Although it was cold in my ecodome, I slept like a baby and woke up to the most beautiful day feeling refreshed and excited. It was gorgeous outside – perfect trekking weather – 60s and sunny. We had a yummy breakfast and set out. Today was to be an “easy” day. We were only trekking 11 km – less than 7 miles – and there wasn’t too much of an elevation change.

From the beginning the vistas were breathtaking. We passed by Monte Almirante Nieto and could easily see the towers that Torres del Paine are named for as well as Lake Nordenskjold which was so blue and lovely. There are 3 towers that the national park was named for – Torre Sur (the South tower), Torre Central (the Central tower) and Torre Norte (the North tower). They’re the most majestic sight! And since it snowed relatively hard last night it was even more stunning.

We stopped a few times during the 5-hour trek. The day was just perfect. We ended our day around 4 pm at Refugio Cuernos. It’s hard to describe the refugio. There’s a central dorm-type area where the bar, kitchen and restaurant are. And then there are “huts” that sit on the mountainside and – similar to Ecocamp – contain 2 twin beds and a couple of tables. This refugio, however, contains a wood stove so there’s heat if needed. I was assigned one of the huts – which is like a hotel upgrade. Some of our group are staying in a room in the main area with 7 others – in triple bunk beds. But me and an Aussie named Stuart were given this sweet hut.

We all decided a beer was in order after our day and had a local beer called Austral which was just what the doctor ordered after the day. And it was still so beautiful outside that Stuart and I sat on the little bench outside our hut and talked about life. He told me about his 2 and a half month holiday with his wife – who had to return to Australia for work – and about all of the places I should visit when I go there.

We had a nice dinner of “pork chop with love sauce”. Yes, seriously, love sauce. A local played some traditional Chilean music on his guitar and we drank some yummy Chilean red wine.

Today was an 11k trek. Tomorrow is going to be a 28k trek. So it’s time to get some sleep. We’ll be at it tomorrow for 10-12 hours and the elevation change is much larger.

I will say, I sit here in my hut on my twin bed looking out the door at a little slice of heaven. Not many people get to see this sight – I’m just blessed to be one of them.