Baileys on ice, on iceOct 29, 2009
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Today Walter had suggested that we do a glacier trek on the Viedma glacier rather than leave it for the Perito Moreno glacier as it would be much quieter, so we all agreed and set off to a little harbour where we took a boat across to the glacier. Once again, luck must have been on our side as it was a beautiful day even though we´d been warned that this could change very quickly in Patagonia.
When we docked, we had a 20 minute climb up the rocks to get to the ice itself. This was a little bit hairy but helped by a team of guides who were great at pointing out where we should be climbing up and giving us a helping hand. Once at the ice, we had to get our crampons on causing much hilarity including one guide telling someone to "show him her sole" which she thought he meant something else!
Initially, the glacier trek looked more than a little daunting. To get onto the glacier we had to walk up at about a 45 degree angle. I think I must have said¨"they´re having a laugh/you´ve got to be kidding" rather a lot, but somehow we all made it up safely and continued on in single file taking in the spectacular views. Everytime we came to what looked like a wall of ice, we kept going, with the guides carving out ice steps for us and pulling us up when needed. It was quite scary at points but equally awesome! The highlight of the trek was 2 crevases which we had to viist in small groups, presumably incase the weight of everyone brought the ice down!!! When we reached the 2nd crevase, now pretty high on the glacier, the views were just unbelievable and it was an incredible feeling to be there. To make it even more special, the guides then started hacking away at more ice, to provide the "rocks" for a couple of glasses of Baileys each - a very nice touch!
As we descended slowly, possibly regretting the 2nd glass, I really didnt want to leave. Think I might have to put a pair of crampons on my Christmas list!!
So we returned to El Chalten and had a couple of hours before we were to leave on a public bus to El Calafate again. So, what better to do than head back to the microbrewery and try the brownie again, just to make sure that it really was as good. It was. :-)
The bus trip back was uneventful and I spent it listening to film music and taking in the beautiful sunset.
Back in El Calafate we arrived at our hyotel late but were met with a glass of fizz and an Argentinian Antony Hopkins so couldnt really complain!
