Day 43 December 22nd 2006, Big Ice - Perito Moreno

Managing only 5 hours sleep the last 2 nights due to early starts we were feeling a little on the tired and grumpy side this morning as we made our way by bus 60km from El Calafate to Perito Moreno, trying to keep our eyes open whilst listening to yet another explanation on the wildlife of Patagonia.

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On arrival at the Perito Morneo Glacier the view and shortly afterwards the cold weather woke us up pretty quickly. Whilst travelling and I guess in life in general, you see and experience things which can be compared to other sights and experiences, the Perito Moreno Glacier was like nothing I had ever seen before, not even close. The sight made even more spectacular by the thunderous booms of the ice cracking as the glacier slowly moved forwards.

Crossing the front of the glacier by boat we started our trek on the glacier, after about an hour walking alongside the ice we equipped ourselves with crampons and ventured onto the ice. Walking like a duck took some getting used to, but before long we were jumping (cautiously stepping) over large crevices in the ice. At one point absailing down into a crevice and then having to climb back out the other side in order to continue the trek.

Stopping for lunch we sheltered from the wind in a small crevice, moments later the ice cracked only a few meters away, our guides seeming only a little concerned, informing us that the ice only cracks open on films, lucky then that no one was using a video camera.

The glacier is covered in small lakes and streams with whats know as eternal drains firming 200m waterfalls to the base of the glacier. With a guide holding us on each side we were able to take a quick look into one of these.

As we made our way back to the boat the weather changed to rain, back on the boat we were soon warmed up by a glass of scotch served on the rocks with 300 year old ice from the glacier.

Highlights: Treking on Perito Moreno Glacier