Today’s hike in the Valle Frances was between Cerro Paine Grande and Cuernos del Paine.

The views were wonderful whenever the sun came out. This was just the beginning of typical “Patagonian” weather. You start out (always in long pants with a long sleeved top) in the sunshine; three minutes later the temperature drops, it starts to snow, sleet or rain on you; drop the pack, put on the Goretex, hat and gloves; five minutes later, the sun comes out and it’s now 70 degrees with sweat pouring off; drop the pack, take off the Goretex, stow it; next it starts to rain with the wind gusts blowing the rain sideways….. Sometimes it seemed as if we spent more time dressing and undressing than actually hiking.

But the hike through the trees was beautiful when not fighting the elements.

Occasionally, there were slight glimpses of the Cuernos. The trail continued on up the valley to Campamento Britannico, the climber’s camp. Another very crowded camp because everyone wants to see the famous three towers. Campamento Britanico is in the middle of one of Paine’s most magnificent mountain cirques and what a view!