Group Dynamics Patagonia
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I looked around the table and wondered – how did this happen? How is it that at 43 I’m the youngest one on this hiking trip AND I’ve got the dullest stories? For the first time in my travels, my travel and adventure experiences are overshadowed by the people around me. I eagerly ask them questions, hang on their every word and wonder if I would ever have the ability or guts to accomplish what they have done.
The tables have been turned.
I was expecting my 7-day Argentina hiking and glacier trekking itinerary from Adventure Life to be full of excitement and challenge. After all, my itinerary included four days of hiking in the mountains, two nights of camping, hiking on glaciers, boat rides, and estancias.
But I didn’t expect one of the highlights to be the people I was traveling with. I love traveling solo, but I’m not a fan of hiking solo – so I was excited to be a part of a small group for hiking – however, you never really know what you are going to get with groups like this.
The great thing about trekking adventure groups is that they usually attract some pretty hard-core people, and I hit the jackpot with this group! We started as strangers not more than a few days ago – and now we are friends after hiking for miles and miles, camping, and having long discussions over beers.
My companions had achieved such things as skiing across the Greenland icecap for five weeks, living in remote Africa, daring canoe trips, ice climbing, and one of the men had even climbed Everest…yes, Everest. Every story that came out of their mouths I was glued to.
And every one of them was older than me – by at least a decade. They were grandmothers and parents – they were all retired and having the time of their lives. They were hearty and fearless, and they were excellent role models for me.
As expected, the hikes around El Chalten were wonderful, scenic, and definitely challenging. We hiked the area for four days, camping for two nights in a semi-permanent campground, staying for one night at Hosteria El Pillar, and staying one night in El Chalten.
The four days provided me with an amazing landscape of photography, which took my mind off of my sore muscles! Not only did I love the scenery and the photographic opportunities, but I also loved the company I was with – and that’s what makes a trip memorable.
Where have you met cool people during your travels that you looked up to?
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Disclosure: Adventure Life hosted my Patagonia travels. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own – as you know, I love to speak my mind!
We normally keep to ourselves somewhat when we travel as we enjoy our own company (!) and are both a little bit shy with strangers. The only time this has been completely different was when we went on a river cruise in Europe with AmaWaterways a couple years ago. Being on a small ship really forces you to make friends and, for the first time, we made good friends that we actually friended on Facebook – the ultimate friendship test in today’s world! It really makes a trip so much more fun! We have two small ship cruises coming up so we will see if we again make friends in this situation.
I always think it’s good to mix it up. I love solo travel – but it’s fun to be with a group occasionally too – especially for things like hiking. I have no desire to hike alone! Your cruises sound great! Good luck!
Stunning photos, Sherry!
Amazing, Gorgeous Photos!
Maaaaan!!! I want to go there so bad!
Beautiful pictures!
Dan
Superb photos of such a magnificent area.
These are simply stunning photos. I especially love your shots of Laguna de Los Tres.
Thanks Samuel. I was really lucky that the weather decided to cooperate most days – it sure enhances the landscapes!
Unreal … outstanding job on the photography (shot composition and post-production). I know the Canadian Rockies are beautiful, but Patagonia may actually be better … I’ll have to go to find out for myself! 🙂
Thanks James! I’ve never made it to the Canadian Rockies – so we need to do a swap!
I traveled to San Diego for the first time last year for a friend’s wedding. They put me at a table with probably the best and most fun group of older people I have ever met. They talked to me about their travels, war time, and even a new game (like bachi ball (spelling). I came back rejuvinated and they still send messages to me through my friend.
Never thought of going to Patagonia. But it’s clear from your photos that it is defiantly a location worth visiting.
I must say with complete honesty that these shots are STUNNING. The Fitzroy was one of the most beautiful things I’ve probably ever seen–that thing is a CATHEDRAL of epic. Still have my RAWs to process from there–cannot wait to look at them on full after seeing this post. Amazing stuff, really impressed.
Cheers!
When I was on a hiking tour in El Chalten, I was with several Aussies in their 40s and above. They were way more hardcore than me AND had been to many more places than me.
Wow, the pictures are breathtaking! When I look at the last picture, the one with Fitz Roy, my feet start trembeling. it must have been exhausting!
The pictures are so beautiful. I am planning to go there myself this Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed.
That’s a great time to go! I hope you make it there!