Mountainslayer
Trip Start
Dec 31, 2005
1
14
20
Trip End
Jan 24, 2006
El Chalten,
Argentina
Sunday, January 15, 2006
I drank water from the river (glacier meltwater that tasted as fresh as any Ive ever had). We carried clothing for 24 degree heat (most of the way), plus fleece for the cold mountainside winds, and rain gear (we had NO RAIN on this trek).
The last 2kms to the summit was so steep we zig zagged back and forth up the mountainside that we likely trekked 5 times later distance to vertical. But it was fantastic!! I have such great shots of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The walk back was hard - my muscles ached everywhere and my clothes were soaked. But at the end of the hike lay a hot shower and cerveza (beer) which we all drank in great quantities.
Before bed, we went for dinner (I had the juciest steak) and did a few updates to this travel blog before hitting the sack
01 - Walter, our Guide
. Note - I am now very behind on my updates because I lost a huge catch-up when the power crashed that night. It happens all the time here. No worries.***
Second Day - conquering Cerres Torre
HOLY CRAP my body hurts! What in Gods name was I thinking??!! Seriously, I am sure that I grew new muscles yesterday and subsequently shredded them. In any event, Ive done the obligatory stretching and Ibuprofen loading, and everything still hurts. Sadly, no time to lick the wounds...were off again on another 7 hour hike to the vantage point for Cerres Torre.
Today´s trek was mostly uphill at the start and on the last portion up to the lake. In the middle, respite from relatively flat grasslands and dry riverbeds.
My heel blistered today, but I beat that back with some moleskin. **At this time, I should thank Steve for loaning me those hiking shoes, but I fear that they have been colonized by a riteously foul stink beast. Man, those puppies are nasty, and I am not sure Canada Customs will let me bring those back in to the country**
One other victim of yesterday´s massive hike is my desire to stop and take photos. Yesterday it seemed novel to capture every image and striking vista on camera. Today, less so. In fact, whole portions of the trek I didnt even lift my eyes from the trail as I mentally seperated myself from my physical being and drifted off into the netherworld. I saw happy garden gnomes and lemon coloured monkeys, resting by apple juice streams. Heavenly...
Somehow, mercifully, the return trek was much faster and seemingly easier than the outbound journey. And after a nice shower and another bountiful dinner (stuffed Argentine steak) it was nappy time. No frolicking this night, I would say the entire group was BEAT!
That was it for today...tomorrow morning, its back to the public transport for the FOUR HOUR (bumpy) overland trek to El Calafate! Then, we head to Chile!
See ya later
Comments
Hi therer!
I'm sitting here at my desk with Sanam, and we are eating ringos...haha that could be all wrong.
Sanam hadn't read your latest mountain trek..(the second day), where you didnt' seem quite as thrilled as the first day!!!! Now Adrian is here too, so hello from Adrian too!!! I just love being surrounded by young men!!
OH....and Sanam says....quit whining and climb the damn mountain ya big woosie...Oh...You got another Gift basket here....Sanam gave it to his wife. She says Thanks....hahahaha
Anyhow write again soon.
Where are you
Hey it's Robbie. I would have posted sooner but I have no excuse. This is awesome and I can't wait to see the pictures. You went around Cape Horn you bastard.
I myself have navigated the famed 'Cape Horn interchange' on Highway 1 in Vancouver many times but its just not the same.
We all miss you. You have provided me with the greatest scapegoat in project management history. 'Well I could ask him ....but he is in Antarctica' Doh!