Patagonia: No Bigfoot sighting, but still memorable
Spring Break 2004
Matt Kolling
Issue date: 3/22/04 Section: Insider
After a series of day-long hikes, we reached our final goal: Grey Glacier. Approaching the glacier, hearing the thundering separation as icebergs plunge into Lago Grey, we witnessed the awesome structure that represents nature's tool for forming much of the landscape around us. We were treated to a hike on the glacier itself. Many had not worn cramp-ons before and quickly appreciated a spiderman-like ability to scale vertical walls and otherwise horse around. Some of us were intent to cruise the glacier to discover ever more dangerous crevasses that could easily lose us to the world for hundreds of years. The guides put a stop to this. We did go swimming in the 40 degree water surrounding the glacier, warmed immediately after with a nice single malt scotch chilled with 400 year-old ice.
The final night we were treated to a stay at Hosteria Grey, a cozy hotel on the lake opposite Grey Glacier. After an exquisite meal and copious amounts of Chilean wine, we retired to the lounge where each team performed skits depicting a few comedic highlights from the trip. Just before bed, there was a mini cultural show that included singing from some of Wharton's finest (including star Wharton Follies cast member Tara Schwab), a magic show, and a remarkable performance by Vertical SA guide Gabriel who wowed us with his didgeridoo prowess.
Overall, the trip was quite rewarding. We formed new friendships, and learned a great deal about each other and ourselves. The unforgettable trip leaves us with fond memories; some will even find truth in a statement made by Charles Darwin upon his reflection of a visit to the region in the 1800s: "In calling up images of the past, I find the plains of Patagonia most frequently cross before my eyes...."
Indeed.
The final night we were treated to a stay at Hosteria Grey, a cozy hotel on the lake opposite Grey Glacier. After an exquisite meal and copious amounts of Chilean wine, we retired to the lounge where each team performed skits depicting a few comedic highlights from the trip. Just before bed, there was a mini cultural show that included singing from some of Wharton's finest (including star Wharton Follies cast member Tara Schwab), a magic show, and a remarkable performance by Vertical SA guide Gabriel who wowed us with his didgeridoo prowess.
Overall, the trip was quite rewarding. We formed new friendships, and learned a great deal about each other and ourselves. The unforgettable trip leaves us with fond memories; some will even find truth in a statement made by Charles Darwin upon his reflection of a visit to the region in the 1800s: "In calling up images of the past, I find the plains of Patagonia most frequently cross before my eyes...."
Indeed.