Reflections on Hiking Torres del Paine
Finishing the W trail in Torres del Paine was, perhaps, our greatest accomplishment. After countless training hikes, a few days of preparation, and bracing ourselves for the worst – we set off for Torres del Paine. We were excited for the adventure and the sights, but slightly nervous about the well-being of our relationship.
Fortunately, we were blessed with great weather, aside from the wind on day 4. We didn’t have to contend with the rain. As we continued through each day, step after step, it seemed as if our goal was a bit more attainable. Sure, there were times when it was best that I didn’t say more than, “almost there” or “you’re doing great.” But, we were accomplishing what we set out to do.
During monotonous or overly arduous portions of our travels, we’ve had to push on in the hope that the best is yet to come. Torres del Paine was no exception, whether it was the vista that awaited us around the next bend or the cold beer and buffalo wings in Puerto Natales after the hike. The hike was only 5 days, but it seemed to be a reflection of our entire journey. Lots of preparation, a bit of hard work and finally, celebration. This seems to be the story of our lives.
Reaching the mirador to the Towers was an incredible moment. I was exhausted (as evidenced by my body practically shutting down just minutes later). We had pushed ourselves to the end and we had reached the final point of our hike. We did the trek together, we took every step and we made it to the end.
Life often is filled with more hidden and subtle challenges, and often it is hard to know when one obstacle ends and the next one starts. Nature shows you its hand and you know what you will face. If only success in life was so clearly defined, I suppose that’s why life is an adventure in and of itself. But to be able to freeze those moments in Torres del Paine and embrace the joy and endure the pain will remain as one of the great memories from our adventure.
