Day 2 on the 'W' in Torres del Paine

The second day of hiking was much shorter but I cannot say it was easier. Elevation change was 1800 meters up 3+ miles and back down 3+ miles. The map said 11 km.  And, even though we had no wind today, we did have rain and clouds and sleet!  This tickled our friends as they know how much John hates snow!

Our turnaround was at a refugio where we could have purchases a hot meal or hot chocolate but we ate our cold lunches at picnic tables in a shed with lots of other hikers. This must be a favorite route for day hikers and for those spending some nights in the mountains as it was a very busy trail. 

We were off the trail by about 2:30, so had a beer and played some bridge before doing laundry in the sink in preparation for the next 4 days of hiking refugio to Refugio with our small backpacks.