Weather

The last three weeks, Bariloche and I have been under the weather! Call it spring cleaning, call it allergies for the first time, but I have cabin fever!

It has come to my attention that I have posted pictures about Valle Encantado but have said nothing about its current rules and regulations as a result of the owners. As it currently stands, there are very strict rules as follows: No fires allowed; no camping allowed; no one is allowed on the property who has not signed their name on what I have been told is the equivalent of a liability waiver, and this includes Valle Encantado´s both sides of the river; word on the rock is that it will be closed to all from December, 2009 until March, 2009. In other words, for the climbing season. This is a result of the rules above being broken, as well as trash being left in previous years and a growing concern of the owners due to the rising popularity and consciousness of this unique climbing area.

In my opinion, all of this could be worked out if the climbing community organized itself and came with one united voice to the owners of Valle Encantado. However, as it stands there are individuals and small groups, whether under a banner such as Club Andino Bariloche - I do not mean to pick on any one person or group - or just as climbing friends, who have not taken the initiative to gather and unite. Also, money is more of an issue here as it is in, say, the States where the Access Fund is a viable option. So, sadly we wait out this issue and the weather! For now...