Day 12 - Torres del Paine National Park (2/21/13)

Another perfect day!

Early breakfast and meeting at 7:30 a.m. to embark on our boat trip to the glacier. It is about a one-mile walk to the dock and it is very cold this morning. I have five layers of clothing on, gloves and earmuffs. Jim is even bundled up, so it must be cold. We are fitted up with life vests and tendered to the boat. It was like a Chinese fire-drill getting about 75 people fitted up for vests and loaded. Jim was so hurried that he zipped one side of his jacket to one side of his windbreaker and then buttoned his shirt to his Henley and then couldn’t get undressed when we got back. He actually had to break his zipper to get his clothes off. As soon as the captain gave the OK we were up on the top deck to get the best views of the icebergs we were passing on the way to the glacier. The icebergs were as blue as blue could be. And we found out why. Come on over for a drink and we’ll tell you the answer.

You could feel the temperature dropping the closer we got to the glacier. It is hard to describe the immense size of the glacier and the icebergs. Our photos will never do them justice and I can only say it was an unforgettable experience being among these living pieces of ice. Our journey to this wonderful experience was 3 hours. One hour to get to the glacier, one hour sailing in and around them, and an hour to return. AND, at about 9:00 a.m. we were served Pisco Sours with glacier ice in them. Our guides told us when we returned that our weather today was most unusual. They almost never get to approach so closely to the glacier and the water is never as calm as it was today. We think the gods are looking after us.

Now we are off to see more of this wonderful national park. While we drive to see the glacial lakes and mountains, Yerko gives us more information about flora, fauna and geological history. We stop for a picnic lunch on the rocky beach of Lake Pehoe with the mountain in front of us. The finest restaurant in the world would not have this view!

On to a hike to see a waterfall, Salto Grande, and more of the scenes of the mountains of Torres del Paine. It was quite a long walk and it was also quite warm. We are seeing a lot of beautiful wildflowers and rock garden plants. And, to top it off, an avalanche occurred on the mountain in the distance while we were walking – we heard the roar and some saw the remnants of the snow cloud. Unfortunately, by the time you hear the sound, the avalanche is pretty much over. We heard the thunder of at least three avalanches.

More scenic driving on the way back to the hotel. Two condors were spotted flying above us. Our driver pulled over so we could watch. These birds are so huge – they have a ten-foot wingspan. We were hoping we would be lucky enough to see these beautiful creatures.

Back to the hotel at 5:30 p.m.; a shower; change clothes and to the bar for more Pisco Sours and dinner. What a great group of people we have as travel companions. Everyone is really so enjoyable and friendly – I believe we may have made some long-time friends here.