We set off about 30 minutes early today because we wanted to be in front of the other group of hikers -- they had a big 15-20 person group and you don't want to be caught waiting at the rope bridge.
Also we were carrying our crampons for the glacier hike, pretty cool accessories and they fit nicely into our packs.
After roughly an hour we arrived at the rope bridge. I should tell everyone, that I clearly misunderstood the definition of a rope bridge. (The Adventure Life site says, rope harness, but somewhere along the way I had converted that to rope bridge). So, Karen and I were expected a typical V-Shaped rope bridge that we would walk across while hold the ropes on each side. WRONG.
This was a *step into your harness, attach the primary and secondary clamps, and then hang upside down and pull yourself and your pack hand-over-hand to the other side* type of crossing. It was only 15m or so, but boy, the triceps burn was noticeable. I'll politely note that Karen did not enjoy being upside down less than 5m about the water. Only one person can go at a time and this is a fairly exposed part of the moraine, which is why we wanted to be in front of the larger group.
You then begin a long ascent along the lateral moraine (on the opposite side from the optional hike the day before). The trail takes your through forest and up and up and up so you can cross a river. Then it is back down, down, down to what historically was the gateway onto the glacier. I can't remember the exact ascent, but it was over 250m in my guess.
By this time, the other group had caught us and we let them cross the scree and loose rocks to get to the glacier. This part of the trek is not for the faint of heart -- while there is a *path*
across the loose rocks, they are as their name implies loose rocks and they can shift and move when you place your foot on them. We decided to give it a try and slowly made our way across without incident.
Once on the glacier, we donned our crampons and began to walk around to get used to the feel. David lead us to different areas and we were able to spend as much time on the glacier as we wanted. Eventually, we indicated it was time to head back and thus we started back.
After a long day, the ascent from the glacier to the stream crossing seemed much steeper on the ascent that it did on the descent earlier. We also had a good taste of the famous Patagonia wind while trekking on the moraine. At some points it seemed like we were literally going to be blown off the trail -- so much so at one point that I actually grabbed Karen's pack to make sure she wasn't going anywhere!
Since I love my wife, I'll just mention that we made it across the rope bridge -- no further comments necessary.
We made it back to the campsite and had a nice snack and brief rest. At this point, our legs assumed we were done, since we were at a campsite, right? Wrong. The day's activities don't end here -- rest is in El Calafate and that is about 2 hours further away.
Karen and I set off (because what else are you going to do). It was a leisurely pace across trails we had used the previous day and then a new trail that leads to town. We did have some wonderful views of the valley on our right hand side.
Finally, the trail opens up and provides a great view of the town -- spread out in all of its' color and quaintness. Very memorable. The descent into town took a bit longer as Karen's knee was not happy with her, but she continued to be *trekker woman* and sally forth.
The hotel in town provided lukewarm water in the shower, but at that point, it was still heavenly. David had recommended a local pizza spot for dinner and it was a fantastic place. We were sore, tired and hungry, but very happy and very content with the memories we were making.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.