Into Chile

After leaving El Calafete, we began on another Doris planned expedition, this time on the Chilean side of the border in Torres Del Paine. Spent a brief night in Puente Something...I don't take a lot of time to memorize the town names any longer), then made our way out to the park the next day. Part of the ride involved a Catamaran ride across a lake, which we spent debating whether one of the passengers across from us was female or male, the jury is still out. Upon landing, we began the hike. The trek consisted of four nights at different refugios (they're like hostels in the woods, except that they're a bloody ripoff) which were sprinkled through the mountains. Im not sure how many kms we crossed during the time, but needless to say my knees were on the verge of imploding by the end of it. Although Jason already mentioned it, I would like to throw in a special note about the toughest guy I have ever seen in my life. In probably 80 km/h, ice flecked filled winds, this guy strips down to nothing but his pantaloons, pipe, mutton chops and the 10 inches of fur on his chest and struts around like its Bermuda. He then proceeds to put his gum boots on and head off up the mountain. I don't know who he is, but ever since that jaw dropping moment, he has dominated every conversation we've had. Getting back from the hike we travelled down to Punta Arenas, where we are now located, in anticipation of Dad & Doris's northern departure. Earlier today we went penguin hunting..err, watching, which ended in complete dissapointment. It cost $6 to get into this 'area', where we were presented with two of the stupidest penguins I've ever seen plus a dead one. The highlight of the trip being the two Chilean air force jets that flew overhead, we can only assume just protectin' the penguins. I'll be sad to see Dad & Doris leave tomorrow afternoon, it's been awesome having them down here and a thousand thanks to Doris for organizing two of the best hikes I've ever been on.

Pictures -

Me and the old man!

A view during the hike of the valley of the french

One less filthy penguin to infest our oceans

Another nut shot, not sure where these are going, but we just keep taking them!