I'm in Boulder, Colorado to link up with my traveling companions, my sister, Laura, and her husband, John, both experienced travelers in Argentina, Chile and other South American places (otherwise I wouldn't attempt a trip like this).  After reading increasingly disturbing weather forecasts, I decided on Sunday to get out of Olympia a day early, went to SeaTac Monday evening and flew to Denver yesterday rather than today.  Expensive but a good thing:  Ann reports 14 inches of snow at our place this morning.

Today last minute packing.  We're prepared for big city and for wilderness.  Besides our luggage to be carried on, we'll check through a couple of duffle bags with a pretty complete set of camping equipment.  Tomorrow we're off to Buenos Aires.