March 01

This is the day I have been looking forward to for years. We are back in the mountains and I couldn't feel more at home. We got dropped off along the Carreterra Austral and hiked about 2 km along a gaucho trail to our first campsite. It feels so good to wear a backpack and to have my boots on. I'm in my element.

Tonight I am grateful for my legs that carried me to this beautiful camp spot. I'm grateful for my feet and back for taking most of the weight and pain and never complaining. I'm grateful for my eyes, ears, nose, mouth - I am able to experience every detail of this place. I'm grateful for my hands and arms for taking the most wear and tear during the kayaking section and for taking me to places I couldn't even dream of. I'm grateful for my heart for pumping blood through my body and for being brave and taking me to Chile. This is really starting to feel like home and I only have a month left.

Life is so goddamn beautiful. I haven't been this happy in a really long time.