Although Shawn Henry Baybutt has experienced the beauty of the Grand Canyon and many other magnificent sites, nothing could have prepared him for the grand sites that awaited him in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.
The Torres del Paine National Park is situated between Patagonia Steppe and Cordillera de Los Andes and is open year-round. The hike through the Torres del Paine National Park usually takes four days to complete. Shawn knew he could make it in the usual time if not less as he is a skilled outdoorsman with endless energy.
Shawn arrived at the lodge in Torre Central on his first night in Chile well prepared for the cold weather he would encounter throughout his adventure. He rested and then partook of a nutritious breakfast, which was available at the lodge. On day one, he set off to reach the base of the Torres. Throughout his long trek, he walked through the Lenga forest. Shawn noticed the route elevate slightly and knew he was near his destination. As Shawn rounded a bend, he saw the spectacular Torres rising into the sky. This site alone was well worth the hike as the spectacular view showcased the peaks of the mountain range, which were snow capped and surrounded by just a wisp of white clouds, all of which was set against a brilliant blue sky.
Day two saw Shawn Henry Baybutt seek out the central lodge known as Los Cuernos. Along his journey, he experienced grandiose sites that made yesterday’s display seem inconsequential. As he was walking the trail, Shawn came upon the Nordenskjold Lake. This light-blue lake was so beautiful it seemed unreal. As the lake joined against the shore, the greens of the foliage created a contrast that was simply breathtaking.
Shawn made it to his destination and was eager to start again the next morning after enjoying a hot meal and a good night’s rest. Shawn woke early to start his day three trek, which took him from the lodge to the Valle del Frances and then on to the lodge Paine Grande. During day three, Shawn experienced a scary occurrence. He could hear avalanches from a distance during his hike, and the sound was overwhelming. He was happy to reach the lodge that night where he could be out of the cold and safe.
Day four took Shawn from the lodge to the Refugio Grey. Shawn battled high winds throughout his hike taking him three hours to reach the Grey Glacier. However, Shawn felt the hike was well worth the effort when he saw the mighty Grey Glacier for the first time. The glacier rising from the clear lake was a site that was truly stunning. The ice of the glacier rising from the calm lake water made Shawn feel almost insignificant in size and importance. The glacier loomed above everything near and imposed its supreme dominance on the landscape.
Shawn Henry Baybutt enjoyed a boat ride on the Grey II vessel, which gave him an up-close look at the glacier. He then made his way back to the lodge and determined this trip to Chile was one he would not soon forget. As he ate his soup at the lodge that night, he and the other guests, represented by numerous countries, talked and shared adventure stories.
