W Trek Day 2

Refugio Grey to Mirador Grey: 8km
Refugio Grey to Paine Grande: 12km

Today was a much longer day. We had a later start than planned this morning beginning our hike up to the glacier lookout around 10.

We were moving quicker this morning because we didn't take our bags with us, the path was relatively flat to start out with through the forest, and then about 20 minutes in got a bit steeper. We continued another 15 minutes and came to our first suspension bridge over a river/small gorge area. The bridge was really fun to walk across and you had a nice view of Lake Grey and Glacier Grey. I wasn't sure if I wanted to keep going, but Allan spurred me forward another 35 minutes to the next lookout and suspension bridge. We had an even nicer view of the glacier. Allan then went across the bridge a little bit further to another viewpoint.

We then made our way back down the hill, 4 km back to Refugio Grey. We made our lunch, ate, and then made final preparations to head back down to Paine Grande. I was feeling pretty worried. After yesterday I was feeling awful. Super tired, headache, very achy and couldn't regulate my body temperature; it was all over the place. Not only did we have to now do the same hike as yesterday, but we had already hiked 8 km!

The first half of the trip was much steeper on the ascent. I did remember that from yesterday, the down was tough, and it was tough again going back up 😞. Like yesterday, we stopped for a small snack at Mirador Lago Grey. I was pretty tired by this point and starting to slow down. Luckily all the big up was done, and it was mostly down with little ups left. The only thing that still really annoyed me was how rocky it is. Makes it much harder.

Slow and steady, I kept plugging away. Allan was very patient; he led the way and sometimes got a bit far ahead, but never out of site and would stop and reassure me. I don't know why I'm finding this harder than the Inca Trail! The only thing making it worth it are the great views. The sun was shining brightly today and was shining on the glacier lake and river making it look very icy blue. The shale type rocks also have so many more colors visible when the sun hits them.

Tomorrow brings us closer to Mirador Torres del Paine and the end of the hike. 2 days down, 3 to go! 💪Leggi altro