Puerto Natales, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park
March 13, 2018
Temp. Range 40-51F
Showers possible all day
By 8:30 am we were in Zodiacs being transported ashore to Puerto Natales.
Three clean and comfy buses were awaiting to take us on the 1.5 hour
drive through the Chilean countryside to the Torres del Paine National Park.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1978, it was voted the 8th wonder of
the world in 2014 by people from all over the world!
This park, in Chile’s Patagonia region, is known for its soaring mountains,
bright blue icebergs and ice floes that cleave from many glaciers, and golden
pampas (grasslands) that shelter rare wildlife such as llama-like guanacos.
Lake Grey, the Grey Glacier visible left of photo.
Our stop for lunch was at Hosteria Grey, an attractive tourist complex on
Lake Grey with magnificent views from the restaurant. The property is
surrounded by forests of lenga and coigue hardwood trees serving as
a refuge for the south Andean deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus), also known
as the southern guemal, an endangered species native to the mountains of
Argentina and Chile.
Lake Grey with blue ice floe and the Grey Glacier. . . . . light rain falling.
A small iceberg.
Wish we'd had time to kayak there.
Following the tasty lunch, we moved on to the central area of the park consisting
of the alpine massif with three imposing granite 'Torres' or towers that reach
over 10,000 feet, together with several lesser 'Cuernos' or horns which are formed
of black shale.
It was quite cloudy with light rain, however we did get quite good views of this
spectacular landscape. . . . . . .
. . . . . . here's a photo to whet your appetite - next time in Part II I'll show you much more!
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Spectacular Mary - these images will live forever in both of your memories - I am heading off for a few days but will watch out for the next post on my return. I know that Paula is your long time friend, but are Kim and Rob new friends made on the trip?
ReplyDeleteWe've traveled with Kim and Rob since 2009 when they became Paula's assistants (builders, fixer uppers, planners, decorators, managers, tech wizards - you name it, they can do it!) Kim is originally from Canada, Rob from Oregon - they live in California and are the most delightful couple ever! We love going with them as they're younger and make us work harder to keep up, haha!!!!!
DeleteHave fun wherever you go - come back soon.
Amazing photos, Mary. Those Towers are unlike anything else on earth, it seems to me. What an incredible place.
ReplyDeleteYes Patricia, really amazing - wait till you see the next batch of pix! It was overcast and showery but still managed to get some nice photos.
DeleteBeautiful. I love the blue ice..
ReplyDeleteThat really is amazing Mary. Must have made the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
ReplyDeleteWhat stunning scenery. There is so much beauty in this world. I am glad you;re able to share it with us.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of certain parts of our world is just astounding! The icebergs are incredible. They don't even look real.
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm thrilled to see your photos of this amazing part of the world. The icebergs are works of sculpture. I recall seeing an amazing photo of an iceberg taken by someone working for an oil company. It showed the iceberg under water, something I had never seen. Amazing! Happy Travels!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the e-mail also Sarah - the photo you shared is amazing!
DeleteI recall the icebergs I saw in Antarctica - one was over a mile in length, and we were told there were even longer ones!
You take wonderful photos Mary. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous views.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorraine - I love to capture beauty, and stay a little creative in my old age, haha!
DeleteThe blue ice floe is amazing! The color is gorgeous! Love seeing the animals, the scenery, the water, and travel companions too. It all sounds so wonderful.
ReplyDelete