At Campamento Italiano on the Torres del Paine circuit, the river splits then rejoins at the swing bridge. I spent some time there, mostly in the morning before anyone else had risen, and was rewarded with a close look at a pair of torrent ducks.
The red-flowering shrub is known locally as notro, the Chilean firebush (Embothrium coccineum), and was a common and striking element of the flora while I was in the PN Torres del Paine.
All content © 2012 Pete McGregor
What a wonderful sense of energy and freshness.
ReplyDeleteSo lush and loudly peaceful.
ReplyDeletePete, What a great photo! When we were there we didn't see the torrent ducks (aptly named in this instance!). What I recall was how treacherous it was to fill our water bottles! What a beautiful, wild place that was. -Maureen
ReplyDeleteRR, the place did have that feel to it — invigorating, especially after the long walk from the Torres themselves.
ReplyDeleteZhoen, later in the day it got busier, with people wandering around, collecting water, washing (ignoring the request not to wash directly in the rivers), and generally enjoying the place. Getting up before dawn definitely had rewards.
Maureen, yes — not a place to fall in! The main river would have knocked you around badly; even the smaller side branch would have been uncomfortable.