Kia Oro or welcome. Our tour of the South Island took a bit of a twist today as we met our travel mates and guides. We were designated the south bound group meaning our route would be clockwise round the island. Initially we were to head north but the other segment of the tour group went that way. We are 14 travellers (5 Canadians & 7 Americans) plus two young female guides, Nicola and Broghan. We’re in a 18 person van pulling a luggage trailer so there’s sufficient room and relative comfort. That’s important because today was a van day and no hiking. From Christchurch we traversed the Canterbury plains through the foothills and into the Mackenzie basin on our way to Mount Cook in the southern alps.

The Canterbury plains is dominated by cattle ranches which are expanding annually at the expense of sheep farming due to economics. There were still, however, thousands of sheep along the way. The vista was fairly brown and barren and stretched endlessly in all directions.

Turning off the main highway towards the foothills meant a slight change of scenery, more greenery (and many more sheep).

Deeper into the Mackenzie basin we came upon Lake Tekapo which was a wonderful combination of colours framed by the southern alps in the distance.

We then turn onto the solitary road leading to the Mount Cook national park. It ran alongside Lake Pukaki which also displayed various greens and teal sections. These lakes form the basis of a major hydroelectric system providing electricity to a significant portion of the southern part of the South Island.

Climbing up the valley brought us closer to Mount Cook, the tallest peak in NZ (12,218 feet). And finally we arrived at our destination, literally a stones throw from the mountain. Breathtaking.

Tomorrow we hike! Yikes.

Today was supposed to be a rest and recover day given the travel odyssey to get here. Ha! Hours of walking and thousands of steps later we’ve seen much of central Christchurch.

Christchurch is NZ’s second largest city (~400,000) and is a mix of the old and modern. Sadly a number of the latter buildings were built after a devastating earthquake in 2011. Construction abounds in the city centre with the Cathedral restoration being centre stage. Fingers crossed that the nearby tectonic major fault line remains stable for the foreseeable future.

The downtown core is a neat combination of stores and restaurants with the the highlight being the Riverside market that houses dozens of food vendors covering many of the globe’s core offerings. You could graze in there for day’s without repeating your meals.

Christchurch water supplies are rated among the purest and cleanest in the world. Untreated, naturally filtered water is sourced from aquifers emanating from the foothills of the Southern Alps. Not sure if it’s directly linked but the local coffee is outstanding!

Our walk took us along the Avon river into the very large Hagley Park. That led us to the botanical garden with its amazing assortment of trees, plants and flowers. The colours and scents were spectacular. The wooded area, with species imported from around the world, was eclectic including palms, maple and our favorite, the monkey puzzle from Chile.

Our walk was capped off by wandering through the rose garden with its 174 (!) varieties. Jaw dropping.

The sun is shining, the temperature is up and the forecast is good for at least the start of our hiking tomorrow We will learn the answer to all sorts of questions regarding the other hikers, our guides and our fitness. Wish us luck.

New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of the eastern time zone of Canada and the US. If it’s 4 p.m. Friday in Toronto, it’s 10 a.m. Saturday in Auckland. Oddly ones circadian rhythms don’t become too out of whack because you leave North America in the early evening and land early in the morning (albeit having lost a day to the international date line). We left our home in Toronto late Thursday morning and landed in Auckland early on Saturday morning. Then it was another 90 minute flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Regardless of all the time zones we’ve been on the move for 29+ hours including 21 in the air. We were buoyed by the knowledge provided by Air Tags that our luggage actually accompanied us all the way. So we’re here but exhausted. Thank goodness we have Sunday to explore Christchurch before meeting the tour group on Monday morning. Then the real fun(?) begins with the start of “the hike”.

We’re off on our next adventure to test our fitness and endurance by hiking (and biking & kayaking) around New Zealand’s south island. From glaciers to pristine fjords to spectacular views from different mountaintops we look forward to sharing the sights. We’ll finish our holiday by seeing unique attractions on the north island from our base in Auckland including cave rafting, wine tasting and e-biking. There may even be time for a round of golf! Stay tuned for daily updates starting January 7th of the wonders of nature in one of the world’s most scenic settings.

Did you know that New Zealand is comprised of over 700 islands although the “North” and “South” islands make up 96% of the land mass. Approximately 5.3 million people live there and there are a lot of sheep (various numbers but at least 25 million). New Zealand is further south than South Africa and is the third closest country to Antarctica (Chile & Argentina). A round trip from Toronto to Christchurch by air is nearly 30,000 kilometers. Conditions vary sharply across the regions we’ll be visiting from extremely wet on the west coast of the South Island to glaciers to semi arid inland and sub tropical in Northland. As you can imagine, packing the correct gear is critical. Fingers crossed we get it right.

Packing up today to head back to Punta Arenas and then on to Santiago where we will spend Saturday before flying home. The speed with which the weather can change was evident as a burst of golden sunrise gave way to grey and rain. Thank goodness we had our final big hike yesterday.

Onto the bus for the five hour trip with a stop in Puerto Natales for souvenirs and our first WiFi in nearly a week. So the world didn’t end apparently. Back to civilization actually was interesting as we’d become quite used to the all encompassing natural world. There’s a lot to like on “that side”.

Arriving in Santiago after midnight, following the 3 1/2 flight, was even more of a shock. Thousands of people, even at that hour, concrete everywhere, diesel fumes etc. Conversely, our hotel was quite luxurious hence the conflicting feelings.

Saturday in Santiago was spent touring the Museum of Human Rights which provided an in-depth chronology of the 1973 coup and 17 years of military rule with its abuses and tragedies. Well worth the visit.

One last meal at an eclectically decorated restaurant before going back to the airport with the Peggs heading directly to Toronto and the Bennetts to Miami where our car awaits for the semi quick drive to Palmira.

So many stories, memories, photos and first time experiences. Can’t wait to get planning our next adventure.

If you Google Torres del Paine, the Chilean national park in the Patagonia region, it will likely show the three spire mountains known as The Towers. Our adventure today is to hike as close as possible to the eastern base of this famous landmark. Our guide has prepared us with a schedule that shows 10 hours of hiking, an elevation change of 4,000 feet (round trip), the body position one has to assume in the case of high wind gusts and the possibility that clouds will shroud the mountains meaning zero visibility after all our efforts to get there. Oh yeah!

Among the many internationally renown trails here in Patagonia are the “W” route (4-5 days) and the Big Circuit (9-10 days). Our hike is from the Eco Camp (yeah no bus ride) by the Central, over to the eastern leg of the “W” and up through Chileno (a hikers way station) to the Towers.

The route started gently for 30 minutes then ascended 1,100 feet over the next hour. Loose shale, dirt path minimal impediments, and a medium angle of only a few degrees – hey this isn’t so bad.

From there it was slightly downhill before we entered a forest. Various sections of the trail were more difficult but overall the group’s mood was very positive. The river below us in the valley thundered along. Combined with the whistling wind in the trees it was quite a symphony.

As we climbed, so did the river highlights. Numerous streams meant hopping across rocks, logs and sketchy looking bridges. We crossed the main river a couple of times as well and the waterfalls were spectacular. At the mid point is Windy Pass where the weather can dictate going forward or retreating. Winds over 150 Km/hr have been recorded here. Fortunately it was only a breezy day so on we went.

After the 1 1/2 hour forest section the real climbing started. This final segment took us up another 900 vertical feet. First was up a mostly dry river bed filled with boulders with an average incline of about 20-25 degrees. Very slow going is overstating our pace. We emerged onto a rock fall with a twisting route that required total focus. It continued upwards, teasing us as the Towers were hidden behind a ridge. Fortunately the sun was shining, the wind was moderate and the number of other hikers minimal.

Finally we crested the last ridge and a huge surprise greeted us. There is a turquoise lagoon at the base of the mountains. It is the result of the glacier melting so good news, bad news. Estimates are that in less than 35 years the glacier will be gone and with it, the water source for the lagoon.

We stayed a short time as the 4-5 hour hike down awaited and the wind was up. Plus the popularity of this trail is such that the number of hikers overwhelms the pathway. Unfortunately we experienced such a problem and had to stand aside as multiple groups made their way up the final section. This dissipated lower down and we tromped on unimpeded.

As the miles passed the joints started to complain louder and louder. The pace ebbed and flowed. The cruelest irony was the final stage back to the Eco Camp. It came into view as we reached the valley but was actually 3 kms away and up on a plateau. We made it but only barely. Everyone is stiff and sore to varying degrees but there is a real sense of accomplishment in having conquered such an extreme hike.

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.

Another 7 am call to breakfast then off to the southern sector of the park in the hillsides above Saermiento Lake. Our objective, survive 2+ hours of mountain biking both on the open, wind blown hills and through the forest. No lunch bags today though.

Last night a fairly substantial rainstorm, heavy enough to wake us, blew through. Road conditions today were, for the most part, pretty good. One section was basic asphalt – luxury! And maybe one becomes immune to the thumping and being tossed around.

Sarmiennto Lake is a closed lake thus it has a very high PH resulting in no plant life or fish. Given the wind was whipping the water into a froth, acidity level would be secondary to plant survival.

Javier our guide also had that spirit and passion of previous guides albeit his focus is mountain biking. His fleet of top end bikes (hydraulic brakes, hydraulic on-the-go seat adjustment for changing during uphill versus downhill sections, shocks front and back, etc) awaited.

With the wind still up and the temperatures down (about 9C, 48F) what to wear was a challenge. We had a second set of clothes for the post ride trip home given fording streams would necessitate a change. The question was how much to risk of the second set on the ride just to stay warm. Segment one was a 30+ minute warmup (ha!) across lightly wooded fields with only small elevation changes. Broken branches and rocks littered the track forcing instant upgrades of our basic bike skills. At the end of the circuit it was like a strippers convention and excess clothes were put in our backpacks.

Stage two introduced climbing (painful quads, searing lungs) and downhill (frightening, challenging). The braking system was so efficient one ran the risk of going over the handlebars if the lever was squeezed too tightly (and what’s a natural reaction when one thinks they’re going to lose control – right). Fortunately no crashes, including crossing the streams, and everyone got to the finish safely.

Stage three was described as tougher and technically challenging. Hence half the group rode back to the farm on the road and four continued back up the mountain. Mark and Doug were in the latter group and I’m here writing this so obviously I survived although my ride to walk ratio on the uphill was 60/40 at best. And someone had to be the group’s caboose on the downhill. Is there a medical term for when heart rate exceeds body weight?

Tired, sore, wet and thrilled we rode to the farm where a full lamb BBQ awaited. Local custom is one digs in hands only. We dug like veterans. Lunch ended and the heavens opened with the rain going sideways. Perfect timing.

Back on the bus most everyone nodded off, the result of an out of the ordinary workout and a great meal with wine. What a day!

A decadently late start today if you can call 7 a.m. late. Our routine is a group breakfast while also creating your own box lunch from a reasonably good buffet of sandwich and salad makings. Then it’s onto the mini bus for travel to a sector of the park where that day’s activity will occur. Even the lunch bag speaks to the eco mindset of the Camp.

Today we went to the north east quadrant which is the least used section. Hence the one hour gravel road experience was less of a Patagonia massage than previous days. We transferred to a high clearance, four wheel drive van for the last segment which unfortunately more than made up for the first road. The cart track we followed bounced us like corks on the ocean. Exhausting – and I wasn’t even driving. Along the way we stopped for photos.

Our guide for the day, Victor, fit the profile of everyone we’ve met thus far – passionate, knowledgeable and one with the land. We set off on a nature walk, cum cross country hike, slash treasure hunt. The nature walk component was through verdant meadows knee high in grasses. The combination of warm and wet weather along with the cancellation of cow grazing contracts has resulted in an explosive growth of plant life. We wore gaiters to stay dry in the deep grass which added to our eclectic appearance.

The hike took use through a series of meadows into numerous tree thickets. Along the way we learned about the history of the land. Numerous birds were present and Victor patiently explained different habitats and habits. The Puma is the top of the animal food chain in Chile and there are upwards of 65 in the park. Sightings are exceptionally rare but we saw much evidence of their presence including, sadly, a freshly killed wild foal.

We climbed ever higher and reveled in the silence. Our small group had exclusive use of more than 1,000 acres. The wind blew on the hilltop ridges and we could see lakes, mountains and the Paine peaks. Breathtaking.

Our ultimate goal was to stumble across the herd of wild horses that roams the area. Most of these trips don’t bear positive results but luck was with us and late in our hike we spotted the herd. We couldn’t get much closer than 500 metres but that was enough as we watched them graze. The slightest threat by our moving down the hill would have had them disappear in an instant. The photo was taken through a telescope.

We looped around the back of the Masle hills to get back to our vehicle rendezvous point. The first meadow was large. Approaching a small rise we expected to be done walking. However a second equally large meadow lay before us. Then a third and a fourth. It seemed we walked back twice as far as we had on the outbound leg.

We knew it was an extra special day when we found not only a four leaf clover but a five leaf one as well!

Celebratory beverages awaited our return and everyone happily found a comfortable seat after all the walking. Then it was back onto the bouncing cart track, then the bus. Will the vibration never end?

Tomorrow another section of the park and another adventure. Something about ‘bring your cycling shorts’. Hmmmm.

Early alarm at 6 am as we had a full day planned. We were ready to go because in spite of it’s unique configuration our yurt (sorry, geo dome) proved to be very comfortable and we both got a great nights sleep even with the window open and the temperature just above zero C (32F).

We traversed a large section of the park in our little bus and my teeth are still rattling. Two hours of non stop washboard gravel road later we reached the south shore of Greys Lake. This bumping lurching travel has quickly been labeled the Patagonia massage.

Along the way we climbed and descended some serious elevation changes all while the Paine mountains towered above us. Sadly the clouds never really came off the mountain tops. There are dozens of lakes big and small around every turn so good photo opps.

At Greys Lake we walked for 25 minutes across a dried river bed/lake to a boat for a 3 hour tour of the lake, icebergs and glaciers.

It was incredibly windy and cold on the open decks of the boat as the glacier created its own weather pattern. Overall, simply wow.

Then it was off to kayak school for both lessons on how to get into a very high end dry suit and paddling a tandem sea kayak using foot peddles for the rudder. The former, comical. The latter, intimidating.

Facing a very strong current, Mo and I pushed off into the howling wind (and immediately ran aground on an unseen sandbar). Our attempts to get up close to some icebergs were thwarted by the strong wind and waves (although Doug and Louise did get across to a couple of small ones). Thus we headed back to the mouth of the Grey River and paddled/floated 15 kms.

Our suits worked brilliantly and no one capsized so it was a great time.

We had unexpectedly warm sunny weather but as climbed back on the bus it started to rain. Pity the hikers and cyclists still out there. Two hours of more teeth rattling gravel road and we got back to camp 13 hours after leaving this morning. Drinks, dinner, rinse and repeat tomorrow albeit with a different adventure somewhere else in the park.