How lucky I am to have friends who will travel half way around the world to join in on this craziness! And so it was that, just in time for Christmas and to welcome in 2025, five of us set off for adventures at the bottom of the world in both Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia. Patagonia is a rugged, wild place of snow-capped mountains and vast, windswept valleys carved by glaciers, whose meltwaters and occasional icebergs feed rivers and lakes of iridescent blue. It is an outdoor adventure paradise and we were intent to make the most of it. We hiked up mountains, camped by roaring waterfalls, rode horses through river valleys, and kayaked in front of walls of ice. It was an action-packed, and spectacular, two weeks.
Although all that activity tested this forty year old body, I can never tire of adventuring into an unspoilt wilderness. They are freeing places, offering us an opportunity to appreciate this planet in its natural glory. I will always enjoy hiking a trail through the shade of an ancient forest, or picnicking by a river of the most pristine and refreshing water. But I will never enjoy these experiences more than with the company of friends who push me on to new heights, who bring laughter along for the journey, and who celebrate each day's adventure and look forward excitedly to the next. It was the time of my life. Muchas gracias, amigos!
What does one do in Patagonia? A non-exhaustive list of suggestions
Hike the epic, four night W Loop to Torres del Paine
Make the challenging ascent to Fitz Roy
Spot puma (no), Andean deer (no), alpine foxes (yes!), and countless birds (woodpeckers! condors!) on the trail to Glacier Huemul
Kayak in front of the famed Perito Moreno glacier
Ride horses through the stunning Estancia Bonanza
Stay seaside in Punta Arenas, lakeside in Puerto Natales and El Calafate, and riverside in the alpine village of El Chalten
Eat endless Patagonia asado, drink excellent local craft beer, and dance in the New Year with locals and visitors alike.
Landscape corner
I have no words!!! Just spectacular 😍😍