PATAGONIA

Cerros Torre and Fitz Roy seen from El Chaltén Village

Map of the Future Patagonia National Park, Chile

Hey everyone!!!! It is Monday night. Mom and I spent the day rounding up a few last minute items, including my guide books. Definately not the best idea I've had to wait this long to finally buy a Patagonia travel guide...

So far I've got the entire month of January booked volunteering in the Future Patagonia National Park in Chile. Check out the link for pictures and descriptions. While I'm there I really want to check out the Capilla de Marmol. It is just north of the park.

After volunteering I'm heading south to El Chalten, Argentina which is right near Mount FitzRoy, one of the most famous landmarks of Patagonia. While there, I hope to spend my time taking hikes like these. Trekking in El Chalten

From there, keep moving south to El Calafate. This is located near the bottom of Glacier National Park in Argentina. There I want to take a trip climbing on the Perito Moreno Glacier. http://www.hieloyaventura.com/ - look for "BIG ICE" Read reviews for the trip here

From El Calafate, I go all the way down to Ushuaia, Argentina in Tierra del Fuego, aka the End of the World! I don't really have any plans for Ushuaia yet. Probably venture into the Tierra del Fuego, and hopefully sail the Beagle Channel! There is a post office somewhere in Tierra del Fuego that will post mark your postcards "End of the World." I'm going to find that post office. And see some penguins!

I then fly north to Buenos Aires where I hope to hang out, walk around a lot, and see some futbol games! I would like to go to the border of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina to see Iguazu Falls, and also go to Uruguay and lay on the beach. We'll see if I can fit it all in!

My gear:

Osprey Aeriel 75 liter backpack

MSR Hubba 1 person tent

Marmot Women's Teton 0 degree sleeping bag

Thermarest Prolite Small sleeping pad

1 headlamp

1 top and bottom long underwear

1 top and bottom Patagonia Capilene 3 long underwear

4 pairs smartwool socks

2 pairs short socks

9 pairs of underwear

2 sports bras

2 regular bras

2 bandanas

1 bathing suit

1 pack hairties

1 headband

2 t shirts

1 pair running shorts

2 jersey dresses

8 tank tops

1 pair jeans

1 pair shorts

1 pair small tennis shoes

1 pair cute flip flops

1 thin zip up jacket

1 fleece jacket

1 winter coat

2 work tshirts, 1 cotton, 1 synthetic

1 pair Outdoor Research W PL 400 gloves

1 Marmot Precip waterproof jacket

1 pair Marmot Precip waterproof pants

1 sun hat

1 winter hat

1 pair work pants

1 pair hiking boots

2 pairs leather work gloves

1 pair safety glasses

1 belt

1 8oz bottle 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner

1 4oz bottle Campsuds

1 tube toothpaste

1 toothbrush

1 trial size deoderant
1 MSR Pack towel

1 pack of face wash pads (no water needed)

1 Buenos Aires travel guide

1 Patagonia travel guide
1 Spanish-English dictionary

I'm grateful for being small and having small clothes!

I will be working in the park in Chile for 4 days at a time with 2 days of rest in between. I have access to internet on my days off, but I don't know if I will choose to go into town or explore more of the park on my time off. I'll know more when I get there. I'll be updating every chance I get on a computer, hopefully with pictures!!