Page 13 - May2011-Finall

DAY 21

We have seen nothing, so we start our return to base camp. On the trek, we observe some goats that were alerted by our approach. Between photos and rest stops we arrive in the evening at the Lake Tucho.

The horses romp on having been liberated in their favorite pasture. The dialogue between hunter and guide has been steadily diminishing. One thinks about all the discouraging things and considers quitting, but once again you remind yourself that this is the way of hunting…and we have come to hunt.

DAY 22

During the night it snowed in the high elevations, and the dawn is cold. While I prepare myself, I am surprised by the arrival of the guide without the horses. It was the weather he tells me, and he has looked for them all around the valley and did not find them. Without horses we cannot continue the hunting, so I insist that we go fishing with the longboat…perhaps we’ll be able to see some moose along the edges of the lake. We do not see moose, but I hook a dozen of trouts, which would delight my friend Juan Delibes. We have a luxurious meal! After eating, I suggest that the guide look again look for the horses…we have only one day left, and I would like to make use of it. Near the evening I see the silhouette of the horses and the guide returning along the beach of the lake!