Ushuaia - Puerto Natales

On the 27.2.2006 we catched a bus and drove 11 hours northwards, only through the pampas. Only crossing Strait of Magellan by the ferry was exciting. There we had our first experience with the famous Patagonian winds. Punto Arenas was our first stop in Chile. It is the southern most town on the American Continent. It lies at the shore of Strait of Magellan. There we relaxed a few days before we headed further to Puerto Natales, a fishing port town.

Puerto Natales is close to the Torres del Paine National Park. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful Nationalparks of Chile. Torres del Paine NP seems to have it all: Glaciers, emerald colored lakes, lagoons, water cascades, the impressive Torres del Paine, forests, pampas and plenty of fauna where it's possible to find hue mules, pumas, condors, guanacos and foxes. It is the perfect hiker paradise, therefore we planed a trekking trip for 5 to 7 days. Unfortunately it already was raining when we started. After 3 days non stop heavy rain, we finally decided to quit and went back to Puerto Natales. Because of not seeing the Torres, beeing wet and paying a lot of money for the entrance we are calling the Torres del Paine now "Torres del Pain in the A.."

Our next stop was El Calafate in Argentina, where the Perito Moreno Glacier is located. Few Glaciers on earth (whole world; not only the states) can match the activity and excitment of the blue-hued Moreno Glacier. Its 60m (appr. 180 feet) jagged ice-peaks sheer off and crash-land with huge splashes and thunderous rifle-cracks, birthing small tidal waves and large bobbing icebergs. Luckely we could observe two huge cracks. It is a breathtaking spectacle of nature.

We were looking for a nother place to camp, hike and just hang out. Therfore we went to El Chaiten, which lies among of the most gorgeous mountain scenery. We had a beautiful view to the mountains when we approched by bus. We bought food for 3 days however we had to postpone our start because of heavy rain and strong winds. Although the next day we started by blue sky and sunshine. Soon later clouds covered the sky and it was getting darker and darker. During our walk through the beautiful valley the weather changed from sunshine to drizzle, which is typical Patagonian weather. We piched up our tent on a gorgeous spot in the woods near a river and close to a lagoon. Unfortunately it started raining. Peter went a little sick through the night and the weather forcast for the next day did not look much better. So we decided to return to the village. Another couple continued their trek and had to sleep the following night with snow on the tent and strong wind.

Back in Puerto Natales (Chile) we are waiting for the Ferry which takes us northwards to Puerto Montt. The departure is delayed for one day because of rough sea on their way to Puerto Natales. On Friday we are bording for the 4 day cruise through the Chilenian Fijords. Hopefully we will have good weather and calm sea. We are excited. (www.navimag.com)