Patagonia, Part 3

The Amazing Torres del Paine Mountains

Continuing with the amazing Torres del Paine National Park, visiting spectacular and untouched mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, with a horse back ride for added fun!

1. Buenos Aires 2. El Calafate/ Pereto Moreno Glacier 3. Torres del Paine National Park 4. Puerto Natales/ Puerto Arenas 5. Chilean Fjords/ Tierra del Fuego 1 6. Chilean Fjords/ Tierra del Fuego 2 7. Ushuaia/ Buenos Aires

This was the view from our large hotel window! So there I was with a camera looking out at incredible mountains that looked new under every light. What could I do but take photo after photo... after photo? This time I included the window just to explain why the view was overwhelming my good sense. Ah, mountains reflected in the windows of the deck. We saw lamb being roasted this way over an open fire a number of times. The Horseback Ride My steed is that handsome white horse second from the left. The Next Hike Off on another drive to see and hike more of the mountains. You know it's a beautiful day when even the bus driver jumps out to take photos! This swinging bridge was a bit of a challenge - I held on! We were walking along the beach of the lake to get to a view of this glacier. Then we drove to a small museum of Torres del Paine. The person in back on the left with the green band was our overall tour guide, and the woman in the Patagonia shirt (holding the matte cup) was our local guide. This spot had an amazing reflection of the mountain! Left to right, our local guide Cota, the bus driver, and our tour guide Mariela The Waterfall Walk in Torres del Paine A big strong waterfall... and a lovely meadow-like area of flowers. The waterfall is deeper than it looks in the photos. Rapids looking upstream from the falls. Absolutely distinct shape of these mountains. A last look here and we are on the road again. We had a short walk (that felt like a big hike to me!) to see Sarmiento Lake with its white shoreline (OK, I didn't walk all the way, I confess). Then on the road. Once we leave the mountains, I again think of Western Nebraska as I watch Hereford cattle graze on the sandy hills with the high water table. An R&R stop, where I bought a wide-brimmed Patagonia hat.

NEXT 1. Buenos Aires 2. El Calafate/ Pereto Moreno Glacier 3. Torres del Paine National Park 4. Puerto Natales/ Puerto Arenas 5. Chilean Fjords/ Tierra del Fuego 1 6. Chilean Fjords/ Tierra del Fuego 2 7. Ushuaia/ Buenos Aires