"Estancias of the Patagonian Steppe" Annetdragavon's photos around Rio Verde, Argentina, Chile

A TripAdvisorâ„¢ TripWow slideshow of a travel blog to Rio Verde, Argentina, Chile by TravelPod blogger Annetdragavon titled "Estancias of the Patagonian Steppe" Annetdragavon's travel blog entry: "Off the beaten track in our rental car, we trundled along a dirt road that seemed never-ending. After a full day's drive from Pali Aiki National Park, we spent the night at near Punto Delgado, a port for ferries crossing the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. We got an early start next morning and soon joined a newly-paved highway. Following the contours of the Strait of Magellan, we continued west, toward the Chilean side of the Patagonian peninsula. The vistas along this route are gorgeous. We could see Tierra del Fuego just a stone's throw across the bright blue water. Along the way, we passed several abandoned wool estancias (ranches) that told of the history of this area. Wool production prospered here in the early 20th century. But about 50 years ago, grass for the sheep became overgrazed and prices for livestock and wool fell. This confluence of events ended sheep farming and wool production forever. Weathered houses, warehouses, factories, even churches and schools still stand, as reminders of a long gone boom time. A few hardy souls remain, eking out a living along the strait. These old-timers still can recollect those heady years, but gradually, they too are disappearing. Our destination was Estancia Rio Verde, a converted estancia that now provides lodging and ...