Oct. 21st, 2002

Brian Grigsby

Today we headed out for the refuge at the lagunas. After a brief stop at the customs office we were on our way. The trip was approximately 3 hours and crossed a wonderful section of the desert. The change was evident and dramatic as we traveled from an area on the Altiplano that was flat to the slopes leading up to the mountains. As we climbed up this slope to our final destination, the Lagunas and the refuge, Licancabur loomed ever larger into our view, and it seemed to watch us as we approached it.

We reached a turn off that was a dirt road that would take us to the border with Bolivia. Along this road we came across 5 wild Vicunas, which are an endangered species. These animals are in the same family as Alpacas and Llamas. The Vicunas are smaller than the Alpacas, and these are smaller in turn than the Llamas. They were beautiful colors: brown, white, and tans.

Soon we passed the Bolivian border and customs and Laguna Verde came into view. What an amazing site. The contrast of colors of the lake, desert rocks and the hills beyond were breathtaking. As we approached Nathalie commented, “This environment is very similar to Mars. Not only are we going to another planet, but we are going back in time.”

We have arrived! As we stepped out of the bus, the wind was blowing hard and whipping the sand around. Once we stepped inside of the refuge, the temperature was pleasant and the people were very hospitable. They helped us unload our things and get us settled in. After we put our stuff in our dorms, we toured the Lagunas with our 2 drivers. What a site to see. Flamingos dotted the shore, and the beautiful color of the lake was a stark contrast to the surrounding mountains.

We continued around, taking some measurements, and finally stopping at a geothermal pool that was about 33 degrees C (about 85F). It was a nice change compared to the brisk and blowing wind. We had to force ourselves out of the pool, and we drove back to the refuge. We finished talking about activities for the 22nd and then headed for bed. Tomorrow we begin our science activities!