Torres Del Paine - Refugio Dickson – Campamento Los Perros
The trek to Refugio Dickson was another short walk, and there was no need in
rushing to pack up. Also, rumour had it that temperatures were even lower at
Dickson, and we only got underway at around 12h00.
Although trying to ignore the pain by taking anti-inflammatories, walking became a
serious struggle. The hike nonetheless offered stunning views of glaciers and
surrounding mountains. My pace slowed, and François accompanied me as I
crawled along at a snail’s pace. Finally, I dragged myself to camp aided by my two
walking poles. It’s a terrible feeling knowing you’re holding up your fellow hikers,
but there wasn’t anything I could do. On arrival at camp, the cold weather made it
essential to get the tent pitched as soon as possible, as I knew there would be no
getting up once inside.
People were incredibly kind and helpful, all offering painkillers and lotions. However,
I knew I could not cross the pass in the morning. The pass was a steep climb of
almost 1,000 metres in deep snow and it was at least a six-hour walk to the next
camp.