Chile, I love you.

I'm back on my couch in Minneapolis and it is very surreal.  I am not the same guy that I was when I left here almost 3 weeks ago.  I'm not sure how I am different just yet, but I feel changed.  I had some amazing experiences and met some amazing people from all over the world. 

The Race itself was pretty great.  Primarily because it was an adventure just to be keeping up with it all.  I lived in a tent many nights, but also slept in rundown shells of buildings - one a century old sheep shearing facility in the middle of Tierra Del Fuego's countryside.  I was transported around by almost every means possible, including a 36 hour ride on a Chilean Naval vessel.  There I slept on a bunk suspended by chains in the belly of the boat.  I bounced over mountain ranges in prop planes, and rode hours in the bed of a pickup truck --atop a mound of luggage.

My feet touched earth where likely no other human has stepped.  This fact alone nearly blew my mind.  I saw beauty that forced me to reset my definition of beauty.  I felt wilderness that few other people will ever see and may not even be able to imagine.  Until now, I could not have.  I drank the milky blue waters of a melting glacier when I was thirsty.  My list of "firsts" is impressive after this trip.

So, prepare yourself now to see and hear about Patagonia, Chile and the race for a long time to come.  It has left quite a mark on me.  I hope that I can keep my thoughts concise and meaningful for you, my loyal readers.  Thanks for those of you who supported me and helped make this trip a reality.  I am very grateful for you all.  Even if all you did was share in the excitement with me, I sincerely and humbly thank you.

Thanks finally to Team GearJunkie.Com, who are the reason that I was in Patagonia in the first place.  All 4 members are fantastic humans and I cannot wait to go adventuring with them again soon.  The Yogaslackers are awesome and stayed in Chile to climb for a few more weeks.  Jealous.