Rio Claro Exploration

We had a wonderful start to the season with Jeff, our resident physicist and Patagonian Afficionado, who on his 4th trip with us explored the upper reaches of the Rio Claro Valley. This watershed is the source of the Sol de Mayo Ranch water, what we drink, wash with, bath in, irrigate and give to our animals. It’s sanctity goes beyond the direct benefits we receive from it but into the realm of giving us the vision of what purity is, what purity looks like, sounds like and is and why it is so important to share properly while maintaining it’s holistic health. This trip was an exploration of our newest 30+ kilometers of trails we have built over the last couple years and the incredible amount of alpine territory it accesses. Our group was a perfect mix of a typical PAEX team, Local Gaucho Mountain Guides, US Gap year student, Finish Cartographer, Chilean Veteranarian Mountain Guide, Local Rancher, and our Master Physicist. With all this said what most strikes a cord with me is not just the beauty of the place or the postcard shots, not the individuals and their extraordinary history but rather how we all get along, share, inspire and delve into the depths of the impacts this kind of untouched nature has on us. Thanks Patagonia, Thanks Team, thanks for the opportunity to share it so gracefully and wholly enjoyable.

Jeff - hiking above Lago Claro with his huge smile.

Jeff - hiking above Lago Claro with his huge smile.

Jack studying the reflections of self and environment, Lago Reflejo. This is my Gap Year…..

Jack studying the reflections of self and environment, Lago Reflejo. This is my Gap Year…..

The headwaters of the Rio Claro, our water source for the Sol de Mayo Ranch

The headwaters of the Rio Claro, our water source for the Sol de Mayo Ranch

The Team at Sol de Mayo leaving everyone and everything better than before.

The Team at Sol de Mayo leaving everyone and everything better than before.