PADDLER 74
PADDLER 74
out for us as it was a flooded swamp , so the kayaks floated most of the way . We had to paddle a decent way upriver towards a lake to get to this glacier . We were quite excited about going up the river as the maps showed that we would have to paddle through a very narrow canyon . It did not disappoint .
The rock walls were steep and high ; we had to paddle hard to get through a few rapids , and as we exited the canyon , it opened up to a big lake with a huge glacier at the end of it . We were over the moon , and this was what we wanted to achieve : to see all the glaciers that flowed off the western side of Grand Camp Nevada . Having a quick stop for lunch , the clouds opened up for the first time in five days , and we felt the sun warm us . This only lasted about 15 minutes ; a gust of wind came around the corner , and we fought the wind back to the sea . We could dry out some gear by making it to the shack in good time and with small periods of sun in between fronts of icy rain and wind .
FAREWELL
We spent the next three days paddling back to our starting point , which went pretty smoothly considering the terrible weather . However , the further east we went , the better the conditions got . Yet , amidst the improving weather , there was a tinge of sadness as we bid farewell to the unexplored beauty of Patagonia ’ s coastline . With a taste of what Patagonia is like , we both plan on returning for more unforgettable kayaking .
BIG THANKS TO KAYAK EN PATAGONIA FOR HELPING WITH LOGISTICS , GEAR SUPPORT AND WEATHER UPDATES AND THANKS TO SEGLAGEAR FOR SUPPLYING THE BEAUTIFUL IKIGAI GREENLAND PADDLE , IT FELT AT HOME AMONGST THE ICE . IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PADDLING IN PATAGONIA FEEL FREE TO MESSAGE ME ON INSTAGRAM @ MATHEW _ SCHWEIZER