Windy Night

When I woke up, I couldn't find my rain jacket. It was very windy over night. I assume the wind picked up from the lake.

All my other clothes I hung out were there. I just failed to secure the jacket well.

I couldn't spend time looking and I had to meet up with the group for breakfast. 

Afterward, I was able to fit in a shower. It was on the other side of the camp site from the cafeteria area.

The cafeteria was also in the same building as the lodging..which had their own showers.

When I got back to the tent, I spent about 15 additional minutes looking for my jacket and eventually found it on a park bench. I was so relieved.

Valle Del Frances Trail

I wrote in my notes that today's hike was 15 miles in 8 hours. Thinking back to this day, I can't remember the distance that long.

I do remember there was more elevation, rocks and roots in the way, at least for the second half.

For the first half, we were still hiking along mostly flatlands The first couple hours, we also still saw a lot of burnt down vegetation.

Guarderia y Campamento Italiano

We encountered more suspended bridges and lakes. I mentioned in a previous post, that Kelly and I were running over the bridges. I'm thinking now that maybe we didn't do that until today.

We eventually ended up into more wooded areas, where the fires didn't touch.

And we entered the Campamento Italiano. Here we had the option of leaving some of our belongs behind, becaue the rest of the trek was taking us up some rough terrain and then we were backtracking and coming back here.

You can see in my pics, a row  of backpacks other hikers left behind. Looks like most were carrying all their belongs, sleeping bags and tents....something our porters took care of.

Mirador Frances

Looking back at my pics, I took a pic at the camp pointing to Mirador Britanico. I think we had a choice of either one that day and the guides decided on Mirador Frances. I forget the reasoning...maybe weather or timing, although the weather seemed nice today.

The way to the lookout was definitely rougher terrain and an incline....but not too steep.

When we arrived at the look-out, we had 360 degree views of the Frances Valley.

The biggest side in front of us was a huge mountain, with graciers on top. Every so often, you can hear and see avalanches, and also just hear some in the back of the mountain. My slideshow isn't setup for videos at the time of this writing, but I'll make it a goal to set that up.

Other views were more gorgeous lakes. 

We took a long break up here, at least an hour and enjoyed some snacks and took in the sites.

Looking back at my pics, I'm having a feeling of nostalgia. 

Break At The Lake

After coming back from Mirador Frances, we went back the same way, up until Campamento Italiano, then we off, continuing down the middle of the W. 

We came across the burnt trees again, then stopped off at a lake for break. Here we layed along some rocks and some of up walking into the water.

I walked in myself and I remember my feet feeling so sensitive on the pebbles. If I did this daily, I think my planta faciitis would dissapear.

Going into the lake water wasn't any easier. It was very cold and I felt like the wind was going to blow me over. I only went in a couple steps, feeling stuck, and came back on the rocks to sit down.

Camp Cuernos

We arrived at the campsite with much daylight to spare. The tents here were on elevated platforms. There were 2 separate camp sites, separated by the main lodge. Unfortunately, the campsite I was had didn't have the bathrooms, and I had to walk to the other one for them.

There was a nice bar in the lodge. This was the first night I purchased a few beers after dinner. We also played Jenga and had a good time overall.

Back at the tents, I hung a lot of my clothes to air out, anywhere I could. On the deck, trees and ropes holding the tent down.

The tent also included a sleeping pad, so I didn't have to use my own.