W Treck - Refugio Paine Grande > Refugio Frances

Thursday, November 10th: Torres del Paine, Chile

• We were again the first to rise in our room, but cooking and cleaning after breakfast really slowed us down from getting a head-start on the trail. And inevitably Liz views hiking like everything else in life… a competition. Must be on the trail first. Must pass everyone. Must arrive to the destination first. If you’re not first, you’re last. 

• We anticipated a fairly steep route from Refugio Paine Grande to Campamento Italiano, but it was not very strenuous (7.5 KM) and the weather was perfect - partly sunny and minimal wind. 

• We arrived at Campamento Italiano and surprised to see it boarded up. Apparently, it’s been shutdown for a few years, but hikers still leave their heavy packs their as they hike up and down the French Valley to Mirador Frances and Britanico (5.5 KM one way). 

• The hike up to Mirador Frances was a steep climb over loose rocks and through the forest. The viewpoint had a beautiful lookout toward the glacier and mountain where water ran down into the river and the occasional avalanche or glacier crack could we heard thundering above. 

• The trek from Mirador Frances to Britanico wasn’t as steep, except for the last scramble to the top. We stopped for a snack and a few photos, but the air was much colder up there and we didn’t stay long. We quickly made our way back down, collected our bags and walked onward to Refugio Frances. We were happy that we didn’t have to make it all the way to Cuernos, but we had the time and could have made it after all. 

• The refugio was built with large green domes and more private style quarters. We cooked our dehydrated meals at a picnic table outside overlooking the lake, enjoyed a quieter evening in our bunks and splurged on Coke Zero and a tube of Pringles.

• Our housemates were Emily (Worcester, England) and Ignacio and Isabel (Santiago, Chile) 

• Mileage: 15.7 Miles

• Accommodations: Refugio Frances, Torres del Paine, Chile