Training Log Archive: Stijn

The high traverse route from Refugio Jakob to Refugio Laguna Negra was still snowed-in for the season, so we opted for a long walk around and back up to Refugio Lopez via a beautiful forested valley, a 10km stretch of gravel road and then a final steep 900m climb. The day dragged on a bit but by making it to Lopez, we could still do the last part of the traverse on our final day of good weather. Amazing sunset from Refugio Lopez, where we were camping again.

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move135225379

Nahuel Huapi Traverse near Bariloche, Patagonia! I had heard good things about this route but it exceeded my expectations, both in terms of epic mountain scenery and difficulty if the terrain. We had originally planned to do the full traverse in 4 days, but with snow forecasted for our 4th day, we combined day 1 & 2 from Villa Catedral, past Refugio Frey and on to Refugio Jakob.

The first section to Frey is quite an easy and touristy route with plenty of trail runners cruising past us (FOMO). But then once we left Frey we were in some proper mountain terrain and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Think high mountain lakes, loose scree descents, snowy drifts and huge views across to Lago Nahuel Huapi every time we crested a ridge.

We camped on the shores of a lake next to Refugio Jakob. And it got cold fast!

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move135225440

Evening scrambly stroll to Laguna Tempanos for some sundowners.

http://www.movescount.com/moves/move135225353