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Published: January 7th 2012
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Torres Del Paine National Park
Our campsite on the far right: not bad huh?
Refugio del Camp del Peohe Today was our day to hike the French Valley, around fresh water lakes, lots of ups and downs, a great lookout on an avalance site as well as wonderful views of the Towers at the top. Definitely one of the more popular legs of the "W" trek, and despite waking up with my knee so stiff I had to swing it straight legged (barely avoiding Michele's head) to get out of the tent, I was determined to go.
Today was one of the big hikes 22 km round trip to 2 major lookout points and over the river as well, with lots of different terraine. I ended up doing 17km as I had to give up at the avalanche lookout site after I heard that the next bit was a boulder field for at least a half hour each way I knew I was beat. So I had lunch, watched an avalanche (timing was perfect) with Jill while munching on my veggies sandwich (white bread and cheese to boot) and enjoyed the scenery.
To talk about my knee would seem redundant and whiny but there is a part of me that wants to scream at the universe. But I
French Valley
The hike home, one of the many views must remind myself to be thankful that I'm even here, and despite missing out on the last 5km of the French Valley I still saw most of it, and the walk back by myself I must admit was rather wonderful. I love hiking solo, and at home I don't due to wildlife issues. No bears in Torres Del Paine, couple of small antelope and a guanaco at most, so having the solace of the hike back at my pace was majestic I must admit. And I definitely caught up on my photos opportunities as well:-)
The plus side is I was one of the first hikers back; meaning first dibs on the HOT showers. Except it was only 3:30 and they didn't open until 4pm. What to do, what to do.? Crack a bottle of wine I dare say, and explore my butchered Spanish with Dange! Dirty and disheveled (as I always seem to be after hiking) we sat there muching on Pringles (every travelers staple) and drinking wine having an eternally useless conversation in 2 separate languages, laughing away with each other! After that I nursed my knee with some ice, enjoying the scenery from our private room,
French Valley
The forested portion of the hike; by the Italian campsite watching the others from my group stroll back looking utterly exhausted.
Dinner was another uneventful meal, happy for the appetizers and wine prior I dare say. Dessert was a science project that even our self proclaimed 'garbage guts' companion wouldn't eat. Looked like flan, but once you stuck your spoon it it, you discovered the top was similar to skimmed milk cooling, and underneath was liquid. I dared a sip and it tasted like crayon water, and something else indescribable. Yup, guess the leftover Pringles were dessert after all..... Looking around our dinner table I noticed 11 other bowls looking pretty much like mine; explored but uneaten.
Finished off our wine and were in sleeping bags by 9:30 with 'lights out' by 10:00. Whenever Michele and I get together we rarely stay up late, it's become a bit of a running joke between us. In bed before 10 up by 6 and perpetually dirty. We may be Thelma and Louise but are in no condition to earn us a Brad Pitt!
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