Much pain in Torres del Paine
One of Patagonia’s most famous hiking areas is Torres del Paine almost at the very bottom of Chile. What possessed Pascoe and I to embark on the world famous ‘W’ walk, a 4 day hike through the park is beyond me. Perhaps it’s not very surprising then, in this completely altered state of mind, that we should go on to decide to be totally self sufficient, carrying our own tent, sleeping bags, food, and cooking equipment for the duration of the trip.
Naming the park Paine is oh so appropriate.
Taking the amazing views as a given, below is a short synopsis of some of the other challenges we encountered.
Day 1: A beautiful sunny morning greeted us as we registered at the park entrance, humped our packs to the first day’s camp site, set up tent, and then headed out for an afternoon hike up to the spectacular Glacier Grey. We were warned about how quickly the weather can change in the mountains, and sure enough half way back the heavens opened. It was at this point we both realised item 14 on the check list – good wet weather gear – was still in the rental company’s store room. Doh!
Two pathetic shivering drowned rats floated back into camp where thankfully there was a cabin with heating, enabling us to narrowly escape full blown pneumonia.
Day 2: A 6 hour hike down Valle Frances to see the amazing snow covered mountain bowl. Sunny all the way there then as we approached, rain, 90 km/h winds, and low cloud. Sunny again once we´d turned back for camp. Muy divertido.
Day 3: The longest hiking day up to the world famous Tres Torres. Nothing to report other than what a beautiful day it was to be in the mountains.
Day 4:A 4am start to see the first rays of the sun set fire to the famous Tres Torres. Yes you guessed it, a blanket of cloud. But for once the fast changing weather worked in our favour, and by dawn (5.21) the sky was clear and we were presented with yet another amazing panorama. A bit like Hounslow Heath.
Camping shamping, can’t see what all the fuss is about. More pics here.
Hasta Luego 
Congratulations Ed, an extremely well planned trip. Since you are so good at planning these days, pls tell us your latest Plan. Are you going to be in the UK for Christmas? This year, Christmas is December 25.
Rachel, If you are going want Ed to actually divulge his plan, if such a thing exists, then you will need to give him some clues.
ps. Hi Ed!
Sitting in a luxurious hotel suite in New York with Caroline a couple of days ago, laughing heartily about the real life mafioso we’d met in the bar the night before (‘geeett outtta eerrree’…too funny!) and then ‘ping’! Txt received from the Chid Shams….’Eddie lurveeee is back in town’!!
Welcome home Ed!!
p.s. should we expect a ‘adventures in Chid’ blog now?
Yes it looks like I’m going to be back in the UK for Xmas where I’m sure it is going to be 25 degrees, sunny every day, and spectacular snow capped mountains around every corner. Can’t wait
Merry Christmas Ed wherever you are.
http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1496906734
Having now spoken to you, well croaked at you, I now know that you really have come out from under Mikey’s Desk. Welcome back Ed, the Chidd mum’s will be excited!!!!!
Anyone not in the UK with a spare bed over Christmas please make yourselves known asap… aiii gottttaaaa geeeeed outttaaaa eeeeer
I miss Where’s Wally. Sorry make that Where’s Ed.
wow..i just googled my last name and this comes out top…very interesting…rare zambian name and unique family…so what was your whole experiance like and are you doing another trip somewhere else?i applaude you..such a brave and adventurous man at your age..quite inspiring
Has anyone seen Ed?