Cycling Patagonia. The foxes stole my food. The birds of prey stole my food. The man stole my jacket. I ran out of water and I cried.
I achieved my ultimate dream of hiking the Torres del Paine Circuit in Patagonia. Albeit the first attempt I got rescued on Xmas Day in a snow storm. Face and lips blue. In the utopia that comes to us all with minutes left of life. My second attempt. Success! Eight days self supported. I walked over 100 miles. I walked so much my hiking boots fell apart. But it sure was beautiful!
I watched the first sunrise of 2016 in Patagonia perched on a rock, in my sleeping bag with a wee bottle of whisky at 6 am, watching the sun rise over the Torres del Paine Towers.
I photographed King Penguins and wanted to be in their gang. I still want to be in their gang. They are super awesome.
I got wind burn from cycling through the 140 kph gusts of wind. I’m still applying Aloe Vera. Daily. It’s not working.
Two years of my face being slapped at will by the elements.
Running through the streets of a town with film crew capturing content of a moving car for a documentary. Random moment.
Hiking around Mount Fitzroy. Having to put a harness on myself and zip line over a gorge. No staff in such wilderness. I screamed. Then rejoiced.
On Easter Sunday I ate chocolate then walked over a glacier.
I have been in hospital more than once. Blood infection. Hypothermia. I lost 5 toe nails. I panicked over loosing the toe nails.
I’ve made amazing friends. I’ve danced. A lot.
Would I do it again? Never again will I cycle Patagonia in the same direction. But I’d cycle north to south with a tail wind …
As always thanks for joining in the journey. WBG. xxx
Hello! I love what your doing and that you’re writing about it too, really inspiring. I’ve been hitch hiking and camping my way around for a couple of years and now you’ve inspired me to get a bike as I’d love the independence and the exercise (happy hormones!) Any recommendations on what kinda bike I should get for cycling around Europe? I’m in Turkey at the moment so I’m hoping I can find one here that’s not too expensive and light. Also do you find its easy to hitchike boats with your bike or is it difficult? It’s so lovely reading your adventures it makes me so excited! Keep adventuring you amazing lady. Chloe
Omg I wished we had crossed paths 1 months ago …. the bike I used for my first year of cycle touring was in Turkey and I sold it for 100 pounds. Don’t think light bike for cycle touring. You will carry equipment with you so heavy is fine. the most important thing for a bike is that it fits you and has the necessary holes to fit pannier racks to both front and back of frame. Also a bike that can for mountain bike size wheels or road wheels is good. Just pick up something cheap even second hand is good to get you going your first time. Once you have experience and have a better idea of what kind of cycling you’d like to do you can look more seriously into a bike. Hitch hiking is easy with bikes. I haven’t managed to hitch hike a plane yet though but there’s still time … lol Are we on each others social media? I’d like to be in contact see how you are getting o and if you have nay questions. Go for it. Do whatever makes yo uhappy in life! x
Omg I wished we had crossed paths 1 months ago …. the bike I used for my first year of cycle touring was in Turkey and I sold it for 100 pounds. Don’t think light bike for cycle touring. You will carry equipment with you so heavy is fine. the most important thing for a bike is that it fits you and has the necessary holes to fit pannier racks to both front and back of frame. Also a bike that can for mountain bike size wheels or road wheels is good. Just pick up something cheap even second hand is good to get you going your first time. Once you have experience and have a better idea of what kind of cycling you’d like to do you can look more seriously into a bike. Hitch hiking is easy with bikes. I haven’t managed to hitch hike a plane yet though but there’s still time … lol Are we on each others social media? I’d like to be in contact see how you are getting o and if you have nay questions. Go for it. Do whatever makes you happy in life! x
Always good to read about your amazing travels ishbel I almost feel as though I’m travelling with you(I wish). All we ask is keep safe and enjoy every minute of it.love sue.x
Thanks so much! That’s the great thing about his blog … if you are not in a position to do something like this you can read about it if it is of interest to you. Makes me happy you enjoy xxx
What amazing scenery, you are one lucky and fortunate lady. Think of you often take. X
Hi Ann yes Patagonia was extraordinary although definitely the toughest cycling I’ve ever done. It was so hard it was not enjoyable a lot of the time. But then I was cycling into a head wind … think of you often too Ann … miss yo guys … xxx
Thanks Ann think of you often too …. miss you guys … miss Calis …
Always good to read an update. Stay safe and enjoy your travels.
Thanks Rosemary! Hope you are well xxx
Your journey is awesome Ishbel! What fantastic places and views. You are so brave to face this by yourself. Especially the elements and the thieving ‘human’s’ en route! Please stay safe!!!!!
Hey Jeanie I have unspammed you so you can comment now and I will receive and reply xxx
I have shared your blog with Vermont cycling friends who have also cycled part of South America.
Love living through your adventure blogs. Stay safe and have fun!
Thanks Anna! Am no spending a month gaining skills and expertise with street dogs but also training for the next stage of my journey … the Bolivian mountains