March 20, 2014 - Thursday. Torres Del Paines, Chile

MARCH 20, 2014 - Thursday,  Torres Del Paines

BOTTOM LINE:
Explored the area adjacent to our Hotel Lagos Grey

BACK STORY:
After sleeping in until nearly 9am we opened up the drapes in our room to a blustery morning of mixed rain and SNOW!  That's right, the fluffy white stuff!

We headed down to the restaurant to catch the last of the morning meal that came with the room.  We were not impressed with the burned muffins and cold burned eggs.  Guess that served us right for not getting there earlier.

As we walked back to our room the sun began to break through so we decided to head out for a short 2 1/2 hour hike.  The Hotel Lago Grey sits on, you guessed it, "Grey Lake."  There was a spit of rocks that extended out onto an island.  A hiking path guides people around the island and up onto an observation platform where there are views of the glacier.

After driving to the parking lot and bundling up with every layer of clothing we had (I had six layers on plus a hat, scarf and gloves), we began our trek.  I was surprised to see a group of younger people gearing up for a hike and camping trip in the stormy weather...but that's youth! The large plastic storage containers told me that the guides were accustom to wet weather.

camping trek

There was a beautiful forested area that preceded a suspension bridge crossing. The bridge looked sturdy enough but was limited to six people on it at one time.

The bridge had a raging river flowing (you guessed it, Grey River) below it so every creaking step on the aging wood slats was made in haste.  Half way to the far side wind gusts kicked up making it difficult to walk straight. By the time we reached the other side the sunny skies had disappeared behind dark clouds. Up the mountain sides we could see snow falling.

my nightmare!

raging river

Breaking through the forest we began our mile and a half walk across the rocky spit.  The wind was howling and the gusts of 60-70mph challenged our balance. Rain tried spitting at us before surrendering to a downpour. We made it to the island and took shelter from the wind and rain next to the rocky cliffs under a tree.

man with machine gun on wooded path!

view of spit where we would hike to

Bruce scoping out the scene

weather closing in on us

When the rain lightened up we came out of our shelter to inspect the trail up onto the island. All I saw were wet glistening rocks and I told Bruce that I was heading back to the car!  Wet meant slippery and with gale force winds, I wasn't going to risk it. Besides, I had forgotten my walking stick which was a must.

a rainbow to guide us back to the car

Returning back to the hotel we rested and then went to the hotel lobby sit and to read and enjoy the magnificent view from the huge windows.  Our hope was to get a glimpse of the mountain spires. Unfortunately it wasn't to happen.