So, off on the 'W-Trek' as it is called: 5 days of walking a trail that follows the shape of a 'W' from the west to the east of the park. Firstly we take a boat across Lago Grey to the refugio on the other side. This trip gives us nice views of the glacier & the big chunks of blue ice in the lake that float by as we motor along towards Refugio Grey.
An inflatable Zodiac boat takes those disembarking at this point to the shore - & we set off.
Am writing this now on the top bunk at Grande Paine Lodge. Dinner (cena) was a desultory affair, but I had read not to expect much - & it is food, nevertheless. Hotel California playing in the bar upstairs where we have a hot chocolate before retiring to bed. Good!
This is pretty much like a youth hostel: bunks, shared dorms (we are lucky & have a room to ourselves), communal bathrooms, big dining hall.
The wind is blowing a fury outside with gusts up to 38 km/hr & predicted 50 km/hr (!) later tonight. I am very pleased we are not in a tent outside like some!
It was a lovely day for walking; the sun was out for the most part & we walked through native lenga (beech) forests, over streams, stunning rocky outcrops, views out to glaciers & snow-covered mountains - & wind-swept! Have to admit: the poles were handy today; even if just to help keep your balance in the wind.
We had a couple of ascents to 250 m and a tricky descent at the end after Lake Los Partos which really wore out the feet! The views coming into the lodge were sensational: turquoise Lake Pehoé rimmed by snow-capped mountains; with the cloud lifting off Mt Bariloche as we came in - & blue sky!
Walked 15 kms.
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