Farewell to the Trek of Awe

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Our last night in Torres del Paine was at a giant tent city campsite.

Mother Nature gave us a send off.

Then we had our final Patagonia hike, and it was a classic: considered “Patagonia flat” (i.e. only a 1300 foot elevation gain) with wind and rain to keep us company.

We saw the Grey Glacier. Yes it’s all glacier beyond and around the black lump in the image below.

The glacier’s size is unfathomable — 30 meters high (100 feet for non-metric folks), 6 km wide (3+ miles), 20+ km long (12+ miles).

Needed to keep your wits about you to not get blown off at the viewpoint.

Really. And no, the wind velocity wasn’t unusual.

More awe with seeing how the trees adapt to the conditions.

From there it was a catamaran ride across lake Pehoe with more beauty before we said adios to Torres del Paine and returned to Puerto Natales.

A send-off dinner. No, I can’t have dairy but I had a sample of this crab salad thingy… OMG. More awe.

Comments

6 responses to “Farewell to the Trek of Awe”

January 14, 2025

Helga

Wow! The landscape is stunning! You look great! What is that dish? It looks delicious!

Reply
1. February 3, 2025
  
  Mary Ellen Sanajko
  
  The landscape IS stunning. And dramatic. And spectacular.
  
  The dish was something I didn’t find in any other place on this adventure… dunno the name but if you’re in Puerto Natales, show the waiter this picture. There’s also a crab salad u can get that’s got avocado slices on the outside holding it together… for whatever reason I didn’t order it so now it’s on the list of reasons why I need to return to this place.
  
  Reply
January 16, 2025

Nancy Strider

Very impressed at the photos. Glad you sent that small video of everyone in the wind. I couldn’t have imagined it.
Liked your musings about water too. Looks like your trip so far has been full of wonder & inspiration.

Reply
1. February 3, 2025
  
  Mary Ellen Sanajko
  
  Thx Nancy. You’re right, the wind is unimaginable… and what’s more remarkable is that it wasn’t even unusual. Wow.
  
  And yes, the trip WAS full of wonder & inspiration.
  
  Reply
January 28, 2025

Melita

You had to eat that crab dish!! You could not go all that way and miss out! Love the core workout on the windy lookout. Such stunning views

Reply
1. February 3, 2025
  
  Mary Ellen Sanajko
  
  You’re funny Melita. YES to having to eat the crab dish.
  
  Actually the crab in Patagonia and Ushuaia was incredible/fantastico. HIGHLY recommend to anybody visiting that part of the world.
  
  Reply