Worth The Wind January 15th

Today’s five hour hike had multiple purposes including acting as a warm up for tomorrow’s big trek as well as seeing a stunning view from high above Toro Lake. In truth it was all about the Patagonia wind.

We embarked from the same farm where yesterday’s bike ride took place. Thus the same bone jarring ride to start the day.

Sarmiennto Lake looked angry and bitterly cold. Overnight the temperature had touched freezing and hadn’t improved much as we drove by. Pushed by the high wind, white capped waves raced toward the southern shore.

At the farm we “geared up” putting on everything in our backpacks. Five upper body layers including long and short sleeve shirts, heavy pullover, down filled jacket and rain jacket. Rain pants over hiking pants, ski hat, buff (a neck/head scarf) and gloves completed the ensemble. And this is summer in Chile!

The wind was incessant and made it seem even colder. Our trek was very gentle as we traveled through armpit high grasses and thickets of trees. The latter provided some respite from the wind but not much.

We followed a well worn path crossing multiple small streams on fallen logs. Our walk subtly took us up higher and higher in the hills.

Thus on open ridges standing upright was a challenge. Walking into and across the wind made a normal stride impossible. Fortunately the sun came out and our clothing choices meant relative comfort.

Different sections of the park have suffered fire damage over the years leaving burned out wooded areas. The wind bleached tree skeletons make one think of a cemetery.

Finally the trail ended high above Toro Lake and the Paine River. Winds of 35 – 50 mph buffeted us as stood in awe of the vista below. The water colours covered the blue green spectrum. The Paine mountains provided a perfect backdrop. Tired legs were forgotten.

Our bus was a speck in the distance but the 45 minute descent went quickly. Back to normal clothing volumes and back on to the gravel hellway. I will not miss these roads when we go home! There were, however, some spectacular shots of the mountains on the way.