December 5, 2024
What a difference a day makes in Torres de Paine! Our beautiful sunny day that we had yesterday has been replace with soulful grey clouds that obscure the mountains and the sunrise. We were really blessed to have such an incredible day yesterday.
After breakfast we started our long journey out of the park. It takes about 3 hours to get to the South Gate and once we were just outside of the park we stopped for a hike along the river where we could get our last look at the majestic peaks of the three towers. Along the walk we were “herded” by several ranch dogs who made sure we did not stray. As we headed back to the bus we encountered a herd of horses being rounded up by the dogs and a gaucho.
Safely back in the bus we enjoyed our box lunch as we headed to a gaucho ranch for the afternoon. When we arrived at the ranch we were welcomed by a group of gauchos riding their beautiful horses and carrying the flag of Chile.
We got fitted for helmets and horses and then headed off on a scenic journey on horseback through a sprawling valley adjacent
to Laguna Sofia. The ride included babbling creeks, placid lakeshores, snow-capped mountain peaks, and varied vegetation and wildlife.
The rest of the afternoon, was spent interacting with ranchers learning about their gaucho lifestyle, including their methods of using dogs to herd sheep and cattle, the important role horses play on the farm, and the different types of saddles that are used to ride horses. We witnessed a sheep herding exercise with an amazing dog! He really knows how to control the mob of sheep!!
After a yummy dinner we headed to a hotel in Puerto Natalie’s near the port where we board the Australis tomorrow to begin exploring Patagonia by sea!! The beautiful sunset ended an incredibly fun day!!!
Best day ever…so far!!!! I am so blessed!!!
Don’t run off with a Gaucho