TDP Day 5: Refugio Chileno
Another big day - hiking from Refugio Cuernos up the final valley to Refugio Chileno. (Refugio Chileno was the launching pad for the final push up to Las Torres. )
I chose to skip breakfast this morning - maybe not a smart move given the distance and strain of the hike. But I had a box lunch and snacks.
This hike was a lot of up and down, and then up. It had a couple difficult river crossings, one that included holding onto a cable while crossing.
After I did that particular crossing (with someone helping me by holding the cable tight), I decided to use the opportunity to rinse off my clothes. So I hiked up stream a bit and stripped down and scrubbed down my clothes in a small pool. I´m not sure this is allowed by the park, but I did it anyway.
Then I heard another group of people approaching the crossing. I put back on my clothes and decided to go down and help them cross the river, just like someone had helped me. I was in sandals so it was easy for me to stand in river and help guide people through, and also hold cable tight.
Finally got to Refugio Chileno that evening. Funny - they didn´t have a Daniel Givens, they had me registered as Danny Boy.
I showered, found my bunk bed, and then splurged...buying a beer, a water, and small can of potato chips for $10 U.S.! Wow! Most expensive snack ever!
I had dinner with some of the gang that evening, and we discussed our plan of attack on Las Torres the following day.
I also was not feeling well...at all. I lost my appetite and couldnt finish my dinner. I felt a fever coming on. So I quickly bid my goodnights, set the alarm for 2am, and headed to bed.
Unfortunately, there was quite a ruckus that night between the later-night diners, the staff cleanup, the staff CB radio crackling, and late-night arrivals in my bunk room. Ugh. I barely slept. Didnt even need to set the alarm because I was awake at 1:45am....
