Hosteria Fitz Roy El Chalten

El Chaltén is an interesting little town. It was put together only 24 years ago, almost entirely to cash in on the tourist interests of nearby Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy. When it was being put together, land was either given away or nearly given away to Argentinians to settle there (I´m pretty sure it was given away). The town has collected quite the hodgepodge of interesting folk. As one would expect, there are a lot of trekking/climbing aficionados, but ...

... Fitz Roy and Fitz Roy Mountain Range. It is spotted with brightly colored buildings, staked down trailers and mountaineering outfitters readily prepared to take you on an adventure of a lifetime (and your money!). Who knew that this quaint little town would exist solely with happy people that were only pleased to welcome you in their store, restaraunt, or hostel.

We bunked up at Albergue Patagonia for the first ...

... steaks, followed by a giant pizza. The chef came over to us afterwards, all concerned - was the size of the steak ok? Was it ok? Why the pizza? We reassured him that after 4 days of hiking and eating pasta, even the excellent first round simply wasn`t enough!

On the bus back to El Calafate the following day, i had my first view of the un-obscured Fitzroy massive. So i got the shot, even if it was from miles away sitting on a bus. Maybe i should have stayed another day :-)

... encountered in the mountains. Half of the lake was still covered in ice which was slowly thawing into a white network of crazy-paved slabs of ice. The unfrozen section was the most vivid blue water I have ever seen. Put these two together with the god-like granite peaks and vertical sheer walls behind and the result was wonderous.

We've seen some amazing sights this year and at times like this, I realise just how poor my powers of description actually are ...

... saying turn back if ice or snow but we were not turning back after we had booked the day especially to see this mountain peak).
The trek uphill was fairly savage and took us 2 hours to get up, mainly due to the conditions. It was a beautiful day and the trek would have been fine if there was no ice on the ground but it was severe and we had many many a slip as we reached up but thankfully no fallers (on the way up anyway). We had 2 big fine sticks for balance so ...

... wouldn't not recommend the hostel I stayed at due to the facilities', I had a great time there and met so many different people. After around 6pm when everyone is done with trekking, there is nothing to do in El Chalten. It's completely dead, there is not cell phone reception and depending on how strong the winds were determined whether or not there would be electricity or internet. The hostel I stayed in had a lot of DVDs, and I ended ...

... of rest... retire to the swimming pool and sauna for the day. Lago del Desierto: Decide to keep to our word and do another hike... only 3km each way this time... very steep climb at the end ...

... was no problem and spent an uneventful evening after a stroll up the river. I am amazed at how happy I am to sleep in a dorm. Having done the five star luxuries I now, on my own, prefer the camaraderie of the Refugio to the isolation and anonymity of the international hotel. Also I enjoy finding my own way above the guided luxury of my Himalayan trek. And it is much cheaper this way. I can travel light without tent, food or bedding because it is ...

... br>

The trail took us steeply uphill for the first hour or so, then headed down to a flatter section.



The trail took us through a wooded section...



...towards some picturesque mountains...



...across a stream...



...before reaching a 'mirador' (viewpoint) looking over the mountains ...

... br>(As my legend captain in the Fantasy Football, I'm sure that some of you reading this will be finding "Torres del Pain" already?!)

Ok, that's quite enough dreadful punning for one day, so I'd better disappear quicker than Everton's chances of finishing 4th.

Ha ha ha-ha, BOOM BOOM! ;)


Lots of love,


Al & Katie xx