Torres del Paine National Park

Our group had three mini-vans for transport into the Park. On the way, there were many “potty break” stops, and most restrooms were attached to a souvenir stand. People were always hopping in and out of the mini-vans, changing seats, etc. When we finally arrived at the gate entrance to the park, a private auto zoomed up behind us and a woman (“ex-Nun” who was perpetually cheery!) from our group jumped out! She had been left behind at the last place and James didn’t take a head count before leaving! Bad James!! Fortunately for her, she spoke fluent Spanish, flagged down a passing car, told them the Park destination and they drove her to meet us. Rest assured…there was a careful head count whenever we stopped after that little incident. View image

Torres del Paine National Park was established in 1970 and given World Heritage status in 1978. Every now and then we’d see some Guanacos grazing on the hills, a relative of the Llama (they all look the same to me).

Inside the park by gorgeous, turquoise Lake Pehoe, it was time to unload all the camping equipment, and food in preparation for a 20-minute boat ride across the Lake. View image That took a lot of time but the day was sunny though cold with beautiful views of the mountains, and we were having a good time getting to know our fellow trekkers. View image

Boat ride over, we hiked around the southern flank of the massif, beneath the Cuernos (Horns) del Paine,(pronounced “pie-nay”) on the way to our first campsite, Campamento Italiano, situated only a few hours from Los Cuernos (the Horns). View image This trail wasn’t too difficult – crossing the French River on a swinging bridge through a mixed terrain of grassland and forest.

The Camp was crowded with other trekkers and we faced our first challenges. (Remember the word… “WINDSWEPT”?):

- Yes. Our first taste of the notorious Patagonian WIND. It was difficult enough for us “uncoordinated” campers to erect a tent…period…without the wind ripping it out of your hands.

- And then, holding it down before the tent became airborne.

- And then, finding some rocks or shrubs to tuck your tent between to keep it in one place the entire night!

All this required a concerted group effort and lots of laughter…”someone sit on the edge”.. “stand on it”…”help me find a rock for shelter”…but we finally got settled in. View image