Localized Thoughts

Mobile Diaries Part 3: At the End of the World (With Full Bars)

This past week, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Patagonia region (ironically, wearing mostly North Face gear) of Chile, which is situated near the southern tip. The area is sometimes referred to as ‘Fin Del Mundo,’ or end of the world.

The excursion was set up by the Remote Year program, and our trip included a hike into the Milodon Cave, visits to the famous Torres Del Paine, a trip to view the Balmaceda and Serrano glacier, and a hike in Laguna Sofia, to the top of Cerro Benitez.

Patagonia gave us one of the most erratic weather environments I’ve ever experienced. We got used to sweating from an hour-long hike, tying jackets around our waist, then rushing to put the hat and jackets back into combat the 60 mph gusts of winds. On the bright side, the erratic and constant start-stop of light drizzles gives rise to multiple rainbows during the day.

While there’s definitely no shortage of scenery and grand views (and condors!) to photograph, my personal travel style is to experience as much as I can and photograph as little as I can.

So, my phone/camera was mostly in my pocket (this also made sure it wouldn’t get whisked away by the wind). When I do take pictures, I like to keep myself in the distance, silhouetted in the background. For me, it reinforces a perspective of not focusing on myself or my own worries, even just for a moment.

As expected, part of the Patagonian experience is to digitally disconnect, and signal strength being either low or non-existent made that very easy. However, one of our fellow travelers had an unexpected digital experience.

The Patagonia region is very close to Argentina, and on some days we hiked close to the border. On one such day, her phone unexpectedly synchronized with Argentinian telecom. For better or worse, even at the end of the world, the exotic birds aren’t the only ones that can tweet.