Posted on:
Brilliant Poem by Michelle Wakeley about her time spent on our 2010 Southern Patagonian Icecap Expedition
Finally, in El Chalten we arrive
To face this southern cap of ice
Our team of six come from far & wide
Would we achieve her illusive prize?
On the vast icecap below Paso Marconi
The Patagonian gods mocked us with a sunny display
Only to veil Cerro Fitzroy & Torre for days
But with better reports, a little patience,
We were on our way.
Across tangled forests & boulders
Condors welcomed us in full view
Held by icy winds, La Playita became our refuge
And so, the resident mouse did too!
A short delay, we tiptoed our way up the Marconi
Grumbling avalanches & spin drift ahead
Onward & upward we battled to her icy bowels
Sure signs the gods weren't dead!
Buried alive, but we survived
A night of force & fury from the west
Sunburnt & smiling we reinforced our wall
To find the gods had held their breath
Two perfect days we trod this mythical place
The circus of Altares in full show
Sunrise kisses, our trophy now found
But here, no man can stay, we must go!
So with dark clouds brewing from the north
The Patagonian gods veil our prize
Faring us well, us intrepid few,
With heartfelt memories we say our goodbyes
There our journey doesn't end
Down glaciers, rivers & meadows of wild flowers, we descend
Under shooting stars & starry skies, we sleep
Oh, Patagonia, to leave you we shall weep!
And the poem entered into the Visitors books at the El Cerveceria in El Chaltén
Tagged with:
More posts: