Torres del Paine

Mountains are the earth trying to reach the sky. They inspire us to climb and conquer them, gaze upon them in awe and relish their splendor.

There is much to see and do in Patagonia, but when many think of this area, they think of Torres del Paine National Park and the 3 granite towers known as the Paine Towers.

Troy and the girls on the way to Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine is an Unesco Biosphere Reserve and  is a part of the Protected Wildlife areas of Chile. It is mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, iceburgs and waterfalls.

view of lake in Torres del Paine park

view from lodge at Explora Patagonia

Today is a crystal clear sunny day. We can see every snow covered peak and tower perfectly. We see them from every angle and look on in respect for their grandeur. The wind is incredibly strong. It whips your hair through the air and beats on your face; It throws you around and sends you back and forth! At times you wonder if you will be thrown from the path! I shout as loudly as I can, yet no one hears as it is taken with the wind...

...it makes me laugh...

How glorious.

Sea of Peace

I must have at some time lived by the sea...

No matter where on Earth I may be, whenever I am by the sea I am at peace: The rhythm of the water, the crashing of the waves on the rocks, and a horizon where sky meets sea brings me the sense of being home.

It is the beginning of the fall here in Chile, and on this piece of Pacific coastline (an hour's drive from Puerto Montt)the days can be sunny one moment and misting and overcast the next. Today I enjoyed some of the 6 miles of beaches and 8,000 acres of temperate rainforest by horseback. Our guide led us to pristine beaches occupied by seagulls and shells, beautiful vistas perched high above the ocean, and fields filled with wild blackberries ripe and ready to eat!

When was the last time I could actually smell the earth, enjoy a ride in the mist and feel the pulse of the tide? I can't remember. It does bring back memories of a childhood long past when my world was simple and carefree.

.......That is what life is like here. How fortunate I am to be here!

The Cliffs Preserve, Patagonia

                               We have had a fabulous stay at The Cliffs Preserve in Puerto Varas, Chile!

                                                              :::::: Wonderful Activities ::::::

                                        BEFORE: Horseback Riding with our guide Christovar

Christovar



on horseback!

  AFTER: Necessary dip in my private hot tub...such relaxation is needed after 3 hours of horseback riding!

Piglets on the Farm!!! (of course, they loved me!)

                                                             :::::: Wonderful Weather ::::::

Who knew it could change so dramatically!

   

sunny one minute...

 

...rainy the next!

                                                                 ::::::Wonderful People ::::::



                                      Organic Gardener at The Cliffs



Taking flight....to Santiago, Chile!

WEEEEEE!......the PIG has taken flight again, this time landing in the country of Chile.

Sam McClure and me with Pedro from A&K Chile!

I have spent my day in the capital city of Santiago, but my night......WOW!......is spent with the Peruvian leading chef of Chile, Emilio Pesehiera.

Chef Emilio

How does one describe the perfect evening and the perfect meal?

Would it start on a terrace overlooking the city of Santiago at sunset?

Would you add music, good friends and the best Pisco Sours on the planet?

Would your waiter have the tenor voice of a Pavarotti?

Or the soprano pitch of a Sarah Brightman?

Would your tastebuds scream with delight everytime a morsel found its way into your mouth?              

 THIS PERFECT EVENING DID!