Patagonia

Im a little late in writing this post mostly because I find it hard to describe not only the Chacabuco Valley, but Patagonia in general. I know my words and pictures only scratch the surface on what this place has to offer in terms of aesthetics and the magnitude of the forces of nature that are present every day.

Basically this is a place where you can see the elements at work and get a true understanding of how the planet is shaped along the course of thousands and millions of years. In a single day you can witness radiant sunshine, rain that seems entirely foreboding as it comes at you while dwarfing the mountainside, hail and wind so strong that if it were to be on the east coast of the States, they would give it a name and make you evacuate. Here the sky is oftentimes more chiseled, shaped and inspiring than the land beneath it. I have never seen skies like these here in Patagonia and it will be the thing I miss most when I leave. The repetition of greens, yellows, browns and black gives this place a contrast that is altogether natural and welcoming at times. There are no creatures here that can harm you which is good because the landscape can be challenging enough as it is. Being able to pass through a half-dozen different ecosystems within the span of a day is remarkable to say the least. Glaciers provide the land with streams, lakes and fresh water for its wildlife and weary travelers. Its simply a place everyone should visit.

More on the 2 weeks spent in Chacabuco coming tonight (hopefully)