Yesterday, we traveled for most of the day overland from El Calafate, Argentina to Torres del Paine, Chile. The stop at the border was a study of bureaucracy. Off the bus to emigrate from Argentina, passports stamped, back on the bus, drive 150 yards, off the bus, immigrate into Chile, passports stamped, each given a PIA form which we must keep with us until we leave the country, all bags checked by dog or run through scanner, back on the bus, drive 100 yards, move baggage from one bus to another, pick up a new guide (Chile insists on using it's own buses and guides), and we're on the road again! Ah, the joys of travel.
 Leaving Argentina |  Chef Danna entertains and fed us as we traveled. |
Torres del Paine is a Chilean national park widely considered to be South America’s finest—and one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. We spend two nights here, giving us time to hike; witness the ostrich-like rhea (known locally as nandu), condor, quanica (related to llamas), and myriad birds protected by this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site. But, here the real treat is the spectacular snowcapped mountains rising dramatically over mirror-smooth lakes.
 |  Looking at the nearby quanica |
The park comprises about 935 square miles and is part of the Paine Massif, granite mountains that emerge suddenly from the plains of the Patagonian steppes. This granite intrusion is one of the most recognizable mountain profiles in the world. It was formed about twelve million years ago, when sedimentary rock and magma collided violently and were thrust high into the air. After the Ice Age, when the ice fields covering the base of the massif began to melt, water and wind carved the rock into huge towers of varying shapes, at heights up to 9,000 feet. The glaciers of the park are in quick retreat—up to 56 feet a year for the last 90 years.
Weather here is usually cool and very windy. We are lucky - it's warm (70's), calm and sunny. Our local guide said this is the warmest she's ever experienced and the cloudless skies are unprecedented.
Weather here is usually cool and very windy. We are lucky - it's warm (70's), calm and sunny. Our local guide said this is the warmest she's ever experienced and the cloudless skies are unprecedented.
 Randy and Kathy |  Sue, Caroline and Bill |
The second day we explored the rugged majesty of Torres del Paine with a pair of scenic hikes, each lasting about two hours.
 Jeanie and Marianne at the end of the trail |  Judy |
 Photo ops everywhere |  Just one of many photo stops |
 We arrived at our hotel late yesterday afternoon. Here's the view from our window! |
Internet was VERY SLOW today, but I have been able to create this post. Tomorrow we'll board the MN SKORPIOS III for a 3 day cruise of the Chilean Fjords. We'll have not internet availability so you won't receive another posting for 4-5 days.
