This morning, I got up and had breakfast at 7:00am before heading for my second day at the Torres del Paine National Park. On my drive a short way out of Puerto Natales, there was a car that had crashed. The scary part is that where it went off the road was the only place there was a huge deep hole … the car was completely demolished and I could only hope that whoever was in the car survived.
Today, I wanted to travel to other sections of the road I had not been on. My first stop was at Los Torres parking lot for a hike. There were two gentlemen that stopped you before entering the parking lot … I thought this was going to be a fee. What it turned out is they took down your name, passport number and license number. They ask how long I was planning on being on trail (day trip or overnight, etc.) I assume to keep track of your presence on the trail in case of injury, etc.
I read the map and thought I would go to Chileno Lodge and camping zone which was approximately 6km from the parking lot. I started the walk and the first 2.5km was along a road and path that took you to the beginning point of the real path …. It would have been nice to park closer, but the gate was closed. It was quite a hike with resting along the way at many points. The stops along the way were perfect to overlook the valley of the Laguna Amarga entrance and the end of Nordenskjold Lake in the distance.
After stopping and taking many photo’s I reached the pivotal part of the hike and what a view up the valley!
I started the descent to Chileno Lodge and camping zone. I stopped for a snack bar and water I had with me. There is also a restaurant, washroom at this spot.
This was going to be my turning point, but I was curious about the continuing path. I started to walk up the path and convinced myself I would hike to a spot where I could see the entire Torres del Paine to take a few photo's.
After hiking another 3 km my right leg started to cramp up and boy did it slow me down. I stopped for a rest and massaged the cramped leg. I asked two young ladies how much further. They explained that to get to the platform before the steep climb was only about half an hour more … and then was the steep climb. They encouraged me to continue, that it was worth it … just one more kilometre to go. Well, I made it to the Torres ranger station and camping zone. With cramped leg, I sat down and enjoyed the view.
I really wanted to climb to the Base de las Torres lookout, but knew that I would probably not be able to get to the top as this was the hardest climb along the route, it would be at least another 45 minutes and having a cramped leg … well, lets just say common sense kicked in. Sitting on the rocks with the wind whistling by, I was looking up around at the beautiful scenery of this region. With great regret of having to get up and start my hike back, I persevered. LOL
I made it back to the Chileno Lodge and took a long break before my climb of the last mountain before the long descent. I had a lovely conversation with a young lady from Finland before convincing myself that I better get started on my hike out or I would end up spending the night at this lodge. I have to admit that it would have been ideal to stay here and if I ever plan on coming back I would certainly prebook a campsite at this location or at the Torres ranger station camping zone. That way it would be an easier hike to only do half in one day and return the next … I would then be able to have climbed to the base of Torres del Paine for an amazing view of this mountain.
Finally made it back to the car, just when both legs were starting to cramp up on me. At this point, I was extremely glad I did not do the extra climb as I really don't think I could have made it all the way back to the car. I made a sandwich with 5 slices of cheese and 7 pieces of ham {what I had left in the packages]. I was also so glad I had purchased some bananas and peaches … they tasted sooooo gooood! LOL
After I ate and left this area, I decided I would drive on a side road that would eventually loop back onto Route 9. I drove by Paine Waterfall and took a few pics from the top of the road. I then drove down a gravel road through Macho Canyon and turned left onto a road that took me to Laguna Azul. On top of the hill was a huge herd of Guanaco. When I approached this herd, I spotted a small animal go up a bank near the road. I pulled off on a corner and climbed up the bank to see if I could spot and identify this animal. To my amazement, I spotted in a short distance a gray fox!!!!
I slowly walked towards the fox to get a better picture but didn’t want to disturb it. Once it looked over, I stopped … took a few pics … then left it alone.
I continued down the hill to Laguna Azul entrance and Ranger station. After entering this area, the road was extremely rough. I got to one point where there was a huge section of the road missing and decided it was not worth trying to go through this so turned around. Once I got the vehicle turned, I parked on the side of the road and walked over to a tree by the Laguna Azul with Torres del Paine in the background, what a great view from here.
I then made the long journey back to Puerto Natales. On the drive back I realized that I had seen almost everything that one can see in the park. I had the car booked from January 8th to the 15th, but realized that I would not need the car any further and I would return it in the morning.
I tried a new restaurant today. I ordered a Hawaiian Pizza ... it was cheap and I couldn't believe the cheese on it!!!
Well, I was extremely tired tonight and would take a couple days of relaxation to heal my blisters and my sunburn. LOL