is that snow?

Day 3

Things i learned:

1. it is very cold at campamento italiano. and the only place to pitch a tent is on a hill. that leads to no sleep.

2. the weather in patagonia is crazy.

i was feeling really slow today. everything seemed to sting a little. it didn´t help that the trail was pure rock scrambling. and that it started snow. and hail was pelting our faces. was this a joke? it is summer here.

3. it is okay to turn back.

we were warned not to go further if the weather looked bad because a) it was dangerous and b) there was no point because you wouldn´t be able to see the spectacular view once you reached the mirador. everyone seemed to be turning around, so we figured it was the smart thing to do.

4. if you hear thunder, it is actually an avalanch. we witnessed two! but from a distance.

5. be tough and push yourself to hosteria torres when the weather is decent.

we were originally going to stay at campamento italiano again that night, but decided we better move on to campamento cuernos so we dont die on day 4. now, without hiking up valle frances, we decided we should try and make it to hosteria torres since we had a little bit of extra time and the conditions appeared to be okay.

6. be thankful for bushes when you are blown off the ground, pack and all, and land four feet down the path in one.

7. take a left at the fork near the lago by hosteria torres.

that advice was given to us and it was much easier. we felt bad for the lady who climbed an unnecessary hill.

8. nothing was more glorious than seeing a rainbow over hosteria torres.

as our feet were about to fail us, we finally see the camp up ahead. by this time it has been over 12 hours since we started hiking.

i thought hosteria torres was truly one of the most beautiful and romantic places ever. the sun had peaked out. the site was surrounded by lush, grassy hills. and best of all, no wind!

9. dont be alarmed if you are cooking your meal at hosteria torres and a random horse walks by. it is totally normal. oh and watch your step...there is horse crap EVERYWHERE.

10. una luna llena (a full moon) can be an incredible site.

as i was sitting by the fire, i see something HUGE and yellow out of the corner of my eye and i was thought to myself, WHAT THE F IS THAT?!!!! so i run and dodge all the crap as i try and get a better look at this monstrosity. it turned out to be the moon. and what a glorious moon at that.