January 8, 2018

Over the weekend the first Patagonia Trek of the season wrapped up. From Refugio Grey, Luke and the team boarded the Grey III boat for the 2 hour ride… it’s a big lake. The boat takes them right up next to the the face of the glacier and even stops to snag a couple chunks of ice out of the water for pisco sours for the passengers. Not a bad way to wrap up the trek.

Once off the boat, their private van back to Puerto Natales was waiting. Upon arrival back in Natales it was transition time – quick showers and straight to the celebration dinner at Cormoran de Las Rocas. After a great dinner and a couple cocktails the team was in bed and up early yesterday for their ride back to Punta Arenas and their flights home.

Most of the team should be arriving home later today. Luke, on the other hand, is hanging around in Punta Arenas. He rendezvous’d (not a real word) with Greg Vernovage yesterday. He and Greg will be leading our final Vinson climb of the season.

Our next group of Patagonia Trekkers takes off in a few weeks.

Tye Chapman

January 4, 2018

After the long day on the trail yesterday the team enjoyed a shorter day today. At just 4 hours, the trek from Refugio Paine Grande to Refugio Grey is quite enjoyable. The trek starts out winding through a canyon of sorts before cresting onto a high trail above Lago Grey. From high above you can see large icebergs drifting in the massive lake. There are some great viewpoints along the way which I’m sure the team took full advantage of.

IMG Guide Luke Reilly reports that they’re settling in nicely (two night here), with plans to relax this afternoon. Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, they’ll go for a kayak tour and get right up next to the Grey Glacier.  After lunch, they’ll head up the trail to get a nice view of the glacier from above.

All continues to go well in Patagonia!

Tye Chapman

January 3, 2018

IMG Guide Luke Reilly and his team of Patagonia Trekkers enjoyed another great day on the trail. Today they explored the French Valley. The day starts off pretty easy, trekking along Lago Nordenskjold. After a couple hours the trail takes a right turn at the French River, heading up into the French Valley. After a snack and stashing their packs, the team trekked up to the main lookout, then continued on up to the British Lookout.

No condors today, but a sizeable ice avalanche happened when the team was at the lookout which is a safe distance away. After lunch, they dropped back down to their packs, then made their way to Refugio Paine Grande. A big day on the trail at 11 hours, but well worth it was the consensus at dinner.

Tomorrow they’ll trek high above Lago Grey en route to Refugio Grey. A much shorter day at 4 hours tomorrow. They’ll settled in for two nights at Refugio Grey.

All is well in Torres del Paine National Park!

Tye Chapman

January 2, 2018

The Bader Valley. (Photo by Tye Chapman)

Earlier this evening, IMG Guide Luke Reilly called in from Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Chilean Patagonia. He reports that the weather was absolutely perfect today, and that the team took full advantage of it with their trek up into the Bader Valley. Today was an out and back day so they could go as far as they liked. To make things a little better, since the Bader Valley requires a special permit, the the team had the valley all to themselves…minus the 15 or so Condors that flew high above!

When Luke called they were all back at Los Cuernos for the night. Tomorrow they’ll pack up and head over to Refugio Paine Grande via the famous French Valley.

All is well in Patagonia!

Tye Chapman

January 1, 2018

The team got a little wet up in the Silence Valley yesterday. Still smiling! (Luke Reilly)

Our Patagonia team in Torres del Paine National Park rang in the New Year in good style last night at Torre Central. Luckily the trek to Los Cuernos is generally hangover friendly. This afternoon will be spent relaxing on the deck or down on the rocky beach of Lago Nordenskjold.

Tomorrow they’ll put their day packs on for the trek up into the Bader Valley. It takes a special permit to get into the Bader Valley, so they’ll likely have the valley all to themselves…and hopefully a few condors!

Tye Chapman