I never thought that I, someone who couldn't even tell directions in Kaohsiung's Chaishan, would one day complete a four-day, three-night hike in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park.
Arriving at the breathtaking landscape, which has been rated a must-visit in a lifetime by National Geographic, I not only got to explore the stunning blue lakes formed by millennia-old glacier melt, but more importantly, I discovered various emotions within myself and learned how I respond to challenges along the way.
The total length of the W Trek route is 62 kilometers. As someone with limited hiking experience, I was allocated a daily hiking time of 7 to 9 hours. To successfully complete this challenge, timely trail markers, horse dung, and footprints on the ground all became crucial clues.
◦ The Impact of Las Torres on Me
I chose to tackle the most challenging section, Las Torres, from east to west, reserving it for the first day when I had the most energy. I'm glad I made that choice because the final challenging journey to conquer Las Torres was a truly eye-opening experience! Apart from making me break into a cold sweat and fearing that I might tumble down the cliff with every step, the unpredictable weather, which alternated between rain and strong winds, added to the challenge of reaching the summit and descending.
◦ French Valley and British Valley
After enduring the hardships of the first day, the subsequent hikes through the French Valley and British Valley were so breathtaking that it felt like a gift from the heavens. They had their share of challenging sections and adverse weather conditions, but having gone through the awe-inspiring challenge of Las Torres, I faced them all with composure.
This hike deepened my understanding of balance and breathing. Balance guided my body to take the next step, while controlled breathing enabled me to go further.
Camping Experience in Torres del Paine