I need to tell you about the wind.
I need to tell you about the wind, starry ceilings, the roller coaster waves, the stupidly un-photogenic penguins—and I barely know where to start.
For a week, half the "intercambios" ("exchange students") and I wandered around in Patagonia, a region that covers the southern tip of South America. A.k.a. a sight-seeker’s paradise.
I know forests, and I know lakes, but Patagonia has a kind of beauty that I’ve never seen. There’re ice-capped mountains in every direction (but I’m used to that at this point), and never-ending, grass-patched steppes. And penguin islands—but I’ll talk about that later.
Fun fact: On one of the tours, I learned that the name “Patagonia” comes from the Portuguese explorers’ nickname for the natives. They seemed like giants in comparison to the explorers, so they called them “Pentagon” (“Big Feet”).
Day 1
Gosh, what a PAIN.
We woke up at 2 am.
The usual travel sequence followed… until the pilot gave our group a shout-out over the announcements. That’s the first. Also, our plane STOPPED—like literally landed at another airport and picked up more passengers—on the way to Patagonia.
The final airport was CUTEST, MOST PRECIOUS AIRPORT I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFEEEE.
Later that day, we stopped for sheep shearing.
Yep.
Look at the sheeeeeeep!
Side note: A couple of years ago, I visited a farm and fed several baby lambs with a bottle, named them, and rubbed their tiny heads as they fell asleep on my lap. I tell you this to brag—and to explain why I like sheep and why you should too.
The sheep shearing was a bit... interesting. It was like a one-sided wrestling match, where the sheep was caught in a headlock the entire time. I didn't take any pictures because that poor sheep deserved at least a sprinkle of dignity, so I hope your imagination will do.
Not gonna lie, I questioned the ethics of buying wool after that, but then all the sheep were corralled (by a fully trained sheepdog—now THAT was cool to see!) into a BEAUTIFUL giant pasture with a mountainous backdrop.
TIME SKIP
The hotel was beautiful. Really, really beautiful.
This was my room. Can you believe it?!?!
ALSO. Sustainability nerd moment!!
- Instead of offering bottled water, they gave up glass cups with a vase we could refill at the water dispenser in the hall.
- They offered soaps in giant bottles meant to last MANY stays instead of a million little disposable shampoos and soaps.
- They used washable fabric napkins to hold utensils at the dining tables instead of paper napkins.
- Instead of single-use disposable cups for tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, they used ceramic mugs.
- I LOVEEEEEEEEED IT.
Adding a bit of flavor to the experience, I was rooming with a girl from France, who only really speaks French and Spanish, and a girl from Canada who only really speaks French and English. Paired with me, who can speak English and Spanish, communication was just funny. We would all have to translate for each other in a ridiculous back-and-forth.
Day 2
... wow.
Cueva del Milodón ("The Mylodon Cave").
So, apparently, a Mylodon is an extinct ancient bear species, and this cave is where the first mummified skin parts were found in the 19th century.
Look at the pretty cave heart!!!
We spent most of the day driving around to different photo spots, and it was GORGEOUS, but it was also… really touristy. We didn’t do much hiking (even though it was a “hiking trip”), and we stopped at soooo many little stores to buy souvenirs and trinkets and such.
Though I can't really complain looking at these photos 😁
Day 3
This was the day we were going to hike one of the iconic Torres del Paine trails, of 20.1 km (12.5 miles).
What was expected to be a very breathtaking (literally and figuratively) and LONG day ended up being cut short. From 7-8 hours to maybe 30 minutes.
Why? The wind.
We were bellowing BATTLE CRIES against the absolute FORCE of nature called wind, straining all our focus just to keep from being knocked to the ground.
Fully grown men (who have been hiking these trails for like 15 YEARS) were stumbling over and crouching into a wind-stance (knees bent, back facing the wind) to keep balance.
My friends and I were linking arms for stability as the sideways rain stung our faces and dust & pebbles launched themselves into our eyes—sunglasses were a necessity, and not for the sun.
Yes, I had my glasses off for this photo, but I was holding them to my face (they would have blown away otherwise) just seconds before.
NEVER. Never have I EVER even DREAMED that I would experience that kind of wind power.
The sad thing is that the trip was BASED on this hike. This was the main event. And it ended up being one of the 2-3 days a year that the trail had to be closed for safety reasons.
People cried.
Note: Maybe this is out-of-place, but I ADORE when mama nature puts humans in their place and shows off her POWERRRR. I think I actually value experiencing that absolute insanity than going on a postcard hike.
Instead of being blown off the side of a mountain, we went to a different place with a FARRR shorter, easier hike.
And we saw a unicorn.
Patagonia facts:
- The lakes are just as otherworldly blue as in the pictures.
- One must be prepared for all seasons in one day. You think Minnesota weather is crazy? Try Patagonia.
- It’ll be raining one second, snowing the next, then warm and sunny like nothing ever happened. And the wind, clearly, is unforgettable.
- There’re wild horses.
- Have I mentioned the wild horses? Yeah, there are wild horses. Was I expecting that? No. Was it epic? Yes. Here are some pictures.
The middle picture is a foal 🥹
Thank you all for reading!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
P.S. Days 4-6 coming soon ;)
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Comments
You are having daily adventures that most will never experience. I love reading your stories. Saw your Mom tonight, she is so much fun to visit with.
I look forward to your next adventure.
Leslie