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Going down from Death pass to the SE, the racers are still escorted by glaciers, but little by little Lapataia river Valley opens up and turns the path into wetland and forest. In this area all the rivers that feed from glaciers are easily influenced by the changes in temperature. With warmer days the valleys can become giant swamp. In addition, during rainy days, these rivers become deeper.
The way is easier when heading south, away from Lapatia river and aiming towards Yendegaia river. It is here that appear the first signs of man. The path belongs to Yendegaia farm and goes to PC8 Yendegaia where there is a Police post ) at Caleta Dos de Mayo.
As it is usual in PATAGONIA EXPEDITION RACE, the trekking sections are extremely long and they lack clear paths, therefore, both physical and psychological teamwork are crucial and demanding.
Once again we find ourselves merged into a total silence. All tour teams left behind the press and organization staff. They are heading towards Death Pass to Yendegaia. Weather has not been kind to the racers. It has been raining heavily and the rivers are getting wider by the minute. Experience is a key element in order to complete this section.
19:00 hrs. With the idea of waiting the teams at Yendegaia, the largest press group is taken via charter flight from the central part of Tierra del Fuego to Puerto Williams. This multinational group of photographers tried to follow the racers across the mountains in Karukinka, but the athletes were way too fast for them. Therefore the only chance to see them in action was by skipping Darwin Range.
19:57 hrs. we hear from Nº1, www.autentic-nutrition.com (France-USA). They have completed this 4th trekking section in only 28 hours. Night falls and there are no signs of the other teams, yet they are still within time limits.
Just before sunrise, some action takes place at PC8 Yendegaia.
03:38 hrs. Seven hours after the leading group, TEAM TUAREG TURK (Turkey) arrives. And only 30 minutes later CANARIAS – ANDALUCIA SPIUK TENERIFE (Spain) shows up. Finally TEAM LITTLETON BIKE AND FITNESS (USA – Canada) finds its way to the CP. All 4 teams did it. The have crossed Darwin’s Range through the mithycal Death Pass. They are now facing Beagle Chanel.
Due to logistical problems and beyond organization’s control, we were forced to call off the last kayak section in the Beagle Channel. Therefore, the race will finish at Yendegaia. It is a difficult situation to be in. The organization put a great deal of energy and time to have everything set and ready to go. The kayaks, staff, press, teams and even the weather were ready to kayak in these magical but at the same time frightened waters, yet it was impossible. Nature said go on, however men’s will did not allowed us to proceed.
For a moment, sadness takes over the hearts of racers, press and staff. For the first time in PATAGONIA EXPEDITION RACE, which has accumulated more than 4.000 kms, a section is suspended for reasons not related to weather conditions. With the passing of the hours the feeling of what has been and of the landscapes seen becomes stronger. Up to now there have been ten days through the magical Tierra del Fuego. Ten days of an unforgettable life time experience. Ten days that paid off a year, or even a life of training.
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