From: Dustin Balderach
To: Tye Chapman
Date: Wed, Feb 14, 2018
Subject: Back in Puerto Natales

Hey Tye,

We couldn’t have asked for a better last day in Torres del Paine National Park. The heavy rain and extreme winds we ‘endured’ yesterday afternoon from the comfort of the Refugio Grey died down overnight, and we awoke to a rare ‘splitter’ day here. As in not a cloud in the sky. The type of day you get once or twice a season in Patagonia. Perfect. Especially considering on the agenda for today was a boat ride on Lago Grey.

Once aboard, we cruised up near the different faces (or branches) of Grey Glacier where it spits into Lago Grey. Truly an amazing sight. Then we went the length of the lake taking in perfect panoramas of the entire Paine massif. Views constantly change with new peaks popping up just as others faded. Huge granite peaks with hanging glaciers and branches of the Southern Patagonia Icefield pouring into lakes. The stiff pisco sours chilled by glacier ice didn’t hurt.

Once ashore our private transport picked us up and we enjoyed more fantastic views on the drive back through the park. We could see everything! Lots of stops for photos added to the commute time but I didn’t hear any complaints.

We are stepping out the door to head to our ‘farewell to Chile’ dinner. Tomorrow we’ll head across the border into Argentina with our destination being El Calafate for a couple nights. The group is looking forward to Argentina and checking out the Fitz Roy area this weekend. Chile has been great to us, but here we come Argentina!

Dustin

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

February 10, 2018

The Bader Valley. (Photo by Tye Chapman)

IMG Senior Guide Dustin Balderach called in with another stellar report from Torres del Paine National Park in Chile today. He and his team had a spectacular day up in the Bader Valley!

The day starts out with about 30 minutes on the main trail before heading up an off the beaten path trail (special permit required) up into the Bader Valley. The next couple hours on the trail are broken up by great views of Lago Nordenskjold behind, and the opening Bader Valley ahead. The team had a nice break at the big boulder then powered on up for a couple more hours.

They were the only trekkers up in the valley, happily sharing it with the countless condors flying high above. Eventually they turned around and made their way back to Refugio Los Cuernos for showers and a couple beers. On the menu tonight: salmon. Not a bad day at all.

Tomorrow they’ll make their way over to the French Valley on their way to Refugio Paine Grande.

Another great day in Patagonia!

Tye Chapman

February 9, 2018

From: Dustin Balderach
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2018 11:50 AM
To: Tye Chapman
Subject: All good at Los Cuernos

Hey Tye,

I’m in the company of some very happy trekkers right now. We enjoyed a great hike today over to Refugio Los Cuernos. We stayed dry all day and most of the major peaks were out of the clouds. First we passed Monte Almirante Nieto, then Los Cuernos del Paine, and finally got our eyes on Cerro Paine Grande. All the while keeping great views of Lago Nordenskod on the other side of the trail. Just a gorgeous day. We walked from one amazing view to another. Very big smiles the whole day, especially since the goretex stayed in the packs!

Now we are sitting around the table at the refugio swapping stories and photos. The local beer and wine is already at work curing sore feet as we watch condors and  clouds swirl around the Cuernos. Another amazing day in Patagonia.

Dustin