Argentina - Patagonia - Ice Trekking Cerro Torre Glacier (El Chalten)

The day before I did a 12 hour hike to the base of Mount Fitz Roy and the glacier nearby. I was completely exhausted by the time I arrived at the hostel. Well, we had dinner and celebrated Cameron's departure and then connected with Laura and her friends. It was not too late, but I had too much beer and was simply done. How would I fare the next morning with a 7:00 am departure?

After some coffee and a quick breakfast we started to hike towards Cerro Torre. In my group was Andy from England and three girls from Spain (Chris, Esther and their Beatriz). Our guide picked up a really fast pace and I had trouble following. By 9:00 am we reached the camp site and hooked up with a group of 15 Germans.

Our first "adventure" was to cross the river using a rope. Here you see Captain Adventure himself in action pulling his muscular body over the river.

Next we hiked up and were right above the glacier.

Of course just to hike right back down ... not much of a trail and quite steep. Loose gravel and rocks made it even more difficult.

Then we were on the ice and after putting on our crampons and receiving a basic introduction we were "ice line dancing" up the glacier.

I was up front with the guide and was able to take some good shots of the group. It was fun!

Here you see Captain Adventure with the three girls from Spain in the midst of our group.

Next challenge for Captain Adventure .... climbing up an ice wall. Well I guess I did not too bad until the crampon of my right foot came off .... bummer. Suddenly I had to hold on not to simply fall down and break my neck. Of course I am dramatizing and forgot to mention the safety rope, but hey, in that moment you do not think of the rope. You are just "sh....", trying to get back in control.

On our way back it suddenly started snowing like crazy. Here you see Andy, to the left is our guide, to the right is Christina, in the back ground are Esther and Beatriz.