Vinson Massif: Site Seeing in Chilean Patagonia
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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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Vinson Massif: Hiking in Torres Del Paine National Park
November 17, 2011
Comments (5)
Looks like you and the team saw pretty much the same gorgeous views as we did when at the Explora Lodge. Good Luck—will be following you!
Posted by: Pat Purnell on
David-
I hope the weather breaks and you have a successful soon. Best of luck!
Lou
Posted by: Louis Krause on
Hey Cheryl - Will be following your adventures. Have a great climb! Candy
Posted by: Candace Thayer on
Hi Dave!
Glad to hear you and the team are able to check out some of the sites. What has been the longest you have had to wait to get into the interior of Antarctica? Is there really any kind of time limit to be able to get to Vinson, or is it up to your clients on how long they want to wait?
Posted by: TRACY OWENS on
Envious.
Posted by: Bill Horn on