It felt as if we were at the very bottom of the world, but there’s some real estate even further south on the South American continent — Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia are at the furthest reaches of the mainland, and are the jumping off point for flights to South Georgia Island and cruises to Antarctica. Almost seemed like we could’ve combined a trip, but after 2 weeks of wearing multiple layers every day to stay warm I was feeling good about heading home.
This trip was probably the most challenging of all the active and adventure trips I’ve taken. The hiking was extreme in some places — scrambling up (and then down) over rocks and boulders. The weather was unpredictable — they say you can have 4 seasons in one day in Patagonia. The wind is famed for it’s ferocity; without my overweighted pack, it might’ve blown me away. Backpacking is new to me, and clearly I have some more to learn about how much (not) to pack. And sleeping hostel style was also a new experience; and turns out to be manageable. It helps when you know the people, but sleeping in bunk beds with 5 other people is still just that!
That said, it was the most visually stunning and arresting of places I’ve visited. Some of the vistas almost seemed like backdrops or hi-def TV — hard to believe the beauty. The craggy mountain peaks and the teal blue and crystal clear lakes were just astounding. And if asked, I’d say that the glacier hike was the most exciting and fun day of the trip. I may never have that experience again, and that would be okay, because it was a perfect day.
I was so grateful to have my daughter along with me, and to see how very strong and capable she is on the trail. She left me in her dust on more than one occasion, trekking up hills easily. We had some good laughs and some quiet times together and I will forever be happy for this experience we shared.
And now it’s back to life in Los Angeles. And beautiful morning sunrises over Silver Lake. And planning the next adventure. Because to me, to travel is to live.
Signing off for now. Namaste.
