We spent election night holed up against the wind in our hostel in Calafate, Patagonia. At 2am I started to drift off and Josh woke me in time for McCain's concession and Obama's victory speech. I was moved to tears. I am truly proud to be an American today. To celebrate we ate a big Argentinean steak and smoked a Cuban cigar :)

The day before the election we hiked on Perito Moreno Glacier - so big and so beautiful. We endured a 30-hour bus trip to get down here to Patagonia from the Lakes District. Our last ride was a bit torturous especially at the very end when we could practically see the town on the horizon but were stopped by the Argentinean police who spent over an hour checking passports while we cooked in the stuffy air and tried to appease our growling tummies.

Before coming to Patagonia we spent a week in the Lakes District in Bariloche and El Bolson. Bariloche will always have a special place in my heart. Josh planned a special weekend there in a beautiful B&B on the lake. We went on a hike and when we reached the top of the mountain he asked me to marry him. I said of course. You'll have to wait till we're back for the whole story!

So far the best part is calling Joshua My Betrothed.We're very excited and can't wait to come home and celebrate with our friends and family. We're banking on the advice from everyone who has told us that if we can travel together like this for 6 months then we can get through anything!

Our next and final stop in Patagonia is Torres Del Paine. There we'll take on the famous "W" trek to see the national park's snow-capped towers. Even after all the hiking and backpacking I've done over the years this will be the first time I've backpacked solo - sans guides, porters, or organized family members. We're excited to face this last adventure, which could be particularly grueling in the heavy winds and cold weather down here. Luckily my betrothed and I are up for the challenge.