The view of the Paine massif out our hotel window.
I’m exhausted – part two.
Today’s hike was a six hour affair – about 12 to 14 miles. I’m getting foot sore about halfway through the day. In addition, my left knee has been feeling funny since yesterday. Once I get moving and warmed up, it seems to go away.
Today’s walk started up a hill following vehicle tracks. Two guanaco oversaw our ascent up those first hills. Our initial goal was Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon or Lake). Although the initial climb was through grass covered hills, we did go through some forest as well as scrub.
Most of the walk is to provide a number of different views of the Torres del Paine. Kodak moments were numerous, and I wonder just how many pictures of that mountain I’m going to end up with.
There was a lot of the rounded bushes with the reddish orange flowers. I need to get the name from Ingrid or Charlie.
I had worn long underwear, both top and bottom, and it was becoming apparent that the clear sunny skies was going to make it a warm day. Indeed, a number of folks, including Charlie, had unzipped their leggings and proceeded in shorts. After a while we came to Laguna Azul where we took our first rest. At that time I shucked the longjohns and removed my leggings also. The long-sleeved t-shirt remained on.
We proceeded to the second lake, Laguna Cebolla (Onion Lake), on the same infrequently traveled vehicle path. Jonathan and I lagged behind, primarily due to our photographic activity. Both he and I were wearing red shirts and I described ourselves as the tail lights on the bus – one on each track.
The red-orange flowers were showing some variation with some plants more orange and others more red.
The view of the Paine massif out our hotel window.
Guanaco.
Guanaco, and the road that we had just left.
Guanaco.
Guanaco.
Elisabeth on the trail.
Elisabeth further down the trail.
The Kodak moments begin.
Walkers with the Towers in the distance.
*click*
*click*
Jonathan with the Towers over the horizon.
Dandelions in Patagonia - who'd've thunk it?
Walkers and mountains.
More dandelions. No, they are not native.
Jonathan on the trail.
Mata de guanaco (guanaco bush).
Pausing for a moment.
*click*
Down the trail.
Pausing at Laguna Azul.
Dixie Island - named after Lady Florence Dixie.
Up the trail.
Wildflower - Anemone multifida.
More Jonathan.
Those dandelions are everywhere.
*click*
Clickee.
Jonathan.
Jonathan.
Jonathan.
And again.
Mata de guanaco.
Mata de guanaco.
Taking in the view (Photo by Eileen).
More scenery.
Lago Cebolla (Onion Lake).
A very orange bumblebee.
*click*
Wildflowers - and my boot.