First sunlight hits Cerro Torre, a new favorite icon.
Our first sighting before sunrise of the 'only-show in town'.
One of the editor's selling points for a visit to either Patagonia, Chile and Argentina's, were the sunrises over the various towers. We have viewed sunrises on two of the mornings, skipped a third because of weather issues and rose early today, trekked to a viewpoint in the Los Glaciares National Park and froze while we waited for the sun to warm our hearts with sights of wonder. Whereas it would have been nice of the sun to warm our bodies too, we could not expect it to exude that much strength. On a good morning of weather, until we gained some altitude, things were looking up. Until the wind arose from nowhere and the temperature plummeted into the low 30's or more likely, high 20's, life seemed extraordinary in El Chalten for a change (by the way, it's a charming town). Nevertheless, the sights, once again, were everything we had hoped for and more.
On the day before, a 23 km hike to Laguna Torre which sapped the muscles somewhat, left us weary when we woke. We got over the tired and aching muscles quickly; it was the cold that got us. At times, it felt as if our fingers would separate from our bodies. The thought of any human being exposed in similar conditions for a longer period gave us pause for thought and made one realize how little the chance of survival is for each minute one is unprotected from the elements. Taking photographs was difficult and to improve settings, it meant removing gloves. Nothing further needs to be added to make the point.
As an aside, on the way down from the 'show spectacular', we crossed paths with a number of youngsters heading into the park. One was wearing shorts and others too had dressed for the weather in the town at ground level. We're pleased they never asked us about the weather in the mountains. We hate to lie. As an aside (aside), we're often asked the common question, "Is it much further to go?" (to the top). Our reply, which we think is fair, goes something like, "Do you want the truth or...?"
We hope you enjoy these photographs; you can imagine how frustrating it was to be limited in selecting so few.
Fascinating group of edifices led by Cerro Torre. Also loved the shadows,
Cerro Fitz Roy, the apparent leader of this amazing range of mountains, reaches out for the warming rays.
After the action from the sun and cooperation of the mountains, the editor heads toward home, on the plateau.
The background setting creates a serenity that reaches into the mind and soul.
'Man, this wind blows right through one, only stopping for a while to chill the bones.'
The colors vary as the relative position of the sun changes.
Another member of the profile, this one is Cerro Nato (we think).
On a previous occasion, sighting of Cerro Torre from a further 3 miles distant. Scroll down slowly to view the following photograph...
And that may have been good enough reason for the trip, Cerro Torre and the 'boys', symmetrical and casting shadows.
On the way back down to the village, we notice Fitz Roy without its sun makeup.
Until next time...
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
'Morning has broken', light the first hour...a couple of days earlier, from a different position.
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