Quick Update

There are not a lot of internet cafes in the Patagonian Alps, and travelling with a social group doesn´t leave a lot of time for blogging - so here's a quick photo free update of where I am and how it's going so far.

Today (Jan 06) we're leaving the Chilean city Puerto Natales (capital of the aptly named Ultima Esperanza or 'last hope' province) to travel to Punta Arenas, the last town of any siginificance in the area. The last 6 days in Patagonia have been great - in Argentina we had the best weather imaginable for our three days hiking in sensational scenery, whereas in Chilean Patagonia it really didn´t stop raining while we were camped in the Torres del Paine National Park. Needless to say, the return to civilization in the form of warm showers beds and laundries was most appreciated ! The group I'm travelling with is fantastic, everyone gets on well, there's a good range of ages and nationalities, and that spirit has helped us deal with a few of the challenges in the Chilean leg of the trip - more later ! My body is mostly coping with the rigours of the 9 hour hikings, though a small shin injury means it's probably good news we're back to towns for a couple of days (including 12 hours in a bus to Ushuaia tomorrow !)

It's hard to believe there are only 5 more days left in Patagonia, before my true independent travel begins.

Happy New Year to every one !