A HIKE THROUGH PATAGONIA

NOLS Organises a 12-day leadership hike for schools, and min.e chose to do it. Our hike was through the mountains of Chile, Patagonia. It is safe to say this was one of the most physically demanding experiences I had done at this point in my life. My only other experience of overnight hiking was Wales, Snowdonia and that was less than successful.

These 12 days completely changed me, not in an obvious light switch type of way, but in my outlook and confidence. On this hike I learned how to cook on a trangia, how to be an effective follower and leader, to listen to my body and also push it, but above all else I was able to experience and appreciate the nature of Patagonia.

Going in I was filled with trepidation. The thought of a 12-day hike with no outside connection, no phone, and no bathroom was less than thrilling. However, being deprived of my phone and all the distractions that come with it, I was able to completely relax in a way that is not possible when your life is dictated by the clock.