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Published: July 24th 2008
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Maarytn and Drew
Stop off at the tourist shop outside the National Park It all started in El Calafate, a great group of keen as mustard trekkers gathered in numbers, through drinking and glacier missions we talked about a mission to Torres del Paine National Park as one big group. The plan was a four day hike. Day one walk would consist of 17 kms into the park to the refugio. Day Two; a 22 km round trip to glacier gray and Day Three; another 20 kms up the Valle Frances. Day Four; a race out to catch the buss at 2pm. In total; 75 kms in four days into a place that is known for its changable weather. We had no idea what to expect with the temperature in the park so Jana decided to buy a one-piece ski suit- 80´s style of course - for 7000 chilean pesos (equivalent to $14 NZ). Thanks to Bill at Erratic Rock Hostel we were able to leave some gear behind to make room for food, Jana´s home baked giant chocolate, nut chunked coookies and of course the famous Chilean alcohol - pisco.
Day One. We hopped on the bus at 8 am ready to go. After a lovley 4.5 hour scenic drive we finally
began walking. A little anxious because the daylight hours were running out we began the trek at high speed. After only half an hour Jana changed out of her magnificant one piece suit as it was way to hot to trek in and the serious walking began. The first 10km were flat so we were able to cover that ground in 1 hour 15mins. So we started cruzing which was much more enjoyable because our packs were feeling very heavy. The next 3 km were alongside a river in rolling hills with bush and scrub no snow yet just un breakable iced ponds. We reached a flat after the river snaked off through the hills in the distance, where wild horses ran and played arround us. After climbing a few hills we were greeted with a view of the towers that stopped us in our tracks. The sun setting caused them to glow orange and pink; truely amazing. We finally arrived after 5 hrs of trekking, backs and feet sore, barely able to move but satisfied at the days achievements.
Day Two. Today was a very rewarding hike. We hiked 11km through the mountains. Along the way we threw
Jana and Drew
Behind in the foggy distance lay the towers many stones onto the lakes that were frozen, trying to make them crack. We became addicted to the sounds that echoed through the mountains when the rocks continued to bounce accross the ice. Drew of course tested the lakes frozen ice strength and struck his hero pose when he successfully reached the middle. There were times we we simply had to stop and take a deep breath as we comprehended where we were and the extreme beauty that surrounded us. Along the way we spotted floating iceburgs on various parts of the lake and the excitment of seeing Glacier Grey was rising. Crossing logs in the forest, soaking up a few drops of rain, we came out into the open, jaws dropped in amazement of the Glacier in the distance. We arrived at the Glacier and scaled a cliff to get the best view point for our lunch break. While having lunch a huge part of the Glacier shaved off and made an enormous splash into the water. WOW! As the Patagonia weather always does, it changed again for the 3rd time that day. SUN. So we were ble to stay a little longer as we were now not so
Drew
getting his pace on cold. Now came rock rolling - started by our one and only Drew, of course! small and large boulders were launched off the side of the cliff in many attempts by all to hit a piece of ice burg that was floating near to the shore. After everyone succeeded and had there fun we left the glacier and headed back to the refugio.
Day Three. Today was a steep climb up Valle Frances. Along the way we couldnt help but have some fun around a partly frozen waterfall, climbing the icy rocks and standing on the partly frozen stream. Just before we reached the top, a part of the glacier fell onto the mountain and created a huge avalance display! When we reached the top we sat and drank hot tea and ate lunch and waited for another piece to fall off, but not so lucky. We then began our decent back to our refugio for our final night by the small fire where Mario prepared 'floor heating' from chunks of wood and cooked plastic sausages for Maartyn - 2 of which he successfully burnt to a crisp.
Day Four. We began our hike out early - 8:30am
as we were feeling a little fragile and our Irishman Amigo - Andy and Drew were old men with sore backs and feet so we had to take it easy. When the bus came into view it was a great feeling that we were soon to be on the bus resting our tired bodies.
We had an amazing 4 days in Torres Del Paine. A great sense of achievement and memories that will last a life time. Thanks to our fellow treavellers for making it a memorable time......
Maartyn, Gerry, Andy, Matt, Vince, Mario, Deidra and Simon, Muchas Gracious Amigos!
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Maarten
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Loved it!
Hey there lovebirds, Great story and cool pics! I thoroughly enjoyed the trek and the company too, thanks also for the great time. See you again hopefully in Whistler! Say hi to the Whales, Maarten