which looked over the lake and suggested we sit wherever we liked. We sat right in the middle opposite stone steps leading to a green lawn where ashy headed geese grazed and hotel guest strolled admiring the herbaceous borders. It was totally quiet…..so we decided to have lunch as well! The view reminded us of our own Lake District……..we were starting to miss home again. After spinning out a coffee we explored the grounds and jealously admired the infinity pool and its view to Cerro Tronador before returning to the hotel lobby to appreciate some beautiful artwork they had just acquired and had started to hang. We continued our ride around the lake shore and stopped at a quiet beach where John enjoyed a cold swim, whittled a knife from a piece of wood (inspired by the local craftsmen) and I sat and took photos for a change....but I did go in up to my knees.
