Our last 3 days completed the grand circuit and took us back to the south and east of the park. You could say we had saved the best for last, but in a park as varied as this one, how do you compare massive glaciers to turquoise lakes and Los Cuernos? In any event, this side of the park is by far the busiest, as well as the most accessible, and Los Cuernos, which means "the horns", are definitively this park´s signature vista.
Our first views of the sparkling waters of turquoise Lago Pehoe (pay-ho-EY), with the famed Cuernos behind, nearly dropped us to our knees with the beauty and brilliance of it. This was also my 35th birthday--being in a place I have dreamed about, with my partner, was quite a birthday gift. I will let the pictures speak for themselves...
Heading up Valle de Frances, a steep side valley reknowned for its hanging glaciers and close-up views of the Cuernos, as well as a hidden amphitheater of other granitic peaks and towers. This is looking down the valley, back at Lago Pehoe. Other lakes are also becoming visible beyond.
Michael, dwarfed by Los Cuernos.
The other peaks in this valley were awesome granitic spires and walls--we soaked in the views from this rocky viewpoint for hours, not knowing which way to look first or longest.
Our last day on the trek, and almost done with the final 12 mile leg that will complete our Circuito Grande--the Grand Circuit, as it is known, covering 123 km (about 74 miles). The park ranger called us "muy fuerte" (very strong!) for completing the circuit -- mainly because of the weight you have to carry in food, because the truth is the distances we hiked each day were neither long nor hard. The day of the most elevation gain was John Garner Pass, but that was only 2000 feet, and although the pass has a mystical reputation as the hardest day, it is more due to the potential winds. I think we can attest to this fact --the winds of Patagonia are what make or break you.
Our first views of the sparkling waters of turquoise Lago Pehoe (pay-ho-EY), with the famed Cuernos behind, nearly dropped us to our knees with the beauty and brilliance of it. This was also my 35th birthday--being in a place I have dreamed about, with my partner, was quite a birthday gift. I will let the pictures speak for themselves...
Heading up Valle de Frances, a steep side valley reknowned for its hanging glaciers and close-up views of the Cuernos, as well as a hidden amphitheater of other granitic peaks and towers. This is looking down the valley, back at Lago Pehoe. Other lakes are also becoming visible beyond.
Michael, dwarfed by Los Cuernos.
The other peaks in this valley were awesome granitic spires and walls--we soaked in the views from this rocky viewpoint for hours, not knowing which way to look first or longest.Our last day on the trek, and almost done with the final 12 mile leg that will complete our Circuito Grande--the Grand Circuit, as it is known, covering 123 km (about 74 miles). The park ranger called us "muy fuerte" (very strong!) for completing the circuit -- mainly because of the weight you have to carry in food, because the truth is the distances we hiked each day were neither long nor hard. The day of the most elevation gain was John Garner Pass, but that was only 2000 feet, and although the pass has a mystical reputation as the hardest day, it is more due to the potential winds. I think we can attest to this fact --the winds of Patagonia are what make or break you.
In any event, our last day was blessed with sun again, and only a light breeze. We were--dare I day it? -- hot! Behind us Lago Nordenskjold unfolds--or, as we called it, Lake Nor(mumble)(mumble). A happy day to complete a grand trek. For anyone who has ever picked up a pack and felt their spirits rise as they hiked, we think you should come see this magical place.
No comments:
Post a Comment