After nearly a year of planning and anticipation we are less than 3 days away from departing for South America to experience a trip of a lifetime. We're so excited (and a bit apprehensive) for everything we're about to embark on. For a little less than half of the trip we'll have access to internet and hope to be able to update the blog about our adventures... We'll have to see how that actually works out.

For those of you curious about our plans and where we will be over the next few weeks -- here is the high level scoop. Arrive in Buenos Aires the morning of February 2 where we will spend the day before we catch another plane south to El Calafate on the 3rd, finally arriving (by bus) at Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile on the 4th. It's here that the adventure truly begins.

We have signed up for (perhaps foolishly) to complete the TDP circuit of approximately 80 miles in just 8 days. It probably wouldn't be so bad if every day were just 10 miles -- but we've got mostly 12 mile days with a 16 miler and a couple 5 milers thrown in there. (Too bad the 16 mile day is followed by a 12 mile day) People have asked if we're going with a group or a guide - the answer is no. It's just the two of us, but it's a well traveled circuit and there are huts along the way and we anticipate meeting several people who are doing the same thing as we are. The weather is incredibly volatile and from what we're seeing - we could spend most of it in the rain. I'm fervently praying that the forecast changes.... But despite the rain and the wind (that is known to knock you off your feet) we're going to see views and landscapes unlike anything we've ever experienced. To get a feel for what we could see (depending on weather) check out this link Lee found: TDP Circuit

We'll be back in El Calafate by the night of February 12 and we'll spend a couple of days there exploring by boat and on foot some of the glaciers - including Perito Moreno and the Upsala Glacier. We are heading up to El Chatan to day hike and hopefully see in all it's glory Mt. Fitz Roy for a couple of days. We return to Buenos Aires on the 18th and depart for Iguazu Falls on the 19th. I've been dreaming of seeing Iguazu Falls for the past couple of years and am so excited that we're going! We spend our last few nights there - exploring both the Argentine and Brazilean sides of the falls. AND staying in a hotel! That will be luxurious!

Our adventure comes to an end when we return to California on the 23rd of February. We'll probably need a recovery vacation once we get home... as these next three weeks are going to blow us away!

Keep posted for updates....