Torres del Paine- Part 6

We had now been in Torres del Paine National Park for a full week and some of the most epic terrain at the bottom of the world still lay ahead.  After a night camping on the lake across from Dickson Glacier, my son and I hoisted our heavy packs onto our sore shoulders and turned toward Los Perros.  

Today's hike would be different from any of our previous days in the park.  Up until now we had always had sweeping views of Patagonian mountains across glacier-fed lakes.  As we left camp we entered into a wooded valley following the roiling Rio de los Perros pouring out of a lagoon high above.  After our first bridge crossing the valley opened up into a level section of forest.

Even though we were sheltered from the winds that Patagonia is known for, it was much colder in the forest.  We put our coats on as we trekked through this section where 'The Dogs' river meandered far away from the trail.  Whereas, everywhere else in the park felt otherworldly, this wooded area almost reminded me of forests I had hiked in growing up.  

Our path soon rejoined the river on our right-hand-side, following its waters to their source: Laguna Los Perros.  We came to another bridge, crossing to the other side of the river.  The rickety wooden bridge twisted and bowed.  A small sign warned that the bridge could only bear the weight of one person at a time.  The turquoise blue waters frothed beneath us as we crossed. 

Even when we couldn't see the rapids they could always be heard rushing to our left as we continued to climb.  With only seven miles between our camps, today's hike would be our shortest so far.  After covering almost 30 miles over the last two days, our feet didn't mind this.  We climbed another 100 meters in elevation and our trail emerged from the woods where we could see Los Perros Glacier above.  We soon reached the river's source: Laguna Los Perros.  Who knew lagoons could be glacier fed!?   

For all its majesty, the scene was actually quaint.  We could only see a small section of the hulking glacier feeding into one of the smallest bodies of water we had seen in the park.  After a morning of movement and exertion, my son and I sat still in this serene place.  It was quiet and peaceful.  We took in our surroundings before moving again.  Just beyond the lagoon lay our camp.  Excitement replaced our calm when a Gaucho passed us on horseback!  He was headed in the direction of camp.  We took one last look at the glacier and called it a day.

Beyond camp we could see our next day's hike steeply climbing to John Garner Pass.  At 3900 feet, it would be our highest point in Torres del Paine National Park.  Beyond the pass lay Glacier Grey and the second largest contiguous extra-polar ice field in the world.