2geonomads

Saturday 14th March 2015

Breakfast at 8 gets a pass mark but it is all a bit mass-produced.

The whole group leaves on foot at 9.00 am and after a short distance we say cheerio to Marg who is going on a shorter hike in view of her injuries.

As we head off up an increasingly demanding track, we are buffeted by very strong winds which at some points threaten to blow us off the narrow path to the waters of the Rio Ascencio far below. The line of walkers soon spreads as Shan, Mick, Tom and Sue make  up a breakaway group with Cathy, Anne and yours truly the next group.

On arrival at the rifugio the staff have for some strange reason decided to select this moment to clean the cafe area. With the hyperactive Shan applying the pressure on the trekking leader Cris a decision is made for one group to set off at once up to the base of Las Torres. Once again this comprises Shan, Mick, Tom, Sue, Kathy,Ann and I with Pat and Heinz also opting to join us.

As we are due to leave Lelia arrives at the rifugio with Gail and Lyn, both of whom are understandably  none too pleased that the group has split up in this way.

Nevertheless the leading group sets off, leaving Lelia to walk with Gail and Lyn to a rest area along the valley which affords a good view of the Tops of the Torres.

Pat and Heinz drop off fairly soon to walk with Leila Gail and Lyn, but Ann and I decide to press on up the mountain, albeit at a slower pace than the roadrunners at the front of the peloton.

I suffer from minor dehydration for a very short time but some water and trail mix soon do the trick.

As we climb the trail becomes increasingly difficult but Ann and I work as a something of a team and Cris does come back to check on us as we cross the shale close to the top of the ridge.

No words can do justice to the sight of the Torres del Paine and the lake at the base of these majestic peaks I have finally achieved a lifelong goal of standing in this spot.

The ‘Roadrunners’ ie, Shan and Mick are soon off back down the mountain but the rest of us linger to take in this truly breathtaking panorama.

Return to the rifugio with Cris looking after Ann and myself.

Eventually catch up with Lyn, Gail and rest of Lelia’s group lower down the trail and  our weary limbs finally get us back to to the hotel.

Gather in the lobby and hold a collection for Cris before wishing him a fond farewell.

Dress up into something bordering on civilised  and after dinner turn in by 10.30.

A day to remember and another one off the Bucket List.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret