Talk of Patagonia invariable invokes wild landscapes scarified by glaciers, pricked by wind lashed jagged mountains and sterotypical pampas sliced through by frigid fjords. It is all of this—and more. Patagonia. It is a name to quicken the pulse, such that it kindles the imagination, and has stoked up adventurous flames throughout a history that is engaging and compelling in equal measure. And how might such a region acquire its evocative moniker if not indeed from the word patagone, meaning 'big feet', this being a pointed reference to the big footed Indians encountered by Magellan and his fleet when they sailed for the first time through the channel that still bears his name.
Austere. Beautiful. Unique and challenging. Patagonia is a region inspiring yet defying superlatives. By its very nature it astounds with a feast of maritime scenery in which sea, mountain and glacier come together in a symphony of visual perfection. Exploration of this region is flagged by many famous names—Shipton of course, Earle, Tilman, Egger, Bonnington, de Agostini, Darwin, Hibberd—that have all helped shape history to bring these topographical features to the world’s stage. And what a performance! Patagonia is synonymous with spectacular ‘sculpted’ peaks that might very well have fallen from the canvas of some science fiction artist. Whatever else Patagonia might prove to be, I knew by coming here that it would be a unique experience as life changing as any I could have wished for.
Since Patagonia encompasses all of South America below latitude 42 degrees south, it naturally takes in a large slice of Argentina. But as my times here would comprise but a small part of that which I had allotted to spending wholly in Chile, I would—with the exception of the first three days—be confining myself to Chilean Patagonia. So now, come share with me the stunning landscapes and wild places, my moments of euphoria, the disappointments and the unexpected encounters that made my time here such an unforgettable experience.
Austere. Beautiful. Unique and challenging. Patagonia is a region inspiring yet defying superlatives. By its very nature it astounds with a feast of maritime scenery in which sea, mountain and glacier come together in a symphony of visual perfection. Exploration of this region is flagged by many famous names—Shipton of course, Earle, Tilman, Egger, Bonnington, de Agostini, Darwin, Hibberd—that have all helped shape history to bring these topographical features to the world’s stage. And what a performance! Patagonia is synonymous with spectacular ‘sculpted’ peaks that might very well have fallen from the canvas of some science fiction artist. Whatever else Patagonia might prove to be, I knew by coming here that it would be a unique experience as life changing as any I could have wished for.
Since Patagonia encompasses all of South America below latitude 42 degrees south, it naturally takes in a large slice of Argentina. But as my times here would comprise but a small part of that which I had allotted to spending wholly in Chile, I would—with the exception of the first three days—be confining myself to Chilean Patagonia. So now, come share with me the stunning landscapes and wild places, my moments of euphoria, the disappointments and the unexpected encounters that made my time here such an unforgettable experience.
