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Main | Journal: Patagonian II | ||
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Patagonian Region: Punta Arenas, Chile Saturday, April 10 The patient is alive and resting comfortably now...
The past week was definitely one to remember for me. After trekking
for six days in Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, I finished the
greatest test of my endurance. Last Friday the Aussie bloke and I set
off with overweighted backpacks (7 days of food--mostly tuna, rice and
pasta), a nondescriptive map, and basically no idea of where we were
going. We were instantly met with a steep four-hour climb up to the
park's namesake, Torres del Paine (roughly translated as Towers of
Pain--and, yes, they were extremely painful). After trekking for three hours
through several tricky stream crossings, fairly hot weather, and a
couple of tuna sandwiches, we dropped our backpacks and scaled the
forty-five degree inclined rocks to the top in order to watch the
sunset. Unfortunately, the clouds were uncooperative and left us with
a hollow feeling inside. Other trekkers encouraged us to join them the
following morning for a sunrise ascent--we said maybe. Of course we
were back up there at 7AM to witness one of the finer sunrises in the
world as an orange glow appeared on the three towers for almost a half
hour. After another couple hours of sleep, we blazed down the steep
trail for an easier day two.
If this is getting boring then skip to the closing about the penguins,
otherwise...Day Three brought us along a much flatter plain in a valley
surrounded by several snow-capped peaks, trees exhibiting their best
autumn colors, beautiful blue lakes, and rushing streams. During this
day, we also were first introduced to what would be our close companion
for the next few days, the fiercest wind that the world has ever known.
(Yes, even stronger than in Chicago!) At one point, the wind even
blew the tent fully out from a securely strapped position on the outside of my backpack. Nonetheless, the views were spectacular. I must have taken a roll of
film on the landscape alone. At night, the star-filled skies left me
satisfied, almost as much as the pasta of the night.
Along the trail, we bonded with other trekkers as if we were in a
fraternity. We came across the same people several times and heard the
stories about the weather and the mangy rat attacks that involved our
new mates.
Finally, as Day Six came to a close, I felt a sense of accomplishment
greater than any I had known previously. I pushed myself and my body
further than ever before and will always remember that week fondly. As
the bus was exiting the park, I felt a little sad that I may never
return to that magical place.
By the way, if anyone ever asks you to come along to see a penguin
colony, tell them off! Penguins are, by far, the least interesting
animals that I have seen.
Next stop is Puerto Montt, Chile. We've decided to bypass the 32-hour
bus trip in favor of a 2-hour flight.
Hope all is well at home.
Dan
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