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Day three dawned, and with it, a fresh perspective on the Patagonian wilderness. Sunrise at 8:10 am mirrored the epic sunset from the previous day flic.kr/p/2pUoFWx , only this time, the view was from the very spot I'd call home for the next few minutes.
A hearty breakfast fueled my adventurous spirit, and a hefty lunchbox was secured for the 23-kilometer (14-mile) odyssey ahead. Now, calculating this trek's duration was an exercise in futility. Every bend in the trail beckoned for a photo op, a moment of quiet contemplation, or a friendly chat with fellow explorers. Besides, who could resist the temptation to refill my water bottle from crystal-clear streams gushing down the mountains?
My route snaked its way from Refugio Francés, perched at a comfortable 180 meters (590 feet) above sea level, to the Paine Grande Refuge, a lower-lying haven at a mere 40 meters (130 feet). But don't be fooled by the descending numbers - the "W" for a reason! This middle section of the W Circuit took me on a delightful detour through the fabled Francés Valley.
Ah, but what exactly is the Francés Valley? (This is where the suspense builds!) Imagine an amphitheater sculpted by nature, boasting unparalleled panoramas. To the west, jagged peaks like Cuernos, Espada, Hoja, and Máscara pierce the sky. Gaze eastward, and you'll be mesmerized by the Francés Glacier clinging to the slopes of mighty Cerro Paine Grande. As if that wasn't enough, a vibrant Nothofagus forest carpets the valley floor, bursting with colorful blooms, especially during autumn.
The day unfolded like an explorer's dream. First, I ditched my hefty backpacks (those 60-liter behemoths!) at the Italian Ranger Station, opting for streamlined mountaineering packs for the climbs ahead. (Don't worry, I'd reunite with my trusty backpack later.)
The trail then led me past the breathtaking Francés Glacier lookout, perched at a cool 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level. After soaking in the views (and snapping a million pictures, of course!), I tackled the British Lookout - a moderate hike that rewarded me with panoramic vistas from a dizzying 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Retracing my steps, I retrieved my backpacks and indulged in a well-deserved lunch with a view, swapping stories with newfound trail buddies about the jaw-dropping sights we'd encountered.
The final leg involved circling the mighty Cerro Paine Grande, the park's crown jewel at a staggering 2,884 meters (9,462 feet). This 7.7-kilometer (4.8-mile) stretch, though classified as "easy," presented its own challenges - think mud, streams, and enchanting forests. Finally, with weary legs and a heart full of wonder, I reached the Paine Grande Refuge.
As I settled into my new digs for the night, a thought struck me: could anything possibly top this day's adventures? After all, I'd already witnessed the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine (day 1), marveled at the majestic Cuernos del Paine (my personal favorite, puma encounter included!) (day 2), and now, the breathtaking Francés Valley (day 3). But the allure of the unknown, the promise of what awaited me in the next three days, kept a mischievous grin plastered on my face.
Was it the breathtaking scenery, the camaraderie with fellow adventurers, or maybe the lure of a post-trek pisco sour, Elias? (This is an inside joke you'll understand later ;)) The truth is, Torres del Paine wasn't just a hike; it was an experience that seeped into my soul, leaving me yearning for more.
P.S. Did I mention Torres del Paine National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve? Or that it snagged the title of the 8th Wonder of the World in 2013? Stay tuned for more breathtaking reveals!
and so it was this morning ...
a soft, subtle, serene sunrise in the sky ...
"This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it."
-Psalm 118:24 (New Living Translation)
It was a new day for the City of Toronto. A new era begins as John Tory's first day as mayor commences. No more shenanigans. Now lets get this city moving again.
Starbucks at Sunrise, Front Street, Downtown Wheaton
Nikon D5100, Tamron 18-270, ISO 500, f/8.0, 60mm, 1/1000s
What a beautiful way to start the new year! Taken from my deck looking up the driveway, I love living in the woods!!!!
Hi everybody :) I hope you enjoyed your Christmas and were able to spend some relaxing time with your family and friends. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the past year. I appreciate it more than you know. :) I'm looking very forward to another year of inspiring photos from all of you :)) Happy New Year to you and yours!
Sunrise, Lake Michigan Shoreline, Jackson Park, Chicago
Nikon D5100, Tamron 18-270, ISO 100, f/9.0, 30mm, 1/320s
I took a lot of sunset pictures at the beach (as well as birds), hope you enjoy them!! Have a beautiful day everyone, doing some winter prep outside, caulking and painting!!
Taken in some local woods in Wiltshire, UK. I saw the potential for this shot a few weeks ago, but have been waiting for the sun to return before I went back. I thought the ladder would add a bit of focus point to the picture.
Sunrise out over Lake Michigan in Waukegan, Illinois. The walk to this point was slippery between the algae/slime and the intermittent icing, but the choice was to do a virtual ice skate or take the high road and try to dodge the occasional crashing wave.
Ah, got home from work and had to do something relaxing. :)
Hope I will be able to take some new photos today! :)
It's sunny ... for now!
Thanks for the visit ;)
"In the morning, everything is new.
The day's blank slate lies before me,
ready for my writing.
May it be words of beauty I write.
May it be deeds of grace I do.
May it be thoughts of joy I think.
All the Holy Ones, Listen;
this is what I pray.
Great Spirits of the Four Realms,
Holy Ones of the Realms of Minds,
Kindreds of Yore,
as I go through the day,
keep my eyes open wide.
May I not miss beauty.
May I not miss joy.
May I not miss wonder.
Keep me awake and aware of the world.
It is my privilege to perform my morning prayers.
It is my honor to do what should be done.
As I rise with the morning, fog lifting slowly for my mind,
I pray not to forget these truths.
Awen."
- Ceisiwr Serith
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