Chile - Day 4 - Torres del Paine

Today we had planned to go on a horse ride after breakfast, although the forecast was for rain. I have not been feeling tip top this entire trip, still feeling the symptoms of a slight cold and this morning I woke up not feeling great, so the thought of horse riding in the rain was not very appealing. However, after a healthy breakfast and a large glass of a spinach, ginger and lemon smoothie to kick start my system I felt better. And it was gloriously sunny! No rain at all, just blue skies and sunshine.

We were taken on the short drive to the stables where we met the gauchos and the horses, and were fitted out with helmets and chaps. In our party of 6 people only one was an accomplished rider, and the horses were so gentle and good natured and are quite used to having novice riders on their backs. The trail was beautiful, up and down narrow tracks, across a small pool of water and with incredible views. As it is summer here there are pretty daisies, coloured grasses and the fire plant is also in bloom. We stopped on top of a ridge where they took some photos for us with our own cameras. I have been taking my camera backpack on all the walks (emptied of all the extra lenses) and as it weighs at least 6kg I did not want to ride with that on my back so I had managed to take a camera shoulder bag worn across the body.

We are enjoying meeting other guests on these outings, today we met a lovely Australian couple and the conversation is always lively discussing the politics of our relative countries, and in this case the fires in Australia. Everyone always wants to know about Brexit and Boris Johnson! The America guests have interesting views on their upcoming elections.

At lunch today we were watching (through the big windows) a very large condor sitting on the rocks on the nearby hillside. During lunch it took off and everyone cheered, it swooped really close to the windows so we got a very good view of it. They are enormous birds, although the albatross is the largest bird in the world these are the heaviest.

After lunch we had a walk planned to an area that is known for its wildlife. However by now a cold, strong wind had come up so the chances of seeing puma were not good. We saw many guanacos, black necked swans, black faced ibises, kestrels and the majestic condors…but no pumas! On the drive back to the hotel we saw a small group of people on the side of the road with cameras….pumas! We sat and watched a female who was hidden behind some bushes, and then she got up and walked across the road to the other side. I did not have a long lens but managed some photos.

I think the quality of the photos I am uploading are not good due to the weak internet. I have added extras of 1. the hotel and it's wonderful location 2. horse riding 3. guanaco 4. puma. I am getting many daily photos, messages and videos from L the dog sitter and Xena is doing well and having fun, so that is a relief.