Chile Fjords-Patagonia Day 9

OAT Day 09 - Saturday, December 8, 2007 - Return to Torres del Paine National Park - Begin Patagonian Fjords & Southern Ice Field Cruise

The wind was howling but the sun was shining giving us an incredible view of the mountains and the blue icebergs of Torres del Paine National Park this morning.

We had breakfast and took photos of a friendly gray fox and the magnificent views of the area. We met at 8:00 and Paula reviewed the options for the three levels of hikes for the morning.

We drove to the ranger station and then again we reviewed the route we would take for our walk. We all hiked to the overlook of the beach area, and then some of our group continued on to Stage 2.

We chose to hike to the beach of the Lago Grey and its glacier of the Southern Icefields. We only saw a small portion of the glacier but it extends far north into the Andes and is the largest fresh water reserve of South America.

As we hiked out on to the glacial moraine on the beach the wind picked up off the glacier. We could see the icebergs flowing into the Grey River as this 1200 year old ice was dense due to the compression of the millennium. The bright blue color was almost impossible to capture on film.

At the end of Stage 2 a few people went back to the bus at the ranger station. We continued with Paula up the peninsula over a narrow steep path.

We made it to the pinnacle where there was a scenic overlook. I was able to take a weather reading as it was not quite so windy here. The temperature was 47°, 54% humidity, and 40.9 MPH wind speed; much calmer than the chute of the glacial moraine.

We continued on our trek around the protected side of the peninsula. Although the path going down was steep, it was not windy or cold and we actually were overdressed for this part of the hike.

We returned to the bus at 10:15 to meet up with those who did not take the long hike. They had been able to see one of the rare 10 remaining huemul deer. As we were about to leave the trailhead, we were lucky enough to see a glimpse of her on the hillside.

On the way out of the park we stopped at the main ranger station and visitor center to have our passport stamped with the park insignia. The young park ranger spoke to us about his work here in Torres del Paine.

At noon we left the park and drove two hours back to Puerto Natales. We returned to the city at 1:45 and shared a pizza and coke then walked to the shore to take a few photos. We wrote one last email because we will not have internet for the next 5 days.

At 3:45 we identified our stored luggage and then got back on the bus one last time for our short trip to the dock to meet the Skorpios III.

The M/V Skorpios III is a 164-foot, fully equipped sea-going vessel built in 1995, with 47 cabins and a capacity of 92 passengers. It uses the advanced telecommunications technology and satellite navigation available and also has a modern water-treatment plant.

Each cabin comes with a private bathroom with shower, a fridge-bar, a closed circuit television system, and a security box. The decks, salons, and dining rooms are large and quite plush.

At 5:30 we left the dock and proceeded up the channel on our way north. There was a bit of wind and some intermittent rain. We were able to be on deck to see Puerto Natales off the port bow and the mountain ranges on the starboard.

We met many of our group at the non-smoking bar. Some played cards, others talked and some saw pictures from one of our companions. As it was an open bar (24 hours a day) people enjoyed themselves.

At 9 PM we met everyone (87) in the dining room for our first meal together. We had king crab for an appetizer and then salmon as the main course. I had an excellent piece of eel that may be one of the best pieces of fish I have eaten. We were served a large variety of excellent Chilean wines throughout the meal.

At 10:20 we returned to our room to catch up on our daily activities, wash some clothes, and to try to get to bed before midnight.

Accommodations: Skorpios III Ship - - - Meals: B, D

If you wish to travel with OAT Click Here.

To receive $50 per person off your first reservation with OAT, mention the following information when reserving your Overseas Adventure Travel Trip: Mr. Victor Garcia Customer #673062

EEL!!!!!!! That's awesome. I don't know if I would have eaten it but what a unique experience to try!

Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

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