0830, Base Camp, Torres del Paine. Yesterday´s weather was horrible. Gerke an I woke at 0530 as usual, had our radiocontact with the others, and decided to wait a couple of hours for the weather to clear up. It didn´t. Strong gusts of wind tried to push snow through every opening we had not managed to cover, and the tent fabric was bowing on the increasing amount of snow pushing against it. Then it occurred to us that down in the valley, we had still about four loads of food to be carried up. So, why not carry them up now then? It was quickly decided to get ourselves out of here, and within a minute we were organised. After we had made sure to leave the camp behind correctly, we walked down to base camp to bake some pancakes.

This morning, in Base Camp, we seem to wake in an entire different world. At first, there is no wind. Lovely. Protected by the forest the camp is situated, we seem to have no contact with the brutal force that could seriously damage our ABC at this very moment. Second though, this camp is damp, really damp. That is somewhat of a buggar, there moist is an effective way to get (a) cold or ill quickly. Did you here me say that I don´t really fancy this camp?

1200, Hosteria del Paine, Torres del Paine. The ´pampa´ plains and it´s lakes stretch out just a few kilometres from here. Though quite windy, there always seem to be loads of sun. Just so this camping spot. That´s why this is such a great place to recover. Dug behind a rugsack, shielded from the chilly breeze, I let the sun warm me up a little. On days of fine weather, you can just see the summit of our Central Tower from my position. I focus on where a summit should be, but see nothing but a bunch of nasty clouds. Amazing what a difference it makes: right here, no worries. As for the others, they went of showering, or making a phone call probably. I will as well on my turn, but for now I start digging in our renewed supply of candy bars. Jummy..

1730, Base Camp shelter, Torres del Paine. It has been a fairly light way up, as there were only about 3 loads to be carried by the four of us. After what is a two hours walk, Ronald and I walk back into BC, to see that Gerke and Martin have already continued their way up to ABC. They will be climbing tomorrow, (or will do a fair try) and left their loads here in BC, for Ronald and I will be sherpa´s tomorrow. But that´s for tomorrow. First we enjoy a good meal, a book, and a conversation with fellow Bask en Swiss climbers. And eventually, our damp tent of course.

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welcome to monday 24th of january