Chile 2011

March 16, Torres del Paine National Park, near Puerto Natales, Chile 

Another sleep in!  So nice.

Got a ride from Peggy to the dock where we boarded a catamaran to cross Lago Pehoe.

Peggy is a 480 hp twin turbo diesel 'truck'.  Really a container truck with seats installed.  Actually does not ride too bad, even on the many miles of washboard gravel roads!

Today only a 15 km hike up the Francis valley to a lookout over a river and many smaller glaciers.  The hike took about 4 1/2 hours.  Sore muscles and all!

The wind was howling!  Actually blew me off the trail a couple of time.

Also when we had to cross a suspension bridge the wind had the bridges swaying on its own with out anyone on it!  Apparently the wind was not too strong today!

A very interesting walk.  Went by a lake where the wind was whipping up the water and blowing it on land, a very green valley, and through a couple of forested areas.  Disappointed as the wind was so strong, we did not even see many birds!

Got back to the dock and went to the bar!  Pisco sours, 2 for 1 2,500 pesos ($5).  Great way to finish the walking for this stay.  Muscles still very sore!

March 15, Torres del Paine National Park, near Puerto Natales, Chile 

Not sure what happened but actually slept in until about 8 am!  wow!  

Also I have some very sore and stiff muscles!  Ouch!

Took a short 2 km walk down the road to see the Salto Chico (small water fall).

Then got a ride in Peggy (the big yellow truck, not a bus) to the Salto Grande (large water fall)  Very nice as well.

Then another guy and I decided to walk to another look out (Mirador Cuerrios)  On the way there we walked through a flock of guanacos!  Very impressive.  We did not move and they walked between us.  This walk was only about 1 hour, and gave us a very good view of the towers and the Horns!  Catch was we had to walk back to the camp while the others got a ride!

This day was only about 16 km walk!  Mostly flat but there were some hills, but still very much easier than yesterday.  

I had hoped it would work out the stiffness, but I think I am just stiffer!

Tonight borrowed a blanket from the 'truck' (as we are supposed to call Peggy, according to the driver) as I nearly froze last night.

But tonight the cook made some mulled wine!  mmmmm very good and also I am sure it provided enough warmth for the whole night!

March 14, Torres del Paine National Park, near Puerto Natales, Chile 

Off at a very early start at 6.30 am!  Crazy!!!!  

But only had a 2 hour drive to the Park.  Not too bad.  But along the way saw many guanaco an rheas (related to the emu).  Interesting that there are so many guanaco as they were at one point considered on the verge of extinction!  There were many rheas as well in flocks.  Great to see

Arrived at the park and were dropped off to catch a van.  This van would take us to the start of the Torres (tower) hike.  But the van had to cross a bridge that only had about 1 inch to spare on either side!  The sides of the van showed that someone had had some closer than wanted encoutnters with the side of the bridge.

The hike to the look out for the 3 granite towers took about 3 hours, one way!  Much of it up, and a lot of it fairly steep!  And no was not not up both ways!  Tried to stay with the group but they are power hikers so just gave up! But when they stopped for breaks I would catch up with them.

The tallest tower, the left one from the view point, is 2850 meters.  The view was great with the glacier and the small lake at the base of the towers.

Part of the hike took us across a few rock slides!  I am sure that we would not be able to do that in North America!

This was the first night of camping in the Pehoe camp ground!  Actually nice having a camp fire, it has been a while.  Even better as the crew had set up the tents while we were away!

Great meal, as there is a now a cook with us!  More 5 star camping.

Rented a sleeping bag at $10/night.  3 times the price of the Peru one!

Night was cold and exhausted from walk.  Probably saved somewhat by the use of the walking sticks I have been carrying!  This must be the 3rd use!

March 13, Puerto Natales, Chile 

Late start at 10 am and a short drive to border, exit Argentina and enter Chile.  Did not take long.  Guide telling us that it can take hours. 

Then short drive to Puerto Natales so arrived mid afternoon!  This is a very small town along the shores of a bay!  Not sure but many miles to open ocean.

Spent the day wandering around, shopping for treats for the camping in the National park.