Ski Portillo, Chile

After a short overnight in Santiago at the nicest hotel of our entire trip, the Crown Plaza, we finally made it to Portillo. It has truly lived up to expectations, being one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Portillo also oozes history and soul... it is a very cool place! We were quickly into our ski gear and enjoying the amazing terrain. (Portillo is our current banner photo.) The hightlight thus far, for Bill anyways, was Heliskiing on Sunday. He was fortunate to be grouped with three other very fun and great skiers for the day he had been dreaming of all his life. For 5 hours they skied amazing terrain, enjoying excellent conditions without a single cloud in the sky. We have been enjoying the great snow, weather, new friendships, pool, food, and afternoons spent at Tio Bob`s restaurant up on the mountain. It has been the perfect ending for our long adventure and we are not so homesick anymore. However, the weather changed today and a storm is forecast to hit Friday that may last for days, close the road, shut down the ski area, and dump over 4 feet of snow. Everyone here is now debating whether to try and leave early or take their chances and wait out the storm. Ever heard of anyone missing the first day back to school because they were snowed in in August!?! We are definitely getting the adventure we hoped for right up to the last day. Day 63, 188 meals eaten out, 6 days left, the end is near...