I looked around the table and wondered – how did this happen? How is it that at 43 I’m the youngest one on this hiking trip and I’ve got the dullest stories? For the first time in my travels, my travel and adventure experiences are overshadowed by the people around me. I eagerly ask them questions, hang on their every word and wonder if I would ever have the ability or guts to accomplish what they have done. Above photo on a hike to Loma del Pliegue Tumbado.
The tables have been turned.
I was expecting my 7 day Argentina hiking and glacier trekking itinerary to be full of excitement and challenge. After all my itinerary included 4 days of hiking in the mountains, 2 nights of camping, hiking on glaciers, boat rides, and estancias. But I didn’t expect one of the highlights to be the people I was traveling with. I love traveling solo, but I’m not a fan of hiking solo – so I was excited to be a part of a small group for hiking – however you never really know what you are going to get with groups like this. The great thing about trekking adventure groups is that it normally attracts some pretty hard-core people, and I hit the jackpot with this group! We started as strangers not more than a few days ago – and now were friends after hiking for miles and miles, camping, and long discussions over beers.
My companions had achieved such things as skiing across the Greenland icecap for 5 weeks, living in remote Africa, daring canoe trips, ice climbing, and one of the men had even climbed Everest…yes Everest. Every story that came out of their mouths I was glued to – and every one of them was older than me – by at least a decade. They were grandmothers and parents – they were all retired and having the time of their lives. They were hearty, fearless, and they were excellent role models for me.
As expected the hikes around El Chalten were wonderful, scenic, and definitely challenging. We hiked the area for 4 days camping for two nights in a semi permanent campground, staying for one night at Hosteria El Pillar, and staying one night in El Chalten. The 4 days provided an amazing landscape of photography for me which took my mind off of my sore muscles! Not only did I love the scenery and the photographic opportunities, I loved the company I was with – and that’s what makes a trip memorable.
Disclosure: Adventure Life hosted my Patagonia travels. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own – as you know how I love to speak my mind!
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
