Day 3 was probably the easiest of the hike, and was the only day where I experienced any rain while I’ve been here, so I’ve been rather fortunate. Again, the guide times were pretty off. Some of the routes have clearly been measured by midgets and others by giants as sometimes it’s longer than it says and other times shorter!
Today’s walk was along the river against a nice backdrop of the snow covered mountains, which you get a great view of at the first lookout point, Mirador Frances. Every now and again you hear what sounds like loud thunder, which is the ice ridges melting and cracking resulting in mini avalanches. Continuing on to the top is the second lookout, Mirador Británico, which is even more impressive (unsurprising given the British are far superior to the French). It was at the top where I bumped into my American friends and we walked back down together and had lunch before heading onto our separate camps.
The last day was an absolute beaut! I mean from a weather and scenery perspective. In every other aspect it was torture! Due to where I was staying the night before, I had to walk 6.5 miles just to reach the starting point for my hike to Glacier Gray. My itinerary actually only included a walk to the half way point and first lookout area, but I didn’t come all this way to do a half ass job so I carried on until the end and the second lookout which is pretty incredible. But this added an extra 7.5 miles to my hike which meant I ended up doing just under 24 miles that day. Practically a marathon, but up a mountain.
At the first lookout point guess who I bump into yet again? My new best friends from the U.S of A! While it would have been nice to hang out and walk with them, I was on a schedule as I needed to get back in time for my boat back to the mainland, so I soldiered on alone to the second lookout. As you can see from the photos, it wasn’t a sight to be missed and I’m glad I did it despite the pain it caused me.
While I was enjoying a pisco sour at Grey Lodge (apparently the best piscos in the park as they use ice from the glacier), the Americans arrived. We had time for one last drink together (because I needed it for my blood sugar levels) before I had to shoot off. They’ve been an absolutely riot to hang out with and so funny to be around. They’ve been constantly playing practical jokes on each other during the trip, for example on the hike today one of them put rocks in another’s backpack when he wasn’t looking and he discovered a few miles later. I found it hilarious, although he was pretty mad understandably. My kind of people, and I’m sure people I’ll stay in touch with!
I was sad to leave my buddies, and would have loved to have stayed and carried on drinking the day away with them, but I needed to walk the 7 miles back to the lake to catch my ride. At this point I’m sorely tempted to break one of my legs (as this is the only way they will chopper you outta there)! Every day of my trek a new body part has hurt. Today it was my knees and my shins. By the last 3 miles I’m tripping over every stone, rock, branch and twig because I literally don’t have the energy to pick up my feet. Knowing I had a 3 hour journey back to Puerto Natales did little to help my mood. I needed a shower and a steak because I was stinking and starving!
I’m glad I left Patagonia to the end of my trip because quite honestly it’s left me incapable of walking without looking like I’ve soiled myself. Plus it was a great way to end a wonderful 2 weeks in Chile. Now it’s back home to real life and planning my next trip!
If you’ve enjoyed reading my blog, then please give me money so I can quit my job and travel full time! Muchas gracias 🙏🏼
Until the next adventure!
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