After finding some accommodation in Entre Lagos, we headed up in to the Andes to Parque Nacional Puyehue. We met up with the park ranger and showed him our permits to collect. After a few phone calls he gave us permission. The drive up through the forest was very interesting. We saw some big old Saxegothaea conspicua, but unfortunately no cones. Our aim was to get up around the top of the tree line and see what we could find.
Fortunately there was a ski resort up on the mountain so the road ran all the way to the top to a viewpoint that promised stunning views looking out to the Andes and on to Argentina and Casablanca Volcano. Unfortunately they were smothered in cloud. The views back down the mountain however were absolutely stunning and the autumn colour on the Southern Beech (Nothofagus) had just started. Above the tree line, surviving amongst the black volcanic rocks and stones, were tiny alpine plants eking out an existence in this harsh environment.
In the stunted forest on the upper slopes we made collections of Drimys andina and a diminutive relative of the Giant Rhubarb called Gunnera magellanica (similar in many ways but only a couple of inches high) and a beautiful Senecio with golden yellow daisy flowers. Another great day, finished off by a beautiful sunset.
