Glaciers National Park, Argentina
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Two Miradors Glaciers National Park, Argentina |
March 22
David and I are departing El Calafate by bus to a relatively remote new
town called El Chaltén, which will be our sixth and last new location
on this multi-week hiking tour.
Lake Viedma and its accompanying glacier
At a scenic bus stop, I manage to capture one of my all-time favorite photographs:
First look at our next venue
An hour or so later we arrive in El Chaltén; yet instead of heading to the bus terminal, our coach turns off into the parking lot of the Glaciers National Park Ranger Station.
The Visitor Center at the edge of town
After herding all the passengers into a little room, a ranger who speaks good English proceeds to lecture us on how to comport ourselves in a national park. Among other things, he specifically points out that, "This is not Disneyland", and that anyone who mistreats the area will be chastized severely.
Among other measures, hikers caught without a trash bag will be assumed to have stashed their garbage somewhere, and they will incur a fine. Also, anyone camping in an unauthorized area will have their equipment confiscated, and will have to pay to recover it, as well as the usual fine.
One result of these regulations is what could well be the world's most pristine publically accessible environment. In fact, the running water around here is so clean and pure that visitors are actively encouraged to drink right out of the creeks!
I think that all of this is wonderful, and I tell the ranger as much. It's a real shame that such indoctrinations never would be implemented at home, for they are sorely needed.
It is only mid-afternoon by now; so after the meeting, David and I inquire as to where we might take in a shorter hike. The desk clerk points us to a trail leading up the hill right behind this building.
Climbing toward two miradors (high-points)
Reaching the first hilltop within a short mile, we are able to get a good perspective of the area's layout.
The heart of the park is over there
Rio Fits Roy is below
Heading uphill again
A couple joins us at the summit
At this high-point, views are available in every direction.
Lago Viedma to the south
The Fitz Roy massif is northwest
Telephoto view of the amazing mountain
Wow! I really am looking forward to our last four days of hiking on this continent. It looks as if we just might have saved the best for last, as is my wont. I surely hope that it clears up a bit, though. I can dress up and combat the wind, but I cannot see through the clouds.
Tomorrow's planned destination is over there
There has been enough excitement for one day. It is time to head
back and find our new bed-and-breakfast lodging.
David manages to get into all the best scenes
See? I can't get rid of him
§: This was a nice introduction to the area.
Tomorrow, a lot more mileage will be incurred.
| Scenery |  |
| Difficulty |  |
| Personality |  |
| Solitude |  |
