Lost in Jeinimeni

‘I’ll never forget the day that I was left stranded in Lago Jeinimeni National Reserve, Chile. Well, not just me, but a group of eager adventurers. While volunteering in Chile Chico, our group leader, Tim, decided we should explore the surrounding National Park. Bearing in mind, Tim was not a fan of the great outdoors. So one morning, twelve bleary eyed youngsters piled onto two Del Boy quality 4×4's and headed into the great unknown. Our base for the weekend was a stunning lake, deep within the National Reserve. The lake was surrounded by imposing mountains. There was a cute wooden hut located on the far side of the lake. Our Chilean guide had bought his speed boat. Unfortunately, the boat was fast developing holes and wasn’t known for its speed. After safely crossing the lake, we set up camp, explored the area and swam in the crystal blue waters. That night, the whole sky was ablaze with shouting stars. Then, the heavens opened and it poured with rain. The level of the lake rose quickly and mini waterfalls started to form on the mountains. The question on everybody's lips was how to get back to civilisation? The boat was sinking fast and there was no other way across the lake. Maybe we could use the 4×4? All our bags were packed onto the 4x4. None of the volunteers wanted to risk Del Boy's finest. We watched as the 4x4 started to sink into the lake and the passengers scrambled out of the windows to the safety of the shore. By the wonders of radio communication, the Guard de Parque were summoned and guided us by an alternative route to safety. However, the adventure had only just began. Fast follow to that evening. We had watched the 4×4 and all our worldly goods float down the river, crossed a 5 ft deep fast flowing river in formation and broken into the Guard's personal hut. All in all, it was just a normal day. So there we were, sitting in our underwear, our clothes dying on the heaters, while our Chilean guide raided the cupboards to fashion a meal of Chilean pastries, pasta and rice. The Guard's beds had been liberated to form one giant bed in the middle of the hut. You can only wonder what the Guard thought when he arrived home to see a group of scattaly clad volunteers tucking into his food, wearing his blankets and sitting on his bed. Thankfully, after much persuasion by the guide and our irrepressible leader, Tim, he let us stay the night. The next morning, we were reunited with our bags. It was certainly one day that I will never forget!