We are getting some good work accomplished on the boat during this time of being in one place, so I'm not bored with it. It will be nice to get moving again though, and I think Vanuatu is going to be very amazing.
Thank you for a beautiful respite from constant news reels and the horrors of what is happening in this country. For a few moments I can just be and dream of a better world for our grandchildren.
Thank you, Brandi. Many people dream of Patagonia their whole life. I was never one of them either. I went because my husband wanted to go and because we would be in Argentina anyway. And the region just seduced me. I hope I’ll be back one day.
"My life is a speck; my body, less than a grain of sand." The photos of the grand mountains and wide open landscape, even the close-up of the bird, helped this sentence land.
Yes he did. But I believe some of his writing was called into scrutiny too. Suppose that was part of the mystique of the man. But it must be such a memorable experience for you and Daniel.
Wow, beautiful pictures and beautiful words. Brent just said you're making him want to go to Patagonia! LOL.
As for the "struggle," it's real. It feels wrong to love walking in the woods and feeling lucky, only to go home and realize how awful so much of the world is...
For me, the key is to read the news, then turn the phone off. Often, don't even bring it with me. Compartmentalize, I guess. But nature is definitely the key!
I don't read the news all that much, but it's there, in the background, coloring what I see, think, and feel. It's only when I write, work on something unrelated, that I can shut it out.
At the end of the Earth, with icebergs, caracara, and views that won't quit sounds like the perfect antidote to, well, everything! Enjoy! And great photos too.
To answer your question, I'm limiting the news but not checking out completely. One of my strategies is, whenever I feel helpless about the news, I make a donation. I can't personally stop X but I can help with Y.
We drove from El Calafate to Bariloche a couple of years ago, up Ruta 40. It was raining in El Chalten, so no hike to Fitz William, but the next day, it cleared as we drove away and we had beautiful views. Patagonia's vastness is remarkable, magnificent, all those words. I want to go back in the springtime; Chatwin's writing has me wanting to see all the birds.
That must have been a long and beautiful drive! It’s good we didn’t plan for it this year though. Large forest fires on both Argentine and Chilean sides might have made the journey difficult.
Beautiful writing Claire. I love the idea that woodpeckers are typing Haiku. Here's one:
The news may break us
But we have ways to escape
By land or by sea
I look forward to escaping by sea again when we sail from here in May. We should be able to leave the news behind hiking volcanos in Vanuatu.
Thanks, Linda! That's still a long wait—until May—but I bet you can already feel the wind in your sails. Vanuatu sounds amazing.
We are getting some good work accomplished on the boat during this time of being in one place, so I'm not bored with it. It will be nice to get moving again though, and I think Vanuatu is going to be very amazing.
When I first read this, I thought woodpeckers type out a morse code. But then I said to myself, a Haiku is much more poetic and is the perfect word.
Thats so funny! I thought Morse code as well!
Thanks, Joel! I can hear morse code, too, but these woodpeckers were definitely more creative :-)
Thank you for a beautiful respite from constant news reels and the horrors of what is happening in this country. For a few moments I can just be and dream of a better world for our grandchildren.
Thank you for telling me, Valerie. I sometimes need to hear why I’m writing about beauty and awe.
This is so helpful. With Patagonian mg radar, I think I’ll be revisiting your substack for sure. Thanks for sharing in so much detail.
Thanks for telling me! Glad it’s helpful.
What a beautiful escape. I loved your poetic take. ❤️ Patagonia was never on my radar, but your photos and words completely convinced me.
Thank you, Brandi. Many people dream of Patagonia their whole life. I was never one of them either. I went because my husband wanted to go and because we would be in Argentina anyway. And the region just seduced me. I hope I’ll be back one day.
Looks beautiful -- thanks for sharing. Nothing like immersing yourself in nature to take a break from the 24-hour news cycle!
Thanks, Andrew!
Nature so incredibly humbling and curative. Thank you for taking us along here.
You’re very welcome. It’s the least I could do.
"My life is a speck; my body, less than a grain of sand." The photos of the grand mountains and wide open landscape, even the close-up of the bird, helped this sentence land.
Thank you, Jacqueline!
Fabulous walk with you through this wonderful scenery and writing. It is what I imagined Patagonia to look like. 😍
Then Bruce did a good job preparing you—did we ever doubt that?
Yes he did. But I believe some of his writing was called into scrutiny too. Suppose that was part of the mystique of the man. But it must be such a memorable experience for you and Daniel.
This is beautiful. Your writing is very musical - you had me hooked by the woodpecker! I'll look forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks so much, Katie!
No matter where we are in our journey, "the trail always leads to the top."
I love that phrase. Great writing.
Thank you, Joel!
Wow, beautiful pictures and beautiful words. Brent just said you're making him want to go to Patagonia! LOL.
As for the "struggle," it's real. It feels wrong to love walking in the woods and feeling lucky, only to go home and realize how awful so much of the world is...
Thanks, Michael! You and Brent would like it here and I'll be happy to share what I know.
You get exactly what I meant, that double feeling of appreciating life while so many other people are suffering.
For me, the key is to read the news, then turn the phone off. Often, don't even bring it with me. Compartmentalize, I guess. But nature is definitely the key!
I don't read the news all that much, but it's there, in the background, coloring what I see, think, and feel. It's only when I write, work on something unrelated, that I can shut it out.
At the end of the Earth, with icebergs, caracara, and views that won't quit sounds like the perfect antidote to, well, everything! Enjoy! And great photos too.
Thanks, Jeanine. I feel so lucky to have been there!
I’ve loved going along for the ride, Claire. A wild and wonderful one, too!!!
To answer your question, I'm limiting the news but not checking out completely. One of my strategies is, whenever I feel helpless about the news, I make a donation. I can't personally stop X but I can help with Y.
That’s a smart strategy. We are never totally helpless and can always do at least something.
We drove from El Calafate to Bariloche a couple of years ago, up Ruta 40. It was raining in El Chalten, so no hike to Fitz William, but the next day, it cleared as we drove away and we had beautiful views. Patagonia's vastness is remarkable, magnificent, all those words. I want to go back in the springtime; Chatwin's writing has me wanting to see all the birds.
That must have been a long and beautiful drive! It’s good we didn’t plan for it this year though. Large forest fires on both Argentine and Chilean sides might have made the journey difficult.
I have a trip planned next year to Patagonia. You have me even more excited!
Good! Glad you have a chance to go. Next week I have a ton of practical advice for you. Thanks for reading!