February 8, 2018
Hiking along the Ascencio River. (Tye Chapman)
“Another great day in Patagonia”, is what IMG Senior Guide reported when he called in this afternoon. The team got an early start from Refugio Chileno this morning and made their way into the Silence Valley. Once past the ranger station / permit checkpoint the trail takes them through a boulder field and then into a dense Lenga tree forest and along the Ascencio River. The weather wasn’t cooperating (rain & snow) so the team opted to call Japanese Camp, a climber’s camp along the river, their turn around point.
Once back down to Refugio Chileno, they dried out a bit and had some lunch. The clouds eventually broke putting smiles on everybody’s faces. After lunch they made their way down to Refugio Torres Central for the night. A couple years ago a puma was sighted just outside this refugio. Seriously.
Tomorrow they’ll make their way along Lago Nordenskjold over to Refugio Los Cuernos, one of my favorite areas of the park.
Despite the less than ideal weather todya, Dustin said this crew is all smiles.
All is well in Torres del Paine National Park!
Tye Chapman