November 8, 2012

A few of the icebergs along the beach at Lago Grey. (Tye Chapman)

Greg checked in again today, this time from Refugio Grey. Today they had a nice hike up towards John Garner pass along the Grey Glacier. Right now they’re in the hut enjoying a glass of wine as the snow falls (sideways) again.

Yesterday the weather wasn’t quite as cooperative; it sounds like wind was the theme of the day.  They didn’t make the journey up Mt. Ferrier, instead they walked the iceberg laden beach of Lago Grey. This was followed by their boat ride to the refugio which was accompanied by some nice sized whitecaps crashing over the bow!

They’re done trekking, just a boat ride back to an awaiting shuttle which will take them back to Puerto Natales for a celebration dinner.

Tye Chapman

November 7, 2012

French Valley Panorama (Greg Vernovage)

Greg checked in from Hosteria Tyndall this morning:

“We had a windy and rainy day yesterday but it was a blast! The guys are doing great. We had 20 minutes with no rain or wind yesterday and were rewarded with a great view from the French Valley. After the long hike we hopped aboard our catamaran and were off to the hotel.”

This morning they’ll have a couple hours to relax at the hotel before loading up and heading up Mt. Ferrier. It’s just a 2-hour hike but the views are incredible! After the hike they’ll grab a bite to eat and catch their boat ride across Lago Grey to Refugio Grey where they’ll be for a couple nights.  Tomorrow they’ll trek alongside Grey Glacier and if the weather and trail conditions allow, on up to John Garner Pass.

Tye Chapman

November 6, 2012

Lago Nordenskjold (Tye Chapman)

Greg checked in from Refugio Cuernos after another nice day of trekking. They had a great day yesterday, catching views of Los Torres, before a bit of rain, and eventually snow, rolled in on them. The good news is the rain/snow hit hardest after they pulled into the hut. No better way to enjoy the falling snow than watching it fall while sipping a glass of wine.

Today they walked along Lago Nordenskjold taking in some big views. Right now, my bet is they’re sitting down to dinner enjoying the sunset.

Tomorrow they’ll head into the French Valley, another signature section of the national park.

The trail is a little wet under foot and there’s still a good bit of snow up high, but this crew is loving it.

Tye Chapman

November 4, 2012

Greg checked in from Puerto Natales yesterday – all continues to go as planned. They got a good bit of rain on the drive from Punta Arenas to P. Natales, but as Greg put it – “who cares, we were in the car”. They had some time to relax and walk the town before meeting with Cem, their local guide, for a briefing on conditions in Torres del Paine National Park.

Haven’t heard from Greg yet today, but the plan was to load up early and get into the national park mid-morning for their hike up to Los Torres and night at Refugio Chileno.

Tye Chapman

November 2, 2012

La Luna - Don't miss the Sopa de Cebollas!!

Greg reports from Punta Arenas, Chile that everything is on track for our next Patagonia Trek.  Sounds like they’re short one duffel, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.

Right now they’re out running a couple errands (money exchange & grocery store) before a group dinner tonight at IMG’s favorite spot in Chile, La Luna.

Tomorrow they’ll load up and head to Puerto Natales for their final preparations.

Tye Chapman

February 22, 2012

Just in from Tye…

“The Patagonia team arrived safely in Punta Arenas, and the flights home have begun.  Big thanks go out to the inaugural IMG Patagonia team for a great and memorable trip!  Words can’t do the views justice, so check out these photos…”

Becky Kjorvestad

February 21, 2012

Guanaco in front of the Torres in the background (Photo: Tye Chapman)

Just heard from Tye and the Patagonia Team.  The trekkers put in a long day hiking along the Grey Glacier yesterday, where they were rewarded with “spectacular, incredible, awesome views”.  Hung out with some icebergs this morning while waiting for the boat to take them across Lago Grey, then after another short hike to a lookout point at Mount Ferrier, hopped a ride back to Natales.  An absolutely perfect day, one of many they enjoyed all week.

And now the trekking is done, all that’s left is some showers, shopping and a nice dinner in Natales tonight.  The gang takes a drive to Punta tomorrow, and from there will prepare to catch flights back home.

Becky Kjorvestad

February 19, 2012

Tye sent some photos early this morning of some of those spectacular views he’s been talking about on the Patagonia Trek.  No exaggeration there – take a look!

Becky Kjorvestad

February 17, 2012

Torres del Paine amanece

Incredible! – was the one word trip update from Tye Chapman and our Patagonia trek this afternoon.  Views were out of this world.  Up the French Valley today, maybe 15 km and about 9 hours round trip.  Back at the Cuernos Refugio for a second night.  Showers have been taken and the dinner call will come soon.  I may have to go on this trek personally, and soon.

Phil Ershler