Back to Reality

It's official, my vacation has come to an end. I arrived in Boulder this afternoon with many amazing memories that will last a lifetime. It's not easy to leave a place like Puerto Natales after spending a month immersed in the culture. I've decided that this is the first of many journeys that I will make to Patagonia. In looking back at the big picture, I realize that the adventure has only just begun. Thanks to all who followed my words and my photos along the way. I'll post the remaining photos as soon as possible.

The Strike is Over

Yesterday morning the people and the government agreed on a temporary compromise for the increased gas prices. The road blocks came down, the shops opened their doors, buses resumed their regular schedules, and the people paraded around town in celebration. There are many questions left unanswered regarding the decisions that will be made between now and October, and the locals fear that the tourism industry will take a big hit this season. Still, Natalino's are very resilient and life seems to have returned to normal for the time being.

So my journey home will begin tomorrow night. I will take the bus to Punta Arenas and then fly to Santiago early Friday morning. My time in Natales has been amazing! I am sad to leave such a beautiful place filled with so many friends. Although, this is only the beginning...there are many more adventures for me in Patagonia!

Stranded in Natales?

Since I've arrived in Natales, the Chilean government passed a law to raise the gas prices 17% in Southern Patagonia. The people of the region have responded by protesting in the streets and closing the businesses in town, including the airport and the bus station. The bus drivers and taxi drivers are on strike, the grocery stores are closed, and tourists are stranded in Natales. They are not allowing people to enter Torres del Paine, and it has been difficult for many people to find transportation out of the park. I was lucky enough to catch a bus from the park to Natales yesterday afternoon, after waiting only a few short hours. There were hundreds of people camping, waiting, and hoping that the buses would return to transport them back to town. All of the roads in and out of town are blocked with buses, trucks, fires, and groups of people protesting the increased gas prices. It's quite exciting to be here during these times! I'm suppose to fly out of Punta Arenas this Friday, so hopefully everything is back up and running by then. If not, I suppose I'll just have to stay in Natales a little longer :)

My time in Torres del Paine was incredible! It is hands down the most beautiful place I've ever seen. We hiked for four days along rivers, lakes, glaciers, and gigantic snow covered peaks. I'll have lots of photos to share with you very soon!

I'll try to post again when there is more news available about the strike. Much love to all!

Kayaking, Climbing, and Hiking

My days have been filled with many new adventures! I've discovered a new passion for kayaking, and have paddled across the gulf a couple of times with my friend Cristian. He owns Fortaleza Expeditions here in Natales and guides clients across the gulf for lunch and a bird watching tour. The distance is not far, but the amount of time it takes to cross the gulf always depends on the weather and the wind. On my second day out, the wind was so strong that waves were crashing over the kayak, making it difficult to notice our slow progression across the sea. The return trip was obviously much easier, with the wind at our backs. And I was lucky enough to paddle next to a dolphin who was only ten feet away from my kayak. It was incredible!

Yesterday, I went climbing with Drew and Andre at The Middle Cave. This is the third climbing area that I've checked out, and all of the climbing is super fun. The friends that I'm climbing with have put up most of the routes around Natales. The local climbing areas have just recently been developed in the last few years. Most of the rock is conglomerate, but there is also some limestone at Laguna Sofia. The view from any of the climbing areas is spectacular, with gigantic mountains, turquoise water, and endless sky in every direction.

Most days I walk the 40 minutes from Chino's house (El Patroncito) into town. I might meet up with friends to eat lunch, do some shopping, take care of the laundry, or go drink a delicious micro brew at the local pub, Baguales. This morning I decided to walk the long route into town, along the coastline. The wind is so powerful that it nearly knocks you down, but the views make up for the extreme conditions. Swans and ducks float the swells, broken shells and driftwood litter the beach, and the winds causes huge waves to crash into the shoreline.

The next plan is to head back to the park tomorrow or Wednesday with Claudio. We're hoping for good weather so we can hike to the French Valley and to Glacier Grey. The weather has been perfect since I arrived on the 26th, so let's hope it stays that way!

Long Days in Natales

Literally, the days are so long down here! With dawn at 5am and the sunset around 11pm, there is more than enough time to sleep in late, run some errands, catch a nap, go climbing, and still be home for dinner before dark. I've been climbing at both of the local crags, Laguna Sofia and Dorotea. I went hiking in Torres del Paine with Chino and Clayton, which was absolutely spectacular! Today I ventured off on a bird watching tour, and tomorrow I've been invited to go kayaking. I can't keep up with all the photos I've taken, but I did upload another slideshow of the more recent pictures. Enjoy! Happy New Year!