After a pretty rough plane ride today, I landed (safely) in El Calafate, the central "terminal" you can say for anyone heading to Patagonia. I had low expectations -- I heard El Calafate sucked, with the exception of the amazing glacier up the road (Perito Moreno, which you can check it out here). I, however, love the town. It has something very wild and organic about it. It isn't completely built up yet, so you sort of feel like you're at the edge of civilization (which, for all intents and purposes, you are sort of are). The town is definitely geared toward tourists, but the unpaved roads, roaming dogs, and relaxed attitudes of the locals serve as reminders you that you're not in Disney World (or Bariloche, for that matter....). I suspect the town will have a very different feel in a few years, so get your butt down here soon!
Anyway, tomorrow I am off to a Glacier tour. I am not only seeing the Glacier, but I'll actually be trekking on it! Then it is off to El Chalten for two full days of pure hiking. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and I have the opportunity to see Mt. Fitz Roy, or Cerro Chalten. See the pic below. This is the view I want. I suspect that I'll get it too, since I am usually pretty lucky when it comes to views. After all, I did see Denali in all of her glory not once, not twice, but three times. And besides, I lost my camera -- God has to have SOME sympathy for me. Not letting me see Cerro Chalten would just be cruel. (Btw, just in case there is any confusion, I am NOT planning on climbing Cerro Chalten. I am not ready to die just yet....)
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I am about to pass out, so I'll have to say Adios for now. El Chalten is REALLY in the middle of nowhere, so I am not sure what my internet access will be for the next few days. However, keep checking the blog, and I will post if I can.
Love,
Jen
PS - KUDOS TO ALEXIS for rescuing my camera! I have it back! Yay!
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