First Day With Full Packs

Wednesday February 5, 2020

Torres del Paine NP, Chile

Las Torres to Seron.  About 12 km.

We woke to a beautiful and almost cloudless day.  The views from both the campground and the refugio are stunning.  We can see the top part of the Torres del Paine behind another glaciated mountain.  A bit of a sleep-in this morning.  Breakfast at 8:15 and we were on the trail just before 10.  It's a bit chilly after the sun goes down and first thing in the morning so the later start was perfect.  And - what a treat not to have to take a tent down in the morning!  Oh - and a fox wandering through camp.  A few days later we came across a solo self-supported hiker who had had all his food stolen by a fox!

The six of us started out together this morning.  Joan is doing the W trek with the EcoCamp.  We saw her on the trail yesterday but they were taking a different route so that was the last we would see of her for a few weeks.

It was a pretty easy day for us today, which was nice for the first day with full packs and after yesterday's big hike.  Total distance today was about 12 km.  I'm not sure of the elevation gain but it was pretty timid.  A little bit up and then down in the morning, and pretty much flat in the afternoon.  With the sunshine it got pretty warm in the afternoon.  If this keeps up I may have to break out the shorts!

We stopped by a stream for our lunch break - very nice.  The stream was close to where a whole lot of horses were kept, so no bottle refilling here.......

We were into camp shortly after 2, I think.  Lots of time to settle in - shower, laundry, nap, etc.

Today didn't have much in the way of stunning scenery.  I think it was more of a transit day to get around to the backside of the mountain range.  It's a nice camp here.  Certainly smaller than last night and just more relaxed.  So far I'm pretty impressed.  It's nice that they have permanent tents set up and that all the meals are provided.  And if that food isn't enough, I think most of the refugios have little shops where you can pick up extra food and drink.  And - hot showers! (except for one future night).

The forecast for tomorrow looks good.  Fingers crossed!  Long day ahead; about 19 km.