Hiking in Patagonia - Chile and Argentina
February 2-18, 2013
Part One - Chile
Page Six - Hiking into the French Valley to Lodge Paine Grande
Rainbow over Nordenskjold Lake on a very rainy and overcast morning
Only one person at a time was allowed to cross this rickety bridge
across the roaring river that flowed into Lago Nordenskjold.
I had no desire to do otherwise.
In late December 2011 and into early 2012 a wildfire raged in this area
forcing a closure of Torres Del Paine National Park
for a while
and burning over 36,000 acres. A hiker was blamed for starting the enormous
wildfire by burning toilet paper.
The fire started
near iceberg-studded Lake Grey and
spread rapidly.
At one point, a sudden wind shift engulfed firefighters fighting the fire, killing several.
The charred trees and dark clouds created an eerie view of Cuernos del Paine
Cuernos del Paine under dark skies behind charred trees
Approaching Lago Pehoe and the Paine Grande Lodge
Lago Pehoe
The very turquoise Lago Pehoe
View of Cuernos del Paine from Lodge Paine Grande.
This lodge is only accessible by hikers.
Upland geese. These birds are 24–28.5 in long and weigh 6.0–7.1 lbs.
Baby
Spreading wings
Lago Pehoe with Cuernos del Paine in the background
Female upland goose
Note green leaf in the goose's mouth
Males have a white head and breast; the females are brown with black-striped wings and yellow feet.
Baby
At dusk from Lodge Paine Grande
Punta Bariloche from camping area at Lodge Paine Grande at dusk.
We were staying inside the Lodge. During the night, 65 mph winds
whipped through the camping area outside destroying a number of tents.
Link to Page Seven - Grey Glacier
Pat's Home Page