Where do I even start? After yesterday’s hike and how tired I was, I was almost nervous for today: 14 miles round trip for one of the most famous hikes in Patagonia (I think?) Either way, I was committed. I literally came here just for this!!

Pickup time was around 0630 with a van full of strangers that yet again, were going to become friends! Such an incredible vibe.

Hiking is so humbling. I always think “It’s just walking uphill” but it’s always so much more difficult and I’m always much less in shape than I give any of this credit for!

We weren’t at any real altitude so that was extremely helpful. It was mandatory to use hiking sticks, which seemed a bit overkill, but now that I’ve been using them, I can’t imagine hiking without them! I would say I was pretty consistently middle of the pack, that seems to be my area.

We hit this point where the guide said had the cleanest water – and he filled my very large Yeti with water directly from a stream. And I drank it — and we were on the way up still. I mean, when in Patagonia. [fun fact, absolutely no issues, did not poop my pants hahaa] It really did taste amazing. Cold, crisp, like water should taste?

I still can’t get over how blue all the water was everywhere (not the water I drank, that was clear). 😉 Every direction was picturesque. Every view was breathtaking.

The guides really love what they do too and that was always so apparent. They were so happy and really enjoyed their time with people and on the mountain with us. I’m still in shock at all the amazing people I met along the way, everyone was so happy and full of life! It’s really part of the experience I guess. There’s no easy or convenient way to get to Patagonia and then you’re there to wake up early and hike every day and get exhausted and push to your limits. That’s not something for just anyone, it really takes and adventurous spirit. I’m honored to be amongst that crew.

It was, in fact about 7.5 miles to the top. There were a few steep and technical areas, but the rest was actually pretty unassuming. It was walking uphill. Don’t get me wrong, there were more than a few moments I stopped to ‘take photos’ (aka catch my breath) but I managed it just fine without any training or prep beforehand. AND I did it on old trail runners. In fact, this was the final hike those Solomon’s would ever do. They served me well and traveled all over the world with me!

The day was perfection. It was actually hot. Clear beautiful day, but hot. The view at the top was just absolutely incredible. You never know what you’re going to get with Mother Nature. But today, she provided in such a beautiful way.

Blue/green water, snow-capped mountain tops. It reminded me of the mountain in Peru I hiked. Sometimes I get to these places and I wonder if it’s really real, or if I’m dreaming.

I would absolutely love [and plan to] come back one day and hike the entire trail and camp in between. The way the campsites are set up here are amazing as well. Don’t forget to grab a beer on the way down as well!