Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Not the best of beginnings

Adaptability and a positive attitude are crucial when traveling. This is something I'm sure most people who have traveled abroad have learned, particularly the importance of adaptability. Though we may plan a trip well, inevitably something always changes or goes wrong. Well...Reed and I have definitely had a test in our patience and adaptability over the last couple days.

It started when we landed in Santiago yesterday morning. We had been traveling for the last 16 hours and were in baggage claim to pick up our backpacks. We had another flight to Punta Arenas later in the morning. I got my backpack but, Reed's never came. We spent the next several hours talking to the airlines, postponing our next flight in hopes that the next flight from Lima, where our layover had been, would bring it. Finally, we boarded the plane for Punta Arenas and took a bus up to Puerto Natales. We left the address of where we were staying so that hopefully his backpack would be delivered once they found it.

As of this morning the airlines still has no information as to where his backpack is. So we are adapting, or trying to. Once the stores open we ll replace or rent the gear that is essential and then start on the O circuit this afternoon. Not the best of beginnings, but at least we have made it safely and the weather is perfect.


Thursday, March 23, 2017

Why Patagonia?

Welcome everyone! I am excited to share our upcoming journey with you!

To give a little bit of background and to those who may not know, Reed and I are getting ready to leave in a few days for a backpacking adventure in the region of Patagonia.

The first question I have been asked when telling friends about our upcoming trip, is where is Patagonia? Well, it may come as a surprise, but Patagonia is not just a clothing brand!...It is a huge area that encompasses the southern part of Chile and Argentina. To give you some idea as to how big it is, see the map below. Source being the all creditable wikipedia.



As you can see, it is quite expansive. I was surprised as to just how big it is when I started planning our trip. And no, we are not traveling that entire area. We are focusing our travels at a couple key areas. Specifically backpacking through Torres del Paine and El Chalten regions. See map below.



The second question I have been asked is why. It's simple. It has been on my bucket list for years. If you google images of Patagonia South America you'll see some of the reasons why. It is absolutely beautiful! I mean who wouldn't want to travel here?!

We have been busy the last few days tying up loose ends and buying last minute stuff for our journey. For me, the things I have been focusing on the last couple days is trying to plan out all our meals. The first trek we are doing is the O circuit which takes an average of 8-12 days. So, that's a lot of food to carry! But between REI meal packets and instant food from the grocery store I think we are finally set. Now to load up our back packs with all our stuff and be ready to leave in a few days.

I look forward to sharing our journey with you in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned for more!