Pomaire

Last Sunday afternoon we drove down to a small village called Pomaire with our friends Fede and Yoyo. Pomaire lies about 65km south west of Santiago and is a famous destination for its clay wares and its 1kg empanadas. We didn't eat the big empanadas, but we enjoyed a very Chilean lunch of regular-sized empanadas, stuffed pork rolls and chicha (wine).

In Pomaire there is a tradition of giving "chanchitos"- little clay pigs - to friends and family to bring good luck.

Due to the abundant natural clay in the hills surrounding the town there is a thriving pottery industry in Pomaire. The town's streets are lined with stalls selling pots and goblets, charcoal holders and candle holders, decorations and pigs, urns and platters, you name it. It really is quite a charming village!

 

  

Merrell Climbing Tour

Whew, what a climb! Daniel and I entered the June Merrell Climbing Tour race which took place at Cerro El Roble (Oak Hill). There were two distances: 6.5km straight uphill or 8.3km straight uphill. We opted for the shorter distance, but I reckon we would have taken a 5km option if it had been presented to us!

The trail was absolutely beautiful through a forest carpeted with fallen leaves, and incredible views of the lightly snow-dusted Andes across the valley. However, it was also fearsomely steep! I managed to run the first 200m before slowing to a 'power hike'. It wasn't long before that turned to walking... and then to plodding. Nevertheless we made it to our meta near the top of the hill and enjoyed a lovely stroll back downhill to the start.

Before the Great Uphill Trek

On the way up - still smiling!

Joining the line of tired 'runners' - not so much smiling now!

At our meta - 6.5km up Cerro El Roble