Change in Plans: A Hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado
Our second chance for hiking to Laguna Los Tres was thwarted again by the weather. We didn't want to hike 15 miles to see more clouds and mist. So we hiked to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado, a small high point that overlooked Laguna Torre, where we had hiked yesterday. Both our guides recommended this hike as the best kept secret of the park. We had a great day, but no views of Fitz Roy or the Torre. As we reached the highpoint of our hike we were blessed to see the aeronautical gymnastics of a condor. ''The condors may oftentimes be seen at a great height, soaring over a certain spot in the most graceful circles. On some occasions I am sure that they do this only for pleasure...'' -- Charles Darwin The fall colors were just starting to come out, giving us a sense of the reds, oranges, and yellows that would cover the landscape in another few weeks. As we descended, the clouds began to part a bit and we could begin to see shadowy images of Fitz Roy and the Torre. Finally, back in Chalten the skies cleared revealing the sentinels. We celebrated a beautiful day with Patagonia wine and tapas. A note on our guides. All of our guides were wonderful. Some spoke better English than others, but they were all friendly and welcoming. While each had their own interests and areas of expertise, they all radiated a love for their jobs and their surroundings that was infectious. We were initially embarrassed to have our own personal guide for our hikes in Los Glacier park as the trails were all accessible, well-marked and easy to navigate. But their commentary on everything from the flora, the geological formations, and climbing history, to where to eat and who made the best chocolate in town added so much to our enjoyment of our time in El Chalten. (see Day 9 photos)
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.