Today we had to leave the Singular. I was sorry to leave. It’s hard to describe in the blog but it was really a special place and I recommend it if you are going to Patagonia. The empanadas were good too.
We all piled into our bus to go to Torres Del Paine, a 2-3hr journey up the road. We were staying at the Explora Lodge. This is the “signature” destination if you are visiting Patagonia and want a luxury experience. As we traveled north the weather started to give us hints of what to expect - WIND! We stopped for some fresh air along the way. (Astrid)
Paula got the same hair treatment.
We also got a hint of what to expect from the scenery.
We checked to the Lodge and were immediately confronted by guides who enthusiatically wished us to sign up for various activities. It became clear there’s only three things to do in Patagonia - hike, horse-back riding and the spa. The first is madatory. The rooms were nice but basic. However, the view from the room window is arguably the most spectacular of anywhere.
Seriously, this shot was taken right out of our room window.
We were immediately suckered in and signed up for a hike that afternoon, up a nearby hill. It was billed as “moderate” although I was becoming wise to their rating system.
While the hike was not especially challenging, what made it difficult was the 70mph wind blowing us off our feet. People were coming down the mountain saying “don’t go any further, it’s too dangerous”. With our guide, we soldiered on nevertheless. At one point, near the summit but only half way around the hike, we were beginning to get blown over and had to turn back. Pity because the scenery was spectacular. Per, being the tallest, was our measure of how much wind it takes to become airborne.
That evening all 10 of us had dinner together. Great fun.