2geonomads

Tuesday 17th  March 2015

After breakfast and with gloomy forecast of wet and very windy weather we set off on a different bus along the Rio de Las Vueltas to Hosteria El Pilar. With slightly better weather we proceed on foot following the Rio Blanco in a southwesterly direction. At this point a decision needs to be taken as to which members of the group will tackle the very exposed and windy ascent to Lago de Los Tres to gain a view of Mount Fitzroy.

Only Shan, Mick, Tom, Sue, Ann and Cathy take up the challenge. I consider tackling the climb but after a chat with Mauro I very reluctantly decide to be sensible for once in my life. Mauro later tells me that although he was sure I could have made the climb the stress on my replacement knee would have compromised my enjoyment of the remainder of the trip.

Much to Mauro’s annoyance Shan and Mick decide to head off on their own at breakneck speed and M makes it clear to them in front of the other trekkers that they should no longer consider themselves part of the Aurora party. In other words he is taking no responsibility for them for the rest of the day.

This issue has been festering for some time and it’s good to see Mauro finally taking a stand against the very strong-willed Shan and a compliant Mick.

As the non-climbers set off the winds become gale-force and shortly before stopping at a shelter huge gusts bring Pat crashing down, I lose my cap( I chase it down in due course)and the wind is strong enough to move my fully laden daypack when I place it on the path for a few moments.

Lichen “Old Man’s Beard”

In spite of the unpredictable winds we enjoy a great walk back to El Chaltern with tantalising glimpses of Mt Poincenot but alas not of the elusive Fitzroy which refuses to emerge from the clouds.

Mt Fitzroy & Glaciers NP
Our sight from the air when we flew to Punta Arenas

Nevertheless I suspect that we get to see more than the climbers who are only able to view the Lago de Los Tres.

As we approach the town Lelia points out the first house built in the area belonging to Andreas Matsom, a Dane.

The long descent into El Chaltern truly excruciating for my knee, which vindicates my decision not to undertake the earlier climb.

Say our goodbyes to Mauro who has been an excellent guide.

Into town again to dine at another restaurant of Lelia’s choice and as usual Shan does her own thing ordering a different meal long before everyone else and while she can be a very kind, interesting and very generous companion some of her antics do little for team harmony.

Unfortunately, after so many fantastic meals at ‘ Lelia’s Choice’ restaurants the venue for our last meal together proves to be something of a disaster.

A number of the steaks ordered are returned ( the suspicion is that they are horse meat) and most of the group go hungry.

Pat with her choice of cannelloni and me with gnocchi are more than happy with our meal. If all else fails one can always trust Italians to come up with good food!

Lelia very upset but she is in no way to blame for the debacle.

Off to bed with my knee screaming at me and with me not having the energy to scream back.

Cheers

The Obese Ferret