2geonomads

Monday 16th March 2015.

Up by 6.45, breakfast at 7.30 and at 8.30 we meet our new guide Mauro who speaks perfect English , is a Chemical Engineer, accomplished mountaineer and is another Latino guide from Central Casting.

Set off shortly after 9 along a trail on the northern bank of the Fitzroy River.Early climb up above the river affords us fine views of the valley, especially now that the clouds are gradually lifting and the weather in general better than forecast.

Mirador( lookout) over the river quite superb and as we move along the trail we catch glimpses of Mount Fitzroy (3405 metres) and Poinsenot ( 3002).

To the west through light clouds we can see Cerro Torre (3102), Egger(2850),Philipe Heron(2750) Standhardt(2710) and Bifida(2394).

Photographic highlight when the paparazzi among us get a great shot of a small owl at close quarters.

Eventually a short climb brings us to Laguna Torre under Glaciar Grande and the above-mentioned mounts.

Enjoy a packed lunch but after a stay of about one hour we make tracks back towards El Chaltern as the wind picks up and the weather in general takes a turn for the worse.

On the way back we get a rare glimpse of a Torrent Duck pair who give a fine demonstration of swimming upstream into a very strong current- particularly impressive to this blogger who cannot swim with a roaring tailwind and a very powerful downstream current!

Nearer El Chaltern we take a fork to the east and arrive north-west of the town with a view of Rio de Las Vueltas to the north. Those who follow cycling will know that ‘ vuelta’ means bends or twists.

Return to the Hosteria for much- needed bath after a very rewarding day during I was able to chat to Mauro about football and his love of Maradona which knows no bounds. He even manages to put a positive spin on little genius’s ‘ Hand of God ‘ goal in the 1986 World Cup.

Finish of the day with a superb dinner at La Cervezaria.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret.