To take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints.
Travels of a Lifetime VBlog Series: Southern Patagonia, Chile
Get link
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Series #5: Torres Del Paine National Park, Southern Patagonia
I caught my first glimpse of the distinct peaks (Torres) from Lake Sarmiento, an interesting lake that looked as if it had a ring around it. Leading up to Lake Sarmiento, we passed the Deciduous Magellan Forest with poplar and conifer trees but mostly dominated by Lenga trees. Then on to Patagonian plains and plateau covered in pampas and walled by rocky hills: a landscape said to be lower than sea level and created by glacial movement. And of course, the famous symbol of anything Patagonia, the horn-shaped towers (the jagged mountain peaks) dominated the horizon and could be seen from all directions. With the changeable weather, the snow-capped mountains suddenly appeared with glorious blue light or buried under a shroud of dense, gray clouds. The sky was vast and dominating. Milky aqua waters of Rio Paine and lakes were part of the surreal landscape. While I expected to see glaciers near the mountain, I was surprised to see some vegetation, flora (yellow lupines, Calafate/blueberry) and fauna (wild turkey, geese, and neandus). Guanacos dominated the animal landscape.
Torres Del Paine National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a massif, a mountain system independent of the Andes mountain range in Patagonia. It centers on an alpine massif of three imposing granite towers (Torres) reaching more than 10,000 feet, together with several lesser horns, or cuernos, formed of black shale, and a variety of glaciers, lakes, and wild rivers.
Here's a video of my Patagonian adventure (long version). Click HERE to watch it on YouTube or click the thumbnail below.
Press play to watch a short preview of Torres Del Paine.
Revisiting GaudÃ’s Masterpiece and Culinary Delights Barcelona, a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and modernity, has always been a favorite of mine. My previous visit was a delightful exploration of the city's vibrant food scene, its charming tapas bars, and the exquisite creations of Antoni GaudÃ. This time, I returned with a specific motivation: to witness the near-completion of the Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece that had left a lasting impression on me years ago. A Gaudà Pilgrimage On my first visit, GaudÃ’s architectural wonders were the highlights. I marveled at the undulating forms of Casa Mila and Casa Batlló, wandered through the whimsical Park Güell, and stood in awe of the Sagrada Familia. The cathedral, in particular, was a sight to behold, even though it was shrouded in construction materials and dust. The grandeur of its structure was overwhelming, and the ongoing construction only added to its imposing presence. This time, the news of the Sagrada Familia n
Ketchikan I just had time to muse about my wonderful experience exploring the Inside Passage and some parts of the Tongass National Park while on a cruise to Alaska with my sisters. Our first port of call was Ketchikan, a very small town famous for three things: rain, salmon, and totem poles. So, most of the shore excursions involve rainforest, fish and totem poles. The weather forecast on our arrival was rain, but for a city dubbed as the “rain capital of Alaska”, it was beautiful and sunny when we arrived. The arch sign “the Salmon Capital of the World” greeted us as soon as we got off the ship. I gathered from the sign that Ketchikan was a small enough to explore on our own because only small towns would build or put out signs as tourist attractions to draw crowds. We could have explored the whole town on our own in no time, but we already pre-booked a walking tour. We arrived a couple of hours before the scheduled tour, so we walked around to check the shops out (mostly souvenir
A Journey of the Spirit and Body: My Hike at Airport Mesa Vortex Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona, Arizona, the Airport Mesa Vortex offers a unique blend of physical challenge and spiritual awakening. My recent hike through this renowned site was an experience that left an indelible mark on both my body and soul. The Adventure Begins As I started my hike, the crisp morning air filled my lungs, invigorating me for the journey ahead. The trail wound up the mesa, offering stunning vistas at every turn. The red rocks, iconic to Sedona, contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene that was both tranquil and awe-inspiring. I was well-prepared for the hike, with a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, a hat to shield me from the sun, and a camera slung over my shoulder to capture the mesmerizing views. The path was steep in parts, but the challenge was a welcome one, testing my endurance and resolve. A Physical Challenge The hike up the mesa was demanding
Comments
Post a Comment