Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Exposition (Torres del Paine Day 3) - 26 February 2009

Even though it's day three, it's really only our second day on the trek.  Even so, trends are starting to emerge.

For one thing, we're too uptight about this trek.  We're used to hiking in Colorado, where you have to start early in the day so you don't run out of daylight.  Here it stays light until 10 p.m., so there's no hurry.  We're leaving camp about two hours before most folks.

Our porters don't appreciate our schedule.  Each morning the guide has to subtly wake them, or more accurately, roust them from their tent after we've finished breakfast and packed up.  They're supposed to pass us on the way, but usually don't.

Dinner at the refugio will consist of the following:
  • Corn chowder soup (of varying quality, where quality=# of chunks of real corn)
  • Random meat covered in gravy
  • Rice
  • Vegetables
  • Bread
The portions are huge (which is a theme in South America) but the variety leaves something to be desired.

Lacing your trail mix with apricots is a good way to spend more time in the outhouse than on the trail.

Moving on... (pun intended)





This was the view of the mountains for most of the hike today. I especially like the light-colored area, surrounded by the dark mountains. It's like a caramel center in a nice chocolate shell.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

"chunks of real corn" implies there are other chunks that are not real corn but something else...

chadwick said...

Yeah, that would be funnier than the truth. The truth is that it was usually broth. Occasionally there would be a chunk or two of corn in there.