Puerto Natales, aka: Christmas

Christmas at Erratic Rock

As mentioned, Puerto Natales is very much a tourist town. We may have arrived differently than most tourists (past the town dump, which is becoming the norm), but we were still inundated with outdoor clothing stores and a plethora of languages being spoken. We found a gift shop-esque place with wifi and food, and proceeded to look for a place to stay. We were directed towards the Erratic Rock Hostel, owned by brothers from Oregon. We sauntered over (it was on the other side of town) and were greeted by getting the last two spots in this busy hostel, breakfast included!

People were coming and going at all day, talking about whether they had been to ‘the park,’ what route they were doing, what not to miss in ‘the park,’ and so on. I looked on with detached amusement and intrigue as other gringos talked amongst one another, as if they knew Chile like the back of their hand. Given, there is a free talk every day at 3 p.m., and the guys of Erratic Rock have set themselves up as a jump-off to Torres del Paine, renting gear and all around being awesome. It’s just a part of South America I hadn’t experienced yet, and was, in the end, glad to see others traveling. Also we had been, up to now, talking with locals who actually knew the area like the back of their weathered hands. It was interesting and at times overwhelming to understand everything everyone was saying. I no longer had the ‘no entiendo’ excuse, though I didn’t mind for the most part.

As we spent the next couple days preparing to again go north, everyone was more than helpful and intrigued to hear about our journey. On zero day three, however, Fidgit and I were itching to go. It was then that we received a last-minute invitation from a local guide, Angelo, to spend Christmas with him and some friends at a nearby estancia. Unable to turn down such an offer, we said farewell to the hostel and Angelo picked us up to stay at his place. We headed to the estancia the next morning, as Christmas barbecues are an all-day event. I was feeling a bit ill, but was able to push through and find enjoyment in watching Rodrigo grill while Vania made sure everyone was enjoying their time. Josè Miguel and Fidgit talked about horses while Angelo taught Daniella about kayaking. A massive dinner was served, the sun set, a fire was built, the pisco and the beer flowed, and I went to bed full and happy.