Gifts for the River

Mt. Cerro Torre

Not all that successful a photo outing this morning.  The sunrise was fine and I'm sure I took some great shots.  But I dropped a lens cap and circular polarizer into the river and lost the handle that adjusts the ballhead tension on my tripod.  These are items I'm kinda fucked without.  I'm sure I can get another lens cap in Coyhaique, but I've doubt the polarizer is replaceable down here.  The ballhead is pretty much screwed.  I can use the pan tension knob to somewhat lock the ballhead in place, but that's far from a good solution.  I don't have high reviews of this ballhead right now...  Too bad I have to wait seven weeks to let the sales folks know about that!

Still a great deal of swelling around my lower left jaw.  I can feel the glands around my neck are swollen and I can't open my mouth all the way.  Eating ought to be interesting.  Good thing it's oatmeal!  That's the only time you'll hear me say that.

The van for the trip north leaves from a spot about 500m from the trail head.  It's an overnight trip that leaves at 10 pm so I've got a long leisurely day to pack up and hike out.  I've been trying to eat all the remaining food to lighten my pack.  All that's left is one dinner (eat before the van leaves), some granola-like cereal (save for tomorrow morning) and a huge hunk of cheese.  Siempre queso!  Oi.