Punta Arenas – Puerto Natales – 21 km
The weather looked much improved, and after a leisurely start, I biked out of Punta
Arenas. Still, the wind barely allowed clearing the city limits (roughly 10 kilometres)
and then hit with full force. I genuinely felt defeated and didn’t know how others
cycled in this wind (I subsequently found most waited it out). Riding was too scary
as the wind wasn’t directly from the front, but generally from the side.
Furthermore, it came in gusts, blowing one off the road or into the traffic. It was
better to admit defeat and return to town, after which I flew downwind into the city
centre.
From Punta Arenas, a bus ride took me to Puerto Natales. Arrangements were
made with Yuta and Francois to do a trek once in Puerto Natales. However, even the
bus appeared to have difficulty staying on the road. What an unforgiving area
Patagonia was. The plains were barren, treeless and windswept. Now and then, a
lonely and forlorn-looking estancia appeared, some even deserted.
Once in Puerto Natales, Josmar Hostel offered dorms and a well-protected
campground, making it a perfect place to arrange treks.
Puerto Natales
Francois and Yutta arrived, and the day flew by as preparations took place for our
eight-day Torres Del Paine trek. Hiking shops rented bags and walking sticks, and
we stocked up on food. The backpacks were heavy, and I wondered if it would even
be possible to make the first few kilometres (and that was before packing the
wine). Basic stuff like a tent, sleeping bag, an eight-day food supply and warm
clothes were already a massive amount of gear.