Four Itchy Feet

February 5, 2025. Molino Harinero Nant Fach, Trevelin, Argentina.

We have traveled south to the Argentinian city of Esquel. On our first day of adventure, we decided to drive to the city of Trevelin. Trevelin was settled by Welsh immigrants in the mid-to-late 1800s and gets its name from the Welsh word Trefelin, meaning “Mill Town.”

After exploring the town and enjoying a light lunch at Arbor, a quaint café near the town center’s rotunda, we embarked on a 20-kilometer unpaved journey to the Molino Harinero Nant Fach. This was a unique visit that included a comprehensive history of Welsh immigration to Argentina, their settlement practices, and the construction of the wheat mill—still in operation today.

Our guide was the son-in-law of the site’s founder, a direct descendant of the Welsh immigrants to this area. He explained in detail how the mill works and, right before our eyes, diverted water from the stream into the mill wheel. We watched as flour began to be produced right in front of us.

The tour then gave us a glimpse into life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Every piece of equipment from that era has been recreated, along with replicas of buildings that would have been found in the town at the time.

After the tour, Barbara and I found a quiet bench near the mill, where we listened to the rhythmic sounds of the waterwheel and the nearby stream, taking in the beauty of the place. The guide later joined us, and we discussed the challenges of maintaining the mill and several technical aspects of its upkeep. Before leaving, he returned with a gift bag of freshly milled flour—a thoughtful and memorable gesture.

The beauty and magic of this place are beyond words. We felt transported to a time when life was hard but simple—a perfect place for the Welsh settlers, who sought prosperity, a better life, and the freedom to express their religious beliefs.

We highly recommend a visit to Trevelin, especially to the Molino Harinero Nant Fach.