Woke up to a stellar day with blue skies. Still cold and windy, but no rain and plenty of perfect lighting and a perfect day to take lots of pictures. So the hike in Torres del Paine that was closed yesterday because of severe weather conditions was back on. The 4-mile, point-to-point trail had it all: animals, flowers, amazing landscapes of jutting mountains covered in fresh snow.

Then it was off to a local estancia (ranch) where we were shown a demonstration of a dog herding sheep. And for those of us that were so inclined, horseback riding… and for the rest of us, a walk to Sophia Lake and an encounter with some local parrots. A meal of lamb as the main course was also served.

Quick Photo Links: Gauchos | Condors | the way of things | rock ballet | Andean White Butterfly | Patagonian Grey Fox | Guanacos | a top 5 shot | estancia | sheep dog herding | horsrback riding with... | parrots | Sophia Lake