Trekking the W day 3 - Las Torres - fire exodus

On day 3 the plan was to hike in the Bader valley and then return to Refugio Los Quernos for another night. The fire and part closure of the park had made some people nervous. Some of our group rested at the Refugio to relax and recuperate after yesterday's exertions.

The rest of us headed up into the Bader valley for a strenuous climb. It was eerily quiet. Jo returned with our guide (Gustavo) to the refugio in the later morning. I remained in the Bader valley with our other guide (Carlos) and a few others.

2 hours later we saw Gustavo heading back up into the Bader valley to report Refugio Los Quernos was in full evacuation mode. Our group now split into 2 made the 17 km pilgrimage away from the fire to Refugio Las Torres.

We were all reunited at about 8pm. It was a nice feeling.

This shot shows the continous exodus of people.