After a restful sleep, we had breakfast at our hotel. Our CEO Rodrigo (not Rodriguez, as that is a last name!) warned us that breakfast would consist of bread…bread …and more BREAD! #ketofail. Oh well, lots of hiking and activity ahead.
Morning was beautiful, with clear blue skies and awesome views of the mountain ranges. Our group of 8 was selected to go white water rafting in the afternoon, so we had the morning to explore the local trails. We set out to hike the condor trails and the eagle trail. We were treated to some awesome views of the Patagonian El Chalten mountains (C. Torres, T. Edger, T. Standhart, Ag. Saint Exupery, Ag. Rafael, Ag. Poincenot, C. Fitz Roy, Ag. Mermoz, Ag. Guillaumet) with beautiful blue skies. These trails were short but a good primer for our longer expeditions.
We also decided to walk to a waterfall along a very easy road/trail. We met some horses along the way and believe them to belong to a ranch along the river, which is something like 80,000 acres and absolutely gorgeous.
After a quick stop at a bakery for a sandwich and pecan brownie to share, we were off to whitewater rafting along the Rio De Las Vueltas River though the Glacier National Park. Our CEO guided us to the paddling outfit, and we suited up in our pyjamas, dry suits and booties. Oh, and a life jacket (thankfully ;-). As we walked along in our cool suits, feeling like we were off on an epic adventure to the moon!
At the raft, we were given instruction: forward, backward (both at various speeds based on the speed and intensity of his commands), right forward/left back wards (and vice versa), all to the right, all to the left, safety position, and celebrate (paddles up and cheer!). As the mountains faded into the distance, we paddled leisurely at times and entered survival mode at times as we paddled down the Class III rapids!
We had a guide in the back of the raft named Loli, who provided the instruction, gave us the names and history about the river and mountains around, and would steer the raft with his oars. We also had Jordi in a kayak who was there to provide rescue for us if we should fall out (eek!). Jordi also acted as a photographer and they were able to email us photos after.
All in all it was an intense experience, particularly with the cold (4 degrees) glacier fed river smacked you in the face! Jody and I were in the front positions in the raft and at one point I found myself in the river, along with Cait! As per instruction, I tried to remain calm (while I struggled to figure out what the hell happened). While I held onto my paddle Cait had dropped hers, so I grabbed it, but then struggled to swim to the raft with the paddles. Jody grabbed one paddle, and then I grabbed the raft rope. Then Jordi in the kayak was there as I was apparently getting quite close to a rock! Jody was then able to stow the paddles and then hauled me into the raft by my life jacket. Adrenalin was high and I had to take some deep breaths as this was midpoint of our 9km experience down the river. My hands were freezing, stiff and painful, but despite this and “ending up in the drink”, it was an epic adventure.
After changing out of our outfits, we ended up back at the hostel by about 6:15 and had a warm shower (Cait described it as one of her top 10 showers of all time!). With heart rate still elevated, Jody and I shared a bottle of wine in the reception area. We then set off for a group dinner. I enjoyed some homemade ravioli and pizza, and as it was Roberts birthday, we had birthday cake and lemoncello to celebrate (while I celebrated my survival!). Straight to bed as we are up early for our guided hike to Fitz Roy tomorrow.
