Barb -- Torres del Paine

Well, after hiking in Torres del Paine national park for five days (the classic ´W´ trek), I can safely say I am glad to have a warm bed to sleep in at night!

The trip was absolutely amazing, spectacular views (the ones we could see, anyways!) and a mix of weather.

The first day we hiked up to camp just below the actual Torres, and it snowed. We woke up in the morning and hiked (through the snow!) up to the lookout, and were able to see ... snow. Ah well, what can ya do! It continued to rain and snow on the second day as we hiked through the big valley, along glacial lakes, to our second camp. Despite the weather and the long hike, it was a good day, as we saw lots of wildlife (9 condors!!!).



The next two days were gorgeous, we were in the Valle Francés with giant glaciers and beautiful sunny weather, and then into the next valley over where Gray Glacier comes right down into the lake. Very beautiful!



Our last day, Hannah and I pleaded tired feet (and backs... okay tired everything.. I am definitely out of shape!), and took the catamaran across the lake to meet our bus, while Attila braved it out (that is a polite way of saying he´s cheap!) and hiked the last 3.5 hours to the park administration office to catch a later bus.

We arrived back in Puerto Natales not too much worse for wear, but very glad to see a warm meal and a warm bed! The photos included here are ones that hannah took ... enjoy!

Today I´m off to Punta Arenas, then to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina for a couple days before I fly back to Santiago for my trip back to North America... the weather in Dallas is going to be a treat between the snowy cold here and the even snowier cold that awaits in Calgary!