Torres Del Paine - Day 1

We set off in sunshine, past the Hotel Torres and start climbing up towards Refugio Chileno. After about an hours climbing we go over a rise and experience the full force of a Patagonian gale howling down the valley. However, the valley view is stunning with a glacier in the background and we continue for an hour to the refugio. We drop packs and have lunch before setting out for Mirardor Las Torres, our main objective for the day. The first hour is a pleasant walk up the valley through forest but then we start climbing steeply and into the cloud. We catch occasional glimpses of the Torres through the cloud before it starts to rain. Approaching the lookout is very exposed and the rain is now horizontal but we press on until we reach the turquoise lake at the foot of the Torres. We shelter under a rock for about 20 minutes but only occasionally can we make out the Torres through the cloud. We start to get cold and the view is not improving so we reluctantly head down, grateful for the shelter of the forest below. We reach the refugio about 6pm and enjoy a hot shower and beer before dinner and bed.