Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Today is my last whole day in Chalten and I would really like to do the hike to the Torre (3-9 hours) but waking up to the strong winds was once again off-puting. The sun was out but the wind was blowing from the West again so this morning is looking like no possibility of trekking. I walked down to a travel agency and asked them for today's forecast which luckily is looking better for the afternoon with the clouds clearing and the wind easing. I ran into my hosts Vally and Matilde and checked they would be home tonight as I wanted to cook them dinner. After walking around the town a bit more and stopping at the supermarket I headed back to the house where Hernan, Josephine and Susy were just getting up and having their breakfast. I did my exercises, made some lunch and then figured I would try the hike to Lake Torre even though the wind was still belting in. The walk to the first lookout was just 1 and a quarter hours but was for most part all uphill and I found it quite tiring. My legs were soar from the last 4 days of uphill hikes and the cold and wind was getting to my bones so after reaching the first lookout I decided that was enough. The scenery was incredible and the wind wasn't too strong whilst I walked through the woods. At the lookout there was an awesome view of the mountain range and on its edge Cerro Torre; I rugged up and then sat in the freezing winds enjoying the view with about 20 others. At one point it started to snow and nearly all the people left meaning I had the whole lookout to myself so I took some photos and then started the trek back. The trek back was faster mainly due to the fact I was freezing cold and trying to warm-up and at this point I could really feel the pain in my legs. Patagonia has been great but I am well in truly over the cold cold weather, the freezing winds and the lack of sunlight - maybe it is because I am Australian or maybe I am just a wuss but I know that I am meant for warmer climates. Tonight I have offered to cook for everyone but seen as everyone eats super late I decided to follow their trend and wait until late. At about 9pm Hernan and I went and brought a few things from the supermarket and then came back to the house to start cooking. On tonight's menu was my Australian tortilla; as we were cooking a friend came around and so we had an extra mouth to feed so I made a vegetable ratatouille to go with it. The girls went and brought red wine and beer and when they arrived back it was time to eat. We clinked glasses and then dug in, everyone cleaning their plates dry and raving how good the cooking was. The other housemates came home and we all sat around drinking and talking and in English which was great for me. Stories soon went to Horror stories and encounters with ghosts and I was amazed to find nearly everyone had stories of encounters with the supernatural. It turned out to be a really nice night and as everyone was a little but merry on the wine the conversation and English flowed perfectly. There is a plan to have a big Asado (BBQ) tomorrow night so now I have to see of I can change my plans to go to Calafate.
- comments