Day 3 Los Cuernos - Refugio Paine Grande via the French Valley 25km 10hrs

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After a quick check outside, Marty returned to our dorm early this morning to deliver the excellent news that the skies were crystal clear and it looked as if we had hit the jackpot with the best weather day for the longest and most scenic walk of the whole trek. Today´s trek would take us upwards into the French Valley where spectacular mountain views along with Autunm colours in the forest would be encountered.

It soon became apparent that the clear skies overnight had resulted in a nasty layer of ice forming on a large section of rock & boulder whic we needed to cross. With caution we got through this ok and were rewarded with spectacular views of Cerro Paine Grande across the valley to our left. We saw at first hand 2 massive avalanches which swept down the full length of the mountain kicking huge snow clouds up into the sky. I´m glad we were on the other side of the valley.

After more clambering over rocks the viewpoint was reached after around 5 hours. The descent through the forest retracing our steps from this morning was magnificent. Jon got ir completely right when he described it as a ´majical world´with tree branches coated in melting snow, the sun penetrating into the forest and the thunder of another avalanche echoing across the valley. Very nice indeed. We arrived at Refugio Paine Grande exhausted after 10 hours walking with full packs but delighted to have had such a great days walking

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Photos

Avalanche!
In the French Valley

French Valley
At the Mirador

French Valley
On the way down

Cerro Paine Grande
French Valley

Further avalanche
Cerro Paine Grande

Route through the forest
Icy planks

Windswept trees
at the top of the French Valley