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Vinson Massif: Site Seeing in Chilean Patagonia

Posted by: | November 16, 2011
Categories: *Expedition Dispatches *Vinson Massif

Greetings from Torres Del Paine National Park in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.

That isn´t exactly where we were supposed to be today, but it is quite nice.  At our briefing yesterday morning in Punta Arenas, our logistical partner (ALE) advised us that big snowstorms were complicating travel to Union Glacier in the Antarctic interior.  We were given three free days to explore.  This is something of a luxury since ordinarily, waiting in Punta Arenas to begin a Vinson Expedition means not knowing from one hour to the next whether the fight will be imminent.  Of course we´d rather be down on the Ice right now, but storms and delays are quite normal when one is traveling to Antarctica and we do not want to go flying if conditions are not absolutely right.  Safety first.  Last night, the team got together in Punta for a round of the traditional Chilean cocktail, the Pisco Sour and then we enjoyed a fine dinner at La Luna restaurant.  This morning, most of us piled into a van and enjoyed the Patagonian countryside and wildlife as we cruised for about six hours to the park.  We were treated to big and beautiful views of the massive stone towers, normally obscured by cloud down here at the edge of the Patagonian Icecap.  Guanaco were plentiful and our driver, Roberto, graciously halted the vehicle for every photo opportunity.  We´ll spend two nights here at the end of the road, some in the hostel and some in the hotel.  All of us are looking forward to stretching our legs for hiking tomorrow.

Best Regards,
RMI Guide Dave Hahn

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