Getting Serious

It´s Katie again and I´m letting you know that Hallye and I are getting serious. Gettin´serious about climbing, that is. We are not playing games here. This hike we are about to undertake is not for children. Starting on Saturday we are going to be doing some intense hiking. Six hours a day for four days and camping hard core style at night in Torres del Paine national park near Chile´s southern tip. This leisurely stroll to the top of this volcano was just a warm up, now its time for us to pull out the big guns.

We like to pretend that it is actually that serious. In reality, this is the most physically exhausting activity that I will have done in my life but I am not sure that it will be as intense as I have set it up to be. I guess we will find out in a couple of days. After google imaging fotos and seeing other travellers´pics of the Torres, I am positive at least of one thing; that it might end up being the most beautiful natural phenomenon that I have ever laid eyes upon. And even though at the end of the four days I might not be able to walk, undoubtedly it will be worth every rock climbed.

We left Pucòn today and are now in Puerto Montt. We have our flight to Punta Arenas tomorrow and will then take a bus to Puerto Natales to stay the night and begin our hike the next day to Torres del Paine. Pucòn was a real treat. We met some great people and even gained a travel buddy for the next few days. Chile is really proving to be a wonderful experience for both Hallye and I and even though we might not make it to every country we previously planned on visiting, we are relishing every day in Chile and not regretting any of the time we have spent in any part of this continent. Really, middle and southern Chile look a lot like Kentucky. Everyone we have met (Chileans and foreigners alike) have raved about this region of Chile saying it is the most beautiful. It really makes me appreciate the beauty we have in Kentucky which I often take for granted becuase it is so familiar to me. Hearing other people talk about how beautiful out type of landscape reminds me of how great I have it at home.

Well, I must be getting back to the hostal for some rest. Tomorrow we have a day of travelling and gathering supplies for the hiking and camping. We must get together our tent, cooking gear, sleeping bags, gas for the stove, food and everything else that goes together with a big trip like this. I´m so excited. Hallye is too. It will be a challenge but you can expect some good stories to come out of it.

Hope everyone is well and welcoming the summertime over there. It is approaching winter down here but still comfortably warm.