Torres del Paine

First stop back in Chile is to spend a few days in Torres del Paine National Park. Lots of mountains, lakes, glaciers, beautiful terrain to explore. And, at last, the chance to get some exercise. Spent all three days trekking to various viewpoints to see the amazing mountain scenery and the Glaciar Grey. As well as enjoying the views, it was great to have the chance to stretch the legs and see if they still work (they do). Managed to cover a lot of kms and also gave the chance to detox a bit after Ushuaia.

1st day´s walk was to a viewpoint called the Base del Torres to look at the Torres (towers) themselves. Quite a surprise when you reach the final ridge of the walk and see just how tall the rock stacks are. Great view around the park too.

2nd day was a walk to the Grey Glacier. Walk was not quite as spectacular as day 1 but the glacier was well worth the effort. It´s been a long time since I went near one - think the last time was on a school trip when I was about 13 or 14.

Third day was the most strenuous of the three as we headed along by a lake and then quite steeply up hill to a spot almost completely surrounded by mountain peaks, snow, and ice. Lots to see and got some great photos. Also got very wet on the walk back long the lake when the heavens opened. Very glad of the wood burning fire in the hostel when we got back: a) to warm up and b) to dry off some of the drenched clothing before we got on the catamaran back to our campsite on the other side of the lake. Pity two of us managed to burn walking socks on it!

Now heading to El Calafate and the Glaciar Petito Moreno.