My return to the mountains

Sunday 23 of September was to a very important date, as this was the day I returned to the Patagonian Mountains. In October 2011 I had an accident that ruined my knee and season as a guide. In January 2012 I had surgery and just now I am back. With more energy and desire than ever.

I set out with a friend of mine and we went to a nearby site beautifully situated by a lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains and with a cliff housing loads of condors - the majestic bird of South America.

The spring is coming and the early-birds are already in blossom. The otherwise baren landscape hides al kinds of colors and miracles for the one seeking.

We climbed for about 2 hours reaching an altitude of approx. 500 m above our site of origin. Passing from grasy/ bushy to almost tundra. Pure rocks and sturdy shrub groving low almost embrazing the rocks. At the top the wind hit us but we sat there for about 1 1/2 hours eating our lunch, enjoying the moment and shooting lots of fotos of the condors planing above and under. Sometimes so close that we could hear the wind under their wings... Amazing.

I felt pure happiness being back in the pure nature I had been longing for an entire year.

I had brought my new hiking poles that came into use on the slippery climb down. The knee was good but I noticed that the leg does not respond as quickly as I am used to, but with care and more experience this will be better. I am confident that this was just the beginning of a beautiful season.

Now I am packing and preparing a 3-day scouting to Cerro Tenerife. I will bring my new gear and all the new interesting electronics I have received. This is going to be good....