Torres del Paine, Chile O-Circuit Feb 5-13, 2023 Norm, Jaime, Bryan & John

Bryan & Jamie Williams, 60 & 52 respectfully, Norman Meacham and John Hernandez, 70 this year, leave Utah to travel in Patagonia, first stop the O-Circuit in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile. They will use Erratic Rock guide service and fortunately Koen, who is originally from the Netherlands, but has spent 10 years in S. America, is the guide. He is a student of the local culture, history, geology, plants and also an amazing camp cook. We ate well and Koen kept us well informed on all things, Patagonia and with the Torres del Paine. He spoke fluent Spanish and English. Erratic rock provides the tents, food, cooking gear etc and does all the reservations and permits. We also hired 3 porters, Angel, 20 years old, Nico and Pablo 25 & 26 I think??? Jamie will carry her own gear. She is tough. We were also very fortunate with the weather. I can see why people from all over the world come to Torres del Paine, most will hike the W-circuit typically in 5-day. My parents are both from Mexico. I was born in the USA but grateful to practice and use my rusty Spanish I loved the O-Circuit which must be hiked counter clock wise it also includes the W-route. Less people on the O and very scenic My favorite day of hiking was our last hike from Los Perros up John Garner pass to Campsite Grey. All the hikes were amazing but this one we woke up early, hiked with headlamps it was raining then turned to snow, windy, hiking around boulder fields scenic valley vistas, steep talus climbs, reaching John Garner pass and seeing Glacier Grey Wow!!! The hike to Campsite Grey was superb with views of Glacier and Lago Grey and all the tall forests and suspension bridges. Totally amazing day. All of Torres del Paine Park is scenic and off the charts and needs to be witnessed in person. A phenomenal 8-days of hiking. Our loop was 86 miles long with 17,079 feet of elevation gain based on my Strava posts. I purchased a GoPro 11 specifically for this trip to video and so glad I did as it takes incredible clear stable footage. Thanks for watching and hope you have the chance to go yourself and experience this wonder of the world..John Hernandez