When I awoke in the morning, I could not help but spend a few moments shooting the inside of this building.  I'm glad I did as these are some of my favorite non-race images I took in Chile.

My photos ran with a blog by Stephen Regenold of GearJunkie.com today.  It was a really neat write-up.  Short, but very descriptive of what it was like in the race and how modern outdoor gear played a role. 

If you want to read:  Outside Blog

Watch: Race Video

There will be a full length version later this year.  Stay tuned.

This is a bummer.  I am really sad that the earthquake in Chile has caused such damage to life and land.  As I write this, about 400 people are confirmed dead and undoubtedly there will be more casualties.  I have not been able to reach my friends yet, but I hope that it is only due to internet and phone services being down. 

Santiago is a beautiful city, and I had a great time exploring it all day --just one week ago.  I have been unable to find out much about how much of the city was damaged, but this is very unfortunate.  My prayers and thoughts go out to the country and the people who have lost their loved ones.  I am selfishly glad to have made it out before the incident, but in a way I wish I was there to help.

Chile, I love you and hope that you are back on your feet soon.   

Stephen Regenold of GearJunkie.com fighting the wind that Chileans refer to as " La Escabo de Dios" -- or " the broom of God". 

Some of you out there deserve a hearty "thank you" from me.  At least a dozen people helped this recent trip to become a reality through either your personal time, loaning of equipment or just sharing in my enthusiasm.  It was a trip of a lifetime and I am grateful to have friends like you who support me and make it possible to live out my dreams.

Big thanks also to Stephen Regenold of GearJunkie.com who ushered me into the job 3.5 weeks before the race.  He's been an adventue partner of mine for years and we had a great time together on this trip.

Thanks to Wenger and the many people there who assisted me both financially and physically during the trip.  I also should say that supporting them as a company with your dollars actually supports saving Patagonia.  If patronizing companies that have good ecological behavior matters to you, then put them on your list.

Thanks to the many people in Chile who made me feel welcome and safe.  I miss you all and the simple lives that you have built.  It's admirable.  I love your country and hope to see you again.

So in short, if you helped me out, you know who you are.  I thank you.  You Rule!

This is Jason Magness of Team Gear Junkie, trekking in the Karukinka Conservation Area of Patagonia.  It is on the southern side of Tierra Del Fuego (translated "Land of Fire").  It is also about as pretty a spot as I can imagine.  You cannot see it well from this view, but there is a rushing river cutting behind him and then plunging off of the top of this mountain in a pretty spectacular waterfall.  No one shot can begin to capture this place, but I tried...

I was pretty keen on all of the dead, silver trees lying on the bright green mosses.  It was the spot that my mind goes back to when I think about my favorite day in Patagonia.

PS - For more images, keep checking the Portfolio area.  They will be appearing in the People and Action sections.  Enjoy.

I'm beginning to understand the changes that have happened to me following this experience in Chilean Patagonia.  Today I was rolling around in downtown Minneapolis--the opposite of where I was a week ago.  It surprised me that I was having fun and feeling good vibes.  Upon arriving home from Chile, I was certain that I was not going to like city living again.  I sorely miss the wilderness and the unending beauty that was my home for 2 weeks, but I am remembering the simple, healthy pleasures of being around people who care for you and love you and about the simple joy of seeing your children happy. 

I reconnected with my friend Tom over coffee and it felt really good.  I rode my bike to the store to buy espresso and it felt great.  No, I cannot find an ounce of peace and quiet here like I did in Patagonia, but the hum of my bike tires and the wind on my face was akin to the feelings I've been missing. 

Hopefully, you can find a reason to be happy today.  It is a mindset.  If you look for it, there is plenty to be grateful for and then plenty of opportunities to share what you have with someone who needs it.  Sometimes all it takes is time away from it to be able to see it.  I suggest starting with a long walk (without an Ipod).  Its worth a try.

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.

I fly out in the morning and my feet hit South America sometime tomorrow night.  I will have a few days of prep and information gathering before the race starts.  Once it starts, there is no way to know what is going to happen.  If you want to keep up with the latest word from Patagonia, check the link below:

Race Updates

The next 2 weeks should be nothing short of amazing, so check in to see what I am pointing my lens at down there.  

Wish me luck!

For video click here:  2009 Wenger Patagonia Ex. Race

I'm getting psyched and scared all at the same time.  I think this will be the most challenging assignment yet, but  as such it has the potential to be the best.  Tomorrow I will post a link to the page I will be updating throughout my trip.  Updates may be few and far between?  It really depends on how embedded in the race I become and how far from satelite phone (internet capable) I wander.  Should be interesting!