Danny’s Journal Entry from his and Filo’s visit to their land

Day 1: The Drive to Land Project Patagonia Reserve

We left El Calafate with excitement. The landscape was a mix of mountains and open plains. Each turn showed us more of Patagonia's raw beauty. We felt grateful for the chance to explore such a place. The drive was an adventure, hinting at the wonders ahead at the Reserve.

Hosteria La Leona: A Step Back in Time

We stopped at Hosteria La Leona, a historic outpost. The rustic charm made us think of past travelers. We enjoyed coffee and the scenery, feeling connected to the land and its stories.

Arrival at Land Project Patagonia Reserve

Arriving at the reserve, we felt peace and excitement. The vast land promised endless exploration with no one in sight for miles. We set up camp quickly, eager to dive into our surroundings.

Setting Up Camp: Our Home in the Wild

Setting up camp felt like a grounding ritual. As the sun set, we felt satisfied, ready for whatever came next – in our case cocktails overlooking Lake Viedma and the Andes.

Day 2: Discovering the Petrified Forest

The next day, we hiked to the petrified forest. The ancient, fossilized trees were surreal. We wandered among them, marveling at nature's history.

Imagining Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

We imagined Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid roaming these lands. Their legendary adventures added a thrill to our journey. We felt a connection to their spirit of adventure.

Cocktails at Sunset

In the evening, we found a spot on the edge of the lake and made our own Pisco Sours – with real egg whites to boot!

The Southern Cross: A Sky Full of Stars

That night, the clear sky showed the Southern Cross in all its glory. We lay on our backs, staring at the stars. It was humbling and awe-inspiring.

Day 3: A Visit to Estancia Santa Teresita

The next day, we hitched a ride to Estancia Santa Teresita. We met the gauchos and learned about their way of life. Their hospitality left a lasting impression.

Journey to Estancia Helsingfors and Laguna Azul

We continued to Estancia Helsingfors and hiked to Laguna Azul. The trek was tough but worth it. The azure lake, surrounded by peaks, was stunning and a preciously guarded secret known only to people who venture to what looks like a dead-end corner of the lake.

Retiring Early: Peaceful Reflections

After a long day, we retired early, feeling tired and so happy. The peaceful surroundings helped us sleep deeply. We were grateful for the beauty around us.

Day 4: Breakfast at La Leona and Packing Up

We woke early and returned to Hosteria La Leona for breakfast. We reflected on our incredible experiences. The historical setting was perfect for our last morning.

Heading to El Chalten: The Next Adventure

We packed up and set off for El Chalten. We were excited for more hiking adventures. We felt grateful for the chance to explore Patagonia and looked forward to what lay ahead.

Leaving ou plot, we knew we could return any time. Our hearts were full and our spirits high, ready for the next adventure.