Well looky, looky here!! Another blog from the G man. Although two and three come together due to technical issues at the place we have just left, Torres del Paine National park, Chile.

As Becky remarked on our arrival, 'I'm not sure I've ever stayed at a place so remote' and I can't disagree with that. Mobile coverage had long evaporated from the airwaves before reaching our new home for the next few days. That along with the disappearance of pretty much everything else to do with city living outside of what was in our hotel (which was plenty comfortable). All that remained was what the good mother earth had deemed fit to provide. I.e. Grass, snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, animals and a Gouco or two. If I am to carry on my film analogies, this landscape has a Lord of the Rings feel about it. All in a game of Top Trumps, this place wins as it has three rather than two towers. Maybe I should have just had a tour round Pinewood or Universal studios than south America?

Anyway, outside of looking for Gollum, a few days of hiking in these fantastic surroundings is what we had ahead of us. Thankfully as our first guide said, it hardly ever rains here and so there would be no danger of not completing what we were here to do. Having heard this kind of chatter before on our trip, we could have mocked the man at this point, however, with us both being such positive people, we both smiled and took his word. Surprisngly enough, his word was dashed at the first tour stop, roughly about 15 minutes later. Admittedly the rain was not torrential a la Canaima, however, Torres had a new twist, the wind. Said wind turned rain into bullets that happily smashed into ones face. You see Torres regularly gets gusts up to 90k and then some. Mr Guide laughed when I looked at him. Funny guy....

First full day, sun is out, hike to the French Valley. Some 19k round trip i'll have you know! Helped along by our two fantastic guides, we not only got to experience at least three of the four seasons in a day that this place is known for, but were also treated to some majestic views of the park. Added to this we got the chance to get up close and personal to yet another glacier and view a lake that had the most amazing green/blue colour depending on the light. Fantastic! Becky has pics and so I'll let them do the talking.

Outside of that, I'm pleased to report that we both took the length and rigour of the hike in our strides. Although I'll have to admit that my stride was somewhat altered by the end of the day.

Other notable things to report, the drinking of fresh water from the mountain stream by my good self. Becky stayed clear of this invitation from Sophie our guide for fear of toilet issues that may have followed. I'm pleased to report that I remained ship shape and in Bristol fashion. Final point of note, the fact that they had chips on the menu, but never actually had any to sell to their patrons. Strange but true!

Stay tuned for the next hike, 'The Three Towers'.

Señor Naturaleza, El ciudad chico!

P.S. Thanks to all that have posted or commented on the blog, it's much appreciated!