This thing about about Patagonia being windy is clearly nonsense! The lakes were like mill ponds again this morning, the sun rose as we left the hotel at 7:30 for  a 45 minute drive to the jetty at Pudeto, where we caught the catamaran to Paine Grande. The 30 minute ride was chilly but awe-inspiring. 

The walk we had chosen to the French Valley was a bit of a route march – we would have liked more time to take in the scenery, but being on a schedule to catch the return boat, our guide insisted on a high tempo. The hike itself was pretty flat for the first 2 hours, but then went steeply up to the French lookout. We took such there, under “The Horns” and opposite the majesty of Paine Grande and its own glaciers – which obliged with a few avalanches of ice.

The return was the same in reverse, but the highlight was the mini-van waiting with beer, cold meats and cheese, fresh fruit and cake.

This is our last night in Las Torres and the place has been amazing – great food, super trips, etc, and we made a few new friends as well – some from Milton Keynes!