I have a joke for you.

What do you get when you put an Aussie, a Brit and an American on the side of a mountain?

Three buggered, knackered and pooped hikers who had a bloody unreal, fuckin´ brilliant, awesome week of hiking and camping.

On our second night of camping in Torres Del Paine we met a Brit camping on his own.  We met him because he made popcorn on his camp stove to share with everyone.  Who can resist popcorn?! 

We invited him along on our hike the next day.  That would be nine of hours of hiking through the spfitzing rain.  Up steep inclines and down slippery slopes only to find we´d followed the wrong path for 20 minutes (sorry guys, really!). 

And then there were the streams. The ones that were flowing faster and higher than normal because of the rain (it was our third day of rain!). Plus, one wide river that came with horror stories from passing hikers. Here, to get a better picture of the day, try this. Put three sacks of potatoes in your backpack, stand in the shower for half an hour to make sure your clothing is drenched, and then go down to your local stream and try skipping from wet rock to wet rock ever so delicately.  Not so easy is it? 

And yet through it all our spirits were high and I have come away with only fond memories (well, and a nasty cold) of hiking through one of the most beautiful national parks I´ve ever visited -- with two "awesome" hiking companions.  For all that told me that Torres Del Paine in Patagonia was a must, you were right, and I thank you for your suggestion.

Five days in "the nature" cooking gourmet camp meals, meeting similar minded people and doing everything possible to keep your sleeping bag dry is what Visa would call "priceless."