Pampas grass or pampas-grass or Pap’s grass are common names for several similar-looking, tall-growing species of grass.
Cortaderia selloana is native to southern South America, including the Pampas region after which it is named.
It is widely distributed throughout the world as a cultivated ornamental plant. And it is common in the yards on Vancouver Island where I’m at right now.
In fact, it’s my favourite of the ornamental plants here. Tall, impressive, and pretty.
If you’ve already hiked Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia on the Circuit or W routes, you might be interested in a new adventure called the Brush Variant.
A 7-day trek from Bernardo O’Higgins national park to Chile’s most legendary park — Paine.
Patagonia is massive and bleak. Yet we love the Patagonian Andes, 2000km (1243mi) in length, but averaging less than 100km (62mi) in width. You could take years exploring just the eastward (drier) side of the mountains.
Towering granite peaks, untouched lakes, massive glaciers, huge volcano trekking peaks. This land is phenomenal.
Trekkers target five areas:
The Araucania
Lakes District
Central Patagonia
Southern Patagonia
Tierra del Fuego
Start in Mendoza, Argentina and visit the highest mountain outside Asia, Aconcagua. Next bus to the Switzerland of South America (Lake District). Some of the highest volcanoes of the world are here. Finally, work your way south by air and ferry to the granite spires at the south tip of the continent.
Trekking season here is Nov-Apr. (Feb-Mar often the best weather) That said, the wind and weather in Patagonia is notorious. Independent hikers need be prepared for anything and everything.
Conversational Spanish highly recommended for those travelling independently.
Most of the GearTrade.ca business is done online. But you can make an appointment to visit in person if you want hands-on before making payment. It’s a terrific place to ask for advice.
Kane tours the store. And interviews Jesse on the most popular equipment they sell. And his recommendations for any new hiker who wants to get properly set up for overnight hiking.
These lists are far from definitive. They are more conversation starters to get you thinking where you might want to go next.
For example, the Tonquin Trail is a 4.0-km out-and-back trail near Tofino on Vancouver Island. I’m on the island right now and can name easily a dozen better hikes close by.
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