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Been quite a few days since my last blog and my have we seen alot! Been really different to the rest of the trip so far.
Last time I wrote I think we were heading off to the glacier at Perito Moreno. So so so glad we changed our travel plans. The glacier was amazing. Absolutely massive. We took a boat ride right up to the glacier front and then went up to the top where there was a big circuit to walk around with various view points. As we were there quite late in the afternoon, the sun had been on the glacier all day so bits were falling off it and crashing into the water below, making the most incredibly loud thud. Definately can notice the difference in temperature down here. I,m wearing most of my clothes! at least my rucksack is alot lighter to carry! Chile is chilly! Michael you would absolutely love it here. all these rock formations hahaha!
the next day we got a bus over to puerto natales. arrived really late in the eveninnd thg so went to bed pretty much as soon as we found the hostel. shame really as it was really cute. The next day we got up at 6.30 for our day trip to Torres del Paine, the national park in chile. When we took a look around at our fellow pessengers, we were with a group of 60 year old germans!!! hmmm hope for an exciting day.
we first stopped at mylodons cave which is basically a massive cave where about a hundred years ago, an explorer found the skin of a mylodon (some dinosaur creature). Then into the park we went. We wanted to go and see the glacier there so we trekked down onto the beach front. As soon as we walked out onto the beach the wind hit us. It was so so strong. Pushing us from behind I thought we were gna take off! Made us even happier that we had gone to perito morreno as we could only see the glacier from 17km away so not nearly as impressive.
The rest of the day was spent getting on and off a bus, which took us around all the main lakes and mountains, for photo opportunities. It was really stunning but after 5 hours it got a little repetitive! The Germans wanted to stop at every llama we saw (about 100!)
Later that evening we boarded a ferry that took us from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt. The scenary was spectacular - three days and 4 nights making our way through the fjords and channels among the islands off the southern coast of Chile. We were constantly surrounded by rolling snow capped mountains and a completely untouched landscape. We were so lucky with the weather as it was sunny throughout. got abit chily on the decks due to the wind but i cant imagine wat the journey must be like if theres bad weather. we had 1 night in open sea on the pacific ocean and it got pretty rocky. Barney managed to spot a dolphin but i only saw sea lions and a few birds. Despite this, Barney and Bastiaan (a friend we made on board) spent all day every day on deck whale watching. Their disappointment at the end of the trip was quite entertaining to me and Bastiaans girlfriend!
On the first day of the boat trip we went to see the skua glacier and despite having already seen two glaciers this one had its own charm due to the water on the approach being full of icebergs and scattered ice all over the water. It was pretty surreal travelling up to an ice wall and seeing the boat constantly hitting tiny ice blocks in the water.
We were originally booked into the cheapest type of accomadation described on the website as just really big dorms. However, when we arrived on board, these beds werent even in dorms. they literally lined the corridors of the ship!!! we were lucky as we were upgraded to a 4 bed dorm. And we were put with a lovely dutch couple the same age as us, called bastiaan and maaike. THey spoke really good english which made such a difference as we were in close proximity for a long time. the room was so small we couldnt all be in it standing at once!
Had a bit of trouble since we got off the boat as im walking along like a drunkard - my sea legs haven't worn off yet!
We got off the ship in puerto montt. we were originally going to stay here for the night but have been advised not to. now we see why!! there is nothing here and its really ugly! theres a little fishing port with a fish market so we think we´re going to get some lunch here and laze around in the restaurant until our bus to Bariloche, Argentina at 3pm. Theres a local dish here called curanto. Basically a massive pile of clams, mussels, salmon, potato, ribs, chicken and only cose about 5pounds. think we´ll suss that one out!
The bus gets us to Bariloche for around 9.30pm where we will spend a few days relaxing, cycling and white water rafting! THeres a 5 hour cycle ride which im abit apprehensive about considering our bike ride in oxford that lasted about 10 mins as i was so unfit and useless!
will let u no how that goes.
loads of love xxxxx
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