Wind and people and rodents and hiking, pt 2

The next morning was cloudy as we hiked up the second arm of the W, Valley Frances. Definitely beautiful, but somewhat obscured. 

James and I even witnessed an avalanche. Craaaazy. This is also the point at which we started to assemble a hiking group. We were joined by a couple of gals from Finland, and also a very funny guy from England named Daniel. He's a professional storyteller. He was also robbed of over $300 at Refugio Grey, which combined with a broken tent meant that he needed a tent buddy for the last night of the hike. James and I gladly obliged, as there are obvious advantages to keeping a storyteller around. And so, the hike continued.

That last one is the campsite for the third night, called Refugio/Campamento Cuernos. That was a very fun night with wine and dice games and such. A couple from San Fran also joined in. Strong American contingent. Unfortunately, the mice were particularly vicious at this campsite. Our Fin friends wound up with holes in their tent and a sleepless night. I also woke up to one mouse in my tent, although he got out quick through a gap in the zipper (I guess that's better?). Worst of all, Daniel and I had hung our food indoors. However, even there food was not safe from this particular brand of ninja rodent.  Someone placed trekking poles against the wall, basically forming a superhighway to our bags. They got to my oats (wah), but not too bad and I just boiled them extra thoroughly. No hantavirus to report yet...

Another beautiful but long day of hiking followed. 

Night 4 was spent at Campamento Torres, at the tip of the third W arm. Definitely my favorite site. Cooked and played dice and cozied up with Daniel, who as I mentioned needed a tent mate for this night. Good thing, cuz it was cooooooooold. Definitely below freezing.