Chile & Argentina: Andes To Patagonia Day 13

Day 13 - Saturday, March 28, 2015 - Lago Grey Glacier Cruise: Lago Grey Trek

Wow - was it ever dark when we got on the bus at 7:30 am this morning! We were up at 6:10 and ready to be on our way this morning to Lago Grey, (Grey Lake). The bus took us to as close to the path as possible and then we hiked for only 3/4 of a mile to board the dinghy.

Even before we were on the lake, Vic had already taken 60 photos of the sunrise alone. "Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning" was a naval saying our Dad used to tell us when we were children. No matter what weather the rest of the day brought us, the early hours of the morning were spectacular!

After a short ride we boarded the hotel's ship, Grey II for an excursion out on the park's largest lake. There was a narrow band of blue in the distance – the Grey Glacier. As we got closer we navigated through the cold water and crystal blue icebergs.

Our captain took us right up to huge Glacier Grey itself; so close we could almost touch the ice. Each view was more magnificent than the last one. The journey took about three hours, another unforgettable opportunity to see Mother Nature at her best.

As soon as we got off the dinghy and back on land, Cota offered to take some of us on another hike back to the hotel. We took the path down by the outwash of the Grey Glacier along the Grey River through the dense forest of Southern Beech trees. Fires, wind, and parasites have hit the trees hard.

After 30 minutes we reached our Lago Grey Hotel and were greeted by Christian and the rest of the group. Our lunch was huge; two large chicken and avocado sandwiches and French-fries.

Christian gave us a 40-minute break and at 1:15 pm we met at the bus for a trip to the Administration Center and Ranger Station for an orientation of the National Park. Cota took time to tell us about the history of fires in the park.

The last fire was in 2012. Because they have no lighting to cause natural fires the authorities know careless humans set them. Stiff penalties are assigned and over 30 foreigners have been deported for illegal use of fires in the park.

In the Ranger Station, Cota gave us details about the land formations by using a scale model relief map of the park. She pointed out the two-hour trail that we took and a six-day hike around the base of the Towers that we will save for the next time we are here.

We had felt a few raindrops, so we were prepared for wind, rain, and sun. As seven of us began our two-hour trek, the sun came out and the temperature was 60 degrees with 69% humidity. It was not long before we were shedding layers.

We were very impressed being this close to the peaks. At one point we heard a loud boom and then the sound like a jet engine right over our heads.

Looking up, we saw an avalanche on the mountain in the distance. A few minutes later another boom and a lesser cascade of snow came down the mountainside.

The hike took us to the Mirador los Cuernos (Horns Overlook) to sit for a few minutes and gaze at the distinct black and tan colors of the rock formations. The weather was changing and it was snowing at the top.

Time to turn back; we followed the same path and retraced our steps to the waterfall. The falls were flowing strong; we could see the spray quite a ways before we could see the falls.

We finished our hike back at the same place at 5:10 and met the rest of the group. Just at that point it started to rain. The Paine gods were smiling on us!

On the way back to the hotel, we saw a full arc rainbow. Stopping for photos one more time, several of the group broke out in a very poor rendition of "Over the Rainbow" - it had been a long day and we were all pretty punchy.

Dinner was at 7:00 giving us a few minutes to freshen up and try to connect to the Internet. Most of the groups that were there last night had left today leaving the dining room much quieter and the service much better.

Even though there were fewer people in the lodge using the Internet tonight, the system was still very slow. Once again, Vic walked down to the office to post the journal.

We have a travel day tomorrow and will leave Chile to cross the border back to Argentina for the final days of our adventure.

Accommodations: Hotel - - - Lago Grey Meal: B, L, D

Lago Grey! I recognize that view and what a gorgeous day you had (although it looks a bit chilly). And the rainbow! Patagonia really is my favorite place on earth. Enjoy!

Sounds and looks like a beautiful day again. Beautiful pictures!

Thank you Vic & Gennie for sharing your adventures & beautiful photos.We've been on many trips with OAT & GCT & it's nice to relive them or in some cases learn what's to come, reading your stories. Happy & safe travels to you both.

I hope I'm not bothering you too much with all my posts this time. (No need to respond to me each time.) I am so fascinated with your trip. I WANT TO BE THERE, TOO! The photos are absolutely gorgeous! I am really enjoying your trip.

Very cool :)

Loved your day! It brought back so many wonderful memories for me of my trip - even did 2 of the hikes you did! We did not have time for the boat ride out to the glacier but as you might remember, we got our fill of glaciers anyway!

Very interesting today. The rainbow -- a full arc -- I'm not sure what that means. It was beautiful in the pic!!! To see an avalanche and not be affected by it was awesome!!! Sounds like we can sort take it easy tomorrow by traveling. I need a shower really bad after that humid hike. LOL Y'all sleep well and we'll be ready for traveling tomorrow.

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Day 10: Mediterranean Navigation

Day 10 - Tuesday, March 11, 2025 –Ship Docked in Málaga, Spain; Costa del Sol; Andalusia

The Clio docked at the Port of Malaga just before midnight enabling us to have a very calm night’s sleep. The alarm went off at 7:15 and we had...

Continue Reading Day 10