- Return to Penitentes -

Journal:

"January 27, 2000 - Day 16 - Hike Out  - We were up by 8am putting away tents, packing up and having breakfast.  Today would be a 3-4 hour hike out and we started by 9am.
    Pumps was still slow due to his feet and we trudged our way through.  The area seemed slightly different, and longer, but sure enough in 3 1/2 hours we could see Plaza de Mulas and Rafael's white van waiting for us.
    We piled in, planning to get our bags on the return, and headed for Penitentes.  David (of David and Monica) saw us on the road without our bags and went to get them while we headed on to Penitentes.
    When we arrived Monica met us with hugs and kisses.  her voice sounded musical with its enthusiasm as she asked us about the trip and poured beers and Cokes.
    We had several rounds of drinks - and some of the best beef empenadas I have ever taste, then we had to shove off.
    We wished David and Monica the best - as well as a pair of Canadians who were also there (and who we had met on the trail) and we loaded ourselves into the van.
    We waved goodbye and headed toward Mendoza where the Hotel Aconcagua awaited with a warm shower and a nice bed - heaven on earth.

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