A poem I wrote about my hike in Torres del Paine… I ran all the way to the Mirador Base TorresStrong strides through a forest of tight treesHopping over small streamsShortBoundingJumpsFrom root to twisted rootClimbing aroundAnd over bouldersPassing other hikersPermisoExcuse mePermisoGraciasNodding and smiling I wanted to tell them that I was not running to competeOr to make a certain timeI was not hurrying past, missing … Continue reading Chile: Torres del Paine
So, billiards (pool) halls don’t exactly have a reputation for being safe, friendly places to go. When I saw “Pool Manhattan” while walking around Punta Arenas, I thought real hard about going in. What if it’s dangerous? What if I get hustled or robbed? Is it full of gangsters? Am I seriously considering playing pool in South America? Turns out, this place was serious. Clean … Continue reading Chile: Shooting Pool in Punta Arenas
The trails in Parque Cerro Castillo were closed today due to high water in the rivers and poor weather, so I’m staying in Villa Cerro Castillo. I’ve got some incredible views from my tent site today and am hoping to get into the backcountry tomorrow. Much gratitude to a local mechanic named Eduardo who gave me a ride into town today. Hitchhiking here is pretty … Continue reading Chile: Parque Cerro Castillo
As much as I’m here to be a tourist and have fun, it’s obvious that there are some very serious things stirring in Chilean society right now. Just walking around Coyhaique, you can’t miss the political graffiti. Although it seems quiet here, I know there are continuing clashes throughout the country. I wish all my best to my Chilean friends and I hope this is … Continue reading Chile: Political Graffiti in Coyhaique
So the Patagonia store here in Coyhaique is a little different looking from the ones in the US… Continue reading Chile: Patagonia in Patagonia
Some shenanigans from the Wilderness First Reponder Recert I just took. Turns out NOLS was running a course just as I got off my seminar and I managed to get myself registered at the last minute. I met some incredible local guides and instructors while here. I am impressed by their experience, professionalism, and warmth. So much respect for the South American outdoor guide community. … Continue reading Chile: WFR Recert
Nine days of sea kayaking with NOLS near Puyuhuapi, Chile. We paddled in 3′-4′ waves with wind and rain driving into our faces. The ocean and rain would leak through our dry suits and we were constantly wet. The pictures don’t show it, but the weather here is challenging. It’s a temperate rainforest with constantly changing conditions. Sunny and dry one moment, strong wind and … Continue reading Chile: NOLS Sea Kayaking Seminar
2 full days, 4 flights, and a bus to Coyhaique. I’ve traveled 6,000 miles. I arrived tired and dirty. It’s beautiful here. It’s sunny and breezy and the calls of many unknown birds are in the air. I took a long nap in one of the wall tents after a glorious shower. Right now, I feel a million times better than I did at the … Continue reading Chile: NOLS Patagonia
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