Patagonia Chili, the 2nd most beautiful place on earth.
As I recall my adventure had just taken me to the very bottom of the world, the southernmost city in the world. Our next stop would be to cross the Chilean boarder and hike The "W". I cannot explain the wonderful hiking that one can experience in Patagonia, but I am certain everyone has seen photo's. This is a place that seems almost unreal, had I not experienced it for myself I would have believed that it really only exists in the minds of those who role write fantasy.
After a long bus ride, on which we were able to observe a pod of black and white dolphins, and a good nights sleep in Puerto Natale's, Chili, we were ready to hike the "W". The pictures I have taken will in no way do justice to this perfect area of land for the most part untainted by human interference. Keep in mind that this is quit literally the bottom of the wold populated world. Unless of course you care to count that peculiar dwarf people who waddle about in tuxedos all day.
The famous 'W' is a series of well kept trails that winds through sparkling clean lakes who's water is especially blue to an exceptionally high oxygen content from being compressed under the weight of frozen glaciers. The lakes themselves of course are formed from the pooling runoff which is so cold and delicious it makes carrying personal water supplies unnecessary. The 'W' itself connects the "Torres del Paine" (Towers of Pain) and Glacier Grey.
We began on the backside of the trail and hiked all evening to reach a particular camp site resting a few hours from the Towers. After a hearty dinner we set up camp. We awoke at 4:30 the next morning to be certain to catch a glimpse of the sunrise illuminating the majestic towers. Though at first I was hesitant to leave my warm pack on such a cold morning, we knew this was the only chance we would get. Looking back I know I would never have forgiven myself had I missed this opportunity.As the sun rose the towers went seemed to come alive from they're cold, dark sleep. The sun illuminated these intimidating peaks. Though quit brief we sat spellbound. We watched for a few marvelous minutes as the peaks turned from dark shadows to pale pinks, then shades of celestial blue, vibrant orange, and sinister shades of red as if someone had set the entire region on fire.
Around 7:30 we began hiking back down to camp and after a quick breakfast we broke camp and set a grueling pace for the next campsite. We had no idea we were in for another 11 hours of trekking with full packs on our backs. When we finally did arrive that evening we were completely exhausted. The next day we leisurely enjoyed the scenery. We explored climbed and only moved a few hours to a camp site which was not only very close, but also had bathrooms, showers and a restraint. Due to lack of competition the food was extremely expensive so in the end we decided to cook our own.
The next few days though grueling were extremely rewarding. Enjoy the photo's and over the next week or two I will be sharing what the Lord was teaching me during this amazing week!
