El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina

A three hour bus ride, a couple hours to buy food and rent equipment, and we were back out on the trail. El Chalten boasts similar attractions to Torres del Paine, but the hikes are a little shorter, and it seems to be more lush. Our first day was sunny and beautiful again, and now that we were hardened hikers, we tore up the trail.

I missed the memo, but T and Mark both brought their black socks. You know it´s business time, that´s why they call them business socks.

The views on the hike were awesome, the Fitzroy was in full view about an hour into the hike.

After about 3 hours up, we hit the campsite and set up shop. This is the view from the door of our tent.

Another hour up we arrived at Lago do los Tres, a clear deep blue glacier lake at the foot of the Fitzroy. One of the coolest places I´ve ever been.

The hot sunny weather left us no choice, had to take a dip.

It was really, really cold.

As well as getting us in better shape, our hike in Chile also tought us some very important lessons about packing for hiking trips. Most importantly how to pack light: as little unecessary clothing as possible, and lots of light dry foods. That way, you minimize the weight and size of your bag....

and that way you have room for more wine.

The next day was about an hour hike to another glacier lake. Unfortunately the weather wasn´t so nice that day....no swimming.

After we got back from the mini hike, it was time to pack up campe and head to the next campsite. However, all being hungover, and already at an awesome campsite, we made the call to stay another night, and just pull a 7 hour day the next day.

The next day, we had one more glacier/lake to see. After a snack there we headed down to the basecamp. We decided after this one we´ve seen enough glaciers for now. Which works out well, as I don´t think we´ll be seeing too many in Africa, India, SE Asia or Oz.

Back down at the base camp, enjoying a few cervezas. Ahhhh...another tought day at the office.