#30 Move over Star Trek, here comes the W Trek - Puerto Natales

After El Calafate I was treated to one of the hardest day's riding yet.

Where were we heading, Puerto Natales, why you wonder, the 'W Trek' (notice the excellent use of W in the last sentence, feel free to praise me in the comments section).

As a young, nubile, strong, virile man I was up to the challenge of a 4 day trek. The 'W Trek' had come highly recommended; a trek that shows you lakes, glaciers, forrest, rivers, plains, swamps and mountains all in one - the swiss army knife of treks. The name 'W' indicated the shape you walk up - three ascents in the shape of a W - genius.

After an informative free talk and hiring of the required gear we had the parts needed to undertake our adventure. Next the fuel - we hit the super and left with trail mix, biscuits, chocolate oatmeal, packet soups, and pasta - nutrition suitable for conquering continents.

Well the W Trek does not underdeliver, but it also had for us plenty of surprises.

The people - with over 120,000 walkers each year there were plenty of walkers (but it didn't feel like a lot), however there are also numerous options for a walker. You can be hardcore and carry all your stuff - as you know doubt know we are always hardcore, and at the other end of the scale you can stay at comfortable refugios, get breakfast lunch and dinner made for you. You can rent tents at each campsite, sleeping bags, the list goes on. With all the options you cross some interesting characters. You'll see the young guy with a small car strapped to his back doing the circuit (an 8 day trek)  being passed by the 60 year old couple carrying barely a daypack.

The weather - the views were varied and so was the weather, as we passed round the mountains we started with sun, found rain, were treated to a full blown snowstorm up the middle of the W and then found sun again as we came round. Oh and shitloads of wind (I swore on purpose there to add emphasis).

The pain - while I still maintian I am virile, I can no longer say I am nubile, young, or strong. Our knees packed in on the third day and any downward valley was a slow and gentle death. Charlotte, who likes to walk fast and would stay about 40m in front of me the whole time, had slowed by the final day with blisters, sore ankles (the whining became louder).

But you know what, it was worth it; the views were spectacular, we even got up for a sunrise on the Torres on the final day and as the days passed (about 10) and the pain subsided, we were already talking about the next one.

Feel the serenity - Reece

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3 and 4