The Fitzroy Mountains

I went on a spectacular two day hike to view Laguna Tres, at the base of the Fitzroy Mountains, as well as Laguna Torre  Not as well marketed as Torres del Paine in Chile, this area in Argentina is definitely on a par in its awe inspiring magnificence.

Laguna Tres

Spoken about by hikers with bated breath, Fitzroy is one of the toughest mountains to climb in the Andes - and like all Ice Queens, breath takingly beautiful. Here I am at sunrise, flustered after a very energetic climb up a steep slope in the dark. Thank goodness for head torches.

The mountain was like a chameleon, adorning itself in different colours at different parts of the day. The photos show pre dawn, sunrise (red, then orange), early morning (all lit up) and late dusk.

The Los Tres Glacier at dawn and dusk. Really beautiful.

The mountain made a stunning backdrop to the lakes, streams and forests of the park.

Laguna Torre

Another impressive set of towers similar to Torres del Paine in Chille with a glacier lake in front. The tallest tower is officially the toughest climb in South America and has been described by one climber as "a mischievous needle that wears its ice mushroom like a bonnet at an arrogant slant."

I was very luck with the weather as the towers usually love to skulk away behind clouds.

I did an extra hours hike along the lake to get a close up view of the glacier and was rewarded when a large chunk of ice broke away from the glacier and landed in the lake with a mighty splash.

More scenes along the way...

Exhausted but exultant after a great two days, Ally did not come as she was all hiked out from Torres del Paine. Got back to find her curled up with a good book at the hostel. I was promptly dispatched to take a shower.

El Chalten at dawn

Here the tiny town sleeps while above, nature performs her morning spectacle of red fire. We happended to catch it at the bus stop on our way out. I used to sympathise with the saying that "If God wanted us to watch sun rises, He'd have made them come at 11 in the morning." But I am starting to revise my opinion.