Currently I’m at the “End of the World” in Ushuaia, Argentina. There are ample opportunities to get connected down here but unfortunately the bandwidth of the pipes isn’t what most of us are used to with DSL and cable modems and such back in the states. This has made posting updates and uploading photos a slow process.

I’ve got some jobs running in the background overnight but figured I’d share a few quick updates and hopefully the next installment of the Aconcagua Recap should be posted tomorrow.

Before heading back to Patagonia I was in Peru and Bolivia. Both were wonderful countries and I’ve got a lot to share (Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, cycling the World’s Most Dangerous Road) but I have to admit I was very happy to arrive back in Patagonia. I am amazed by the beautiful landscapes here each time I go outside.

I just completed the five day Dientes Circuit trek on Isla Navarino in the Chilean portion of Tierra del Fuego. It was a phenomenal trek and I’ve got some great pictures of just how wild and remote it was. I was able to see the legendary Cape Horn off in the distance and without the aid of a compass, map and GPS I might have ended up being out for longer than five days. So few people attempt the trek each year there isn’t even a trail to follow in many places.
I did have a big disappointment today because I discovered I’m too late in the season to see the penguins. Most of them have already left. Just as the seasons are changing back in Chicago and I hear everyone is running around in shorts it is already autumn here and winter is on the way. I guess it just means I’m going to have to plan another trip to visit again.

I was able to upload the video of me ice climbing in Torres del Paine (Quicktime and DivX). I tried out my iMovie skillz and attempted to rotate it so everyone doesn’t have to tilt their head 90 degrees. It is so easy to twist the little point and shoot cameras when taking video these days you don’t even think about the orientation of the camera when you’re recording. (I think it turned out okay but the raw original is here in case there are problems and I apologize for any kinks in the neck before hand.)

Tomorrow evening I fly to El Calafate, Argentina where I’ll spend a week or so exploring Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, specifically Mont Fitzroy and the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Finally, my colleagues at Orbitz will be happy to know even though I’ve left the conference room Chucktanium behind in Chicago the Chuck Norris references just keep coming.

• It started when I was flying from Santiago to Mendoza for the expedition. I sat next to a Canadian named Tito who fights forest fires half the year and climbs the other half. He was also on his way to climb Aconcagua. It wasn’t until we turned final to land in Mendoza that we actually got around to exchanging names. After hearing my name was Chuck he responded “That is really cool. Having the same name as Chuck Norris has to be awesome!”
• When I was hiking the Inca Trail the assistant guide Victor asked my name but didn’t understand my response. After slowly pronouncing my name several times the light bulb went off in his head and he replied “Oh! Like Chuck Norris?!?” to which I had to smile and reply yes. I’ve considered adopting Carlos, the Spanish version of Charles, for the rest of my trip just to make introductions easier.
• I was pretty scruffy from not having shaved for six weeks at the start of the Inca Trail trip and when I met the rest of the group a Canadian named Kyle said I must be a huge Chuck Norris fan and thought I was trying to sport the same look in Chuck Norris’ honor. I quickly responded with a roundhouse kick.

Along with my friend Lou continually insisting I looked like a “dirtbag backpacker” the continued Chuck Norris references made me decide it was time to shave but not before having a little fun.

In addition to Chuck Norris references people now started asking about Earl from My Name is Earl. The next day I was clean shaven just like I always am at the office.