Patagonian Patience and Dive-Bombing Birds

Sometimes, the most challenging part of an adventure isn't a gruelling
hike or a blizzard on a pass—it's the patience required when your plans
are put on hold. Today was a lesson in exactly that.

A familiar feeling of frustration crept in as we, once again, had to
postpone our long-awaited trip into the mountains. Kiersten is still
fighting off a stubborn bug, and in a place as wild and unforgiving as
Patagonia, the "better safe than sorry" mantra isn't just a saying; it's
a essential rule to live by. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when the
weather outside is breathtakingly beautiful, yet our precious weather
window is steadily shrinking, with a turn for the worse forecast for
next week. The mountains were calling, but we had to let the voicemail
pick up.

Refusing to be completely defeated, we traded soaring peaks for a gentle
stroll through the charming streets of El Chaltén. Our mission? A
simple, soul-warming reset. We found solace in a local bakery, where the
cure for most ills can be found in the form of rich coffee, flaky
empanadas, and sweet, fresh buns. It’s amazing how a good pastry can
soften the edges of disappointment.