The Patagonian Ice Fields

An early morning by most standards found me suited up from head to toe by my moms decree in gear suited for a polar vortex. I met at the Hielo y Aventura office and boarded the 1.5 hour bus ride into Los Glaciers National Park. There we paid our entrance fee to the park and headed off to view the north and south faces of the mamouth glacier from the balconies.  

Perito Moreno is the most important glacier in Patagonia because it is currently the only stable glacier in the Ice field. Today I was off on my own as my parents due to their age in number not at heart were placed out of the Big Ice Trek. In search of some English speaking comrades to spend the 7 hours with I fortunately met Matt and January, a couple from Salt Lake City. We got to know each other a bit while watching and listening to the perpetually moving glacier in front of us. Loud cracks and roars bellowed through the valley as large chunks of ice separated from the glacier falling into the lake below. After the balconies we took a quick boat ride across Lago Roca to begin our trek. 

The first portion of the hike was on land for 45 minutes to the second camp where we were outfitted with crampons and safety harnesses. After finally reaching the ice we were divided into groups of 10. We made sure our trio stayed together throughout the division process. The guides didn't know what they were in for as they were constantly checking on us to make sure we were keeping pace as or joking around and leisurely pace wasn't quite suited for the group. 

An hour and a halfs long arduous hike across the glacier led us to jump crevices and climb large mounds of ice. Fortunately whenever we were tired a river as blue as the sky was nearby to fill up our water bottles for a sip of pure glacier water. 

As we approached the center of the glacier our guide deemed the grounds we walked on a fitting place to have lunch. 

Our guide marveled at the perfect weather we had claiming they only see 20 such days a year like today rendering my hand warmers, jackets, and hat useless. Afterwards we made our way back through the ice, onto the hiking trail, and back onto the boat. Awaiting us for our hard work was a glass of scotch chilled of course with blocks of ice freshly chipped from Perito Moreno herself. The bus ride back was silent as the day took a toll on everyone. I found myself the only one awake. Happy to have met great people to spend the day with and thankful my Friday the 13th went off without a hitch!