February 13, 2018
Dustin and the team getting some last minute instructions before a kayak tour.
IMG Senior Guide Dustin Balderach called in with a smile in his voice. The team is having a great time in the Grey Glacier area. Their trek from Refugio Paine Grande to Refugio Grey yesterday was blustery but beautiful. The trail took them high above Lago Grey exposing them to the winds from the north that blow down glacier and across Lago Grey. Things calmed down a bit in the afternoon, which allowed the team to hop in the kayaks and take a late afternoon tour. Nothing makes you feel small like kayaking next to huge icebergs and the face of a massive glacier…even at a safe distance!
Today, is the last day on the trail in Torres del Paine for the team. They didn’t waste it. The team trekked up alongside the Grey Glacier up to the viewpoint just past the second suspension bridge. The weather didn’t look that promising for the afternoon, so they opted to make their way back to the refugio…and boy where they glad they did. A pretty good storm kicked up in the afternoon. Driving rain and wind gusts in the 75mph range were made enjoyable by the wood burning stove, hot lunch and comfy couches inside the refugio.
Tomorrow, they’ll hop on the Grey III boat and make their way across Lago Grey to the awaiting van that will take them to back to Puerto Natales. Showers, souvenir shopping and a celebration dinner awaits.
All is well in Patagonia!
Tye Chapman