Adventures of Cameron & Emma in Buenos Aires

After Russ and I lost our third travel partner, there was nowhere to go but down, so we headed south. I let Russ handle this next adventure, and he proposed a trip to Chile, so we boarded yet another bus and headed to southern Argentina where we could easily cross over to Chile. We were very relieved (understatement) to discover we didn’t have to pay the $130.00 tax that US citizens must pay to get into Chile because we bussed in rather than flew.

We arrived in Puerto Natales, which is a little port town that borders Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. Puerto Natales reminded us of a sleepy Oregon beach town, minus the beach, plus many tourists. We arrived towards the end of the trekking season, which was perfect, as we were therefore able to easily find a hostel, and plan our next step. After much debate we decided to head towards Los Torres del Paine and trek the “W”. The “W” is half of the whole loop and takes anywhere from four to five days. As it was nearing my birthday (and on that day I wanted to be showered and well fed) the “W” seemed like the appropriate choice.

Russ and me on our final day of the trek, in front of Glacier Grey

Of the trek, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. It was my first ever real backpacking experience, and as far as that went… I am proud. Lucky for me I was with an expert, who always was the first to get up and motivate me with good humor and fresh warm mate.

Some highlights of the trek:
1. seeing the sun-rise on the granite towers
2. Being kissed by a supply boy on a horse (in my defense, I thought he asked me for a peso… not un beso… oops… sorry Russ)
3. The realization that the tent was in fact water and wind resistant
4. Seeing avalanches
5. A hot shower, and a beer,,. Finally on the third day
6. Glacier Grey

Los Torres del paine

After the trek, we were full of fresh air, and ready to bear the bus fumes of Buenos Aires once again.