El Chalten whereabouts
Wow! Yesterday, I did one of the most well-known and difficult hikes in Argentina called Sendero Fitz Roy. It was about 21 km long which is about ~13 miles. I was terrified to do this hike because it is known to be extremely difficult, especially in the last 1.5 KM as it is a straight incline, needing proper gear and strong physical condition. This is a hike people solely come to this town to accomplish although there are tons of other hikes around here, a waterfall, gorgeous views, and quaint vibes!
About Sendero Fitz Roy: It’s such a gorgeous, long, and strength-provoking hike. I started around 6:45 AM because I knew it was going to take me way longer than what people were suggesting. People say 4 hours in, 4 hours out, but NO shot. I wanted to take my time, I wanted to sprawl on the ground once I hit the top, have some food, and proceed to take my time on the way down.
I like to connect with my surroundings and the energy in the location. We live in a time where “pics or it didn’t happen.” People are so driven to get to a location, snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and move on with their lives. But during these times, and this time especially, it's so important to be where my feet are. It is so important to be where I am. It is so important that, although I will snap photos and share via friends and family, I want to fully feel wherever I am; That I take in the moment and understand the deservingness it took for me to reach this point, to be grateful, to see what's really in front of my eyes, and savor the moment because it will surely end!
It is crucial for my growth to pause in every city I go to. If I don’t, I miss some things and don’t feel fully grounded. Not feeling grounded overthrows everything about my mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional space.
The first 8.5 kilometers were pretty comfortable. I was singing, dancing, and taking in nature. I never get to see the sunrise but I was able to embrace the new day with the sun and that was powerful. It’s incredible that the sun rises and sets for us no matter what happens. The sun is THE guiding light in our lives. Days without the sun, we can all feel something is missing. It’s an amazing feeling to watch the sunrise over the mountains. So, if you do this hike or any long hike in general, I recommend getting up right before the sun rises. It sets a good, strong, and natuery vibe to the day.
Thoughts on the hike were as such: don't plan your life too much because never in a million years did I think I’d be in the MIDDLE of Argentina trekking like this, the windward of change and what the universe can present to you is dope. So if you wanna plan go ahead, I’m happy for you, but if it doesn’t follow through, know that it's okay and something else is coming. Whatever is happening in our lives, ride the wave dude, not much control you can have over your life when you want to be one with the present moment. You gotta trust the unseeable. Our bodies are so much stronger than we believe. Do things you’re afraid of because they won't be as bad as your mind makes it and the inner reward is unmatched.
So the last kilometer… Brutal. I did this hike alone, ensuring that it was beautifully marked and that getting lost was an extremely low chance. I also knew I was going to meet people along the way!
As I slipped, fell, used my strength with my polls to stamp into the ground, and said “holy fuck this is hard” for around an hour, I finally reached the peak.
THE PEAK WAS THE MONEY SHOT, YO! Every step of the way is worth it.
I met a cool dude at the top named Jakob. He’s from Sweden, 23, and is pausing with academics to travel and get some space away from home. We ended up having a lot more in common than I initially realized as it started with some small talk at the highest mountain in El Chalten. He is such a bright, beautiful, and kind boy. We ended up walking the entire way back together finishing just around 4:30. Jakob and I had dinner in my hostel (Rancho Grande Hostel), of course after we both showered and rested a bit :) We split a gnarly plate of lamb with sweet/regular mashed potatoes and some dessert. The conversations we engaged in were real and deep. I admire the edge he has to life and his strength to explore. I hope I see him again one day ❤
Overall, El Chalten has been amazing! I remember feeling a bit anxious before I got here but we can see how lovely it's working out, like it always does…
I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.
Paz y amor,
chelsey
