Patagonia Photo Journal

by Ian Plant

How do I sum up a place like Patagonia? It is not an easy thing to do. Wikipedia gives it a try, defining Patagonia as "a geographic region containing the southernmost portion of South America. Located in Argentina and Chile, it comprises the southernmost portion of the Andes mountains to the west and south, and plateau and low plains to the east." It almost goes without saying that these words don't really do the place justice. So here's my spin: "Patagonia is a geographic region comprised of terrain that is equal parts rugged, awe-inspiring, forlorn, breath-taking, rocky, icy, steep, stupendous, stunning, remote, windy, gnarly, and last but not least, wildly dangerous—not only to your mortal flesh, but also to your soul, which, thinking it has finally reached its place of eternal repose, may choose to never leave."

But even these words falter, their sum somehow failing to equal the whole. Where words prove inadequate, pictures may help—but they, too, seem not up to the task of telling the story of a place like Patagonia. Since words and pictures are the only tools I have at my disposal, they must for the moment suffice, as paltry as they may be.

During my fifteen day of trekking in the rugged wilds of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, I traversed glaciers, climbed into high mountain passes, was blown over by hurricane-force winds, climbed up—and fell down—steep slopes of loose rock, crossed raging glacial streams—both on foot and suspended from a rope, Tyrolean-style—and climbed pitches of ice. I was buffeted by wind, rain, snow, and sun; experienced four seasons, all in the same day; and was worn down by grueling ascents and knee-pounding descents. I hiked over 150 miles of rugged terrain. I lost ten pounds. I witnessed stunning sunrises and sunsets, and majestic peaks wreathed in smoke. I was at times alternately tired, lonely, hungry, and sore—but usually all at once.

In other words, I had a whale of a good time.

On my website you can find my full “travelogue” of my journey to Patagonia, a day-by-day account of my experiences and impressions. It is not meant to serve as a trail guide, travel guide, or a photography how-to manual, although it will likely give readers some good ideas about where to go. Rather, I have tried to tell the story of Patagonia through my own perceptions. By necessity they are narrow and myopic, much like the ancient fable of the blind men examining an elephant, each touching a different part, each erroneously concluding different things about the massive creature. So, with a hand groping in the dark, I do my best to tell my story of Patagonia.

Visit my Patagonia Photo Journal to read my full story and to see more images.

 

About the Author: Ian Plant's nature photos and articles have appeared in a number of books, calendars, and magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography, Nature Photographers Online Magazine, National Parks, Blue Ridge Country, Adirondack Life, Wonderful West Virginia, and Chesapeake Life, among others. Ian leads several nature photo workshops every year. To view more of Ian's work, visit Ian Plant Nature Photography.