What You're Teaching Your Kids Without Even Realizing It

by ERIK ORTON

Children are always learning. When I say always, I mean always. They aren’t learning only when they’re in school, or when there’s a good teacher or any teacher for that matter. They’re learning no matter what, all the time. We all do, without even thinking. As we head into this coming school year with more parents spending more time with their children than ever, it’s crucial to know what we’re teaching our kids without even realizing.

As parents and adults, we model what is possible and how to approach it. So what are we teaching children about being adults? What are we conveying to them, whether we realize it or not?

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Julie Bogart, in her book, The Brave Learner says, “Children know the day will come when it’s up to them to live alone and pay the bills. What they also know is that their independence can mean all kinds of delicious opportunities for adventure. Or not. You’re their chief role model for adulthood. When they look at you, what do they see? Do they see an adult who makes adulthood look awesome? Or do they see adulthood as a painful sacrifice filled with endless responsibilities and little pleasure?

“Because our kids are with us all the time,” especially now during covid, “how we live our adult lives is even more critical to how they envision their futures. Do you relish your adult life? Or is it on hold until your kids are grown? Are you stretching yourself to have new experiences, learning for its own sake, talking about books and movies, exploring new places without your kids? If you have a paying job, do you share about it with pride or complain about it as tedious and stressful? Some kids resist growing up simply because adulthood on display holds no magic for them—only weary responsibility...

“One important part of parenting, then, needs to be your ongoing self-education that maximizes the opportunities and privileges of being an adult. Make adulthood look awesome and watch your children aspire to great things. In fact, your strongest gift to your teens is taking real pleasure in your skills, talents and opportunities, not theirs.”

What if the best thing for our children is for us to become our best selves? What if doing that—in front of them where they can see it—gives them the courage and the perspective to live their best life? What if pursuing what we’re excited about, curious about or interested in, is actually the most beneficial thing we can do for our children? Do you want to learn French, play the accordion, create a video game, take a company public, make a movie, sell pastries, visit the Taj Mahal, grow your own vegetables? Whatever interests you, pursuing it in front of your kids is the best way to teach them how to create a vibrant, illuminating, fulfilling life as an adult.

I studied music in college. I wrote musicals and so we moved to New York City. I worked away in my bedroom/office where we kept our piano. Because we lived in a small apartment, I created my music in the silence of my headphones. My kids almost never saw or heard what I did. 

One day I deliberately decided to move the piano into the living room. It would be harder to get my work done, but my kids would see what I was doing. They would witness the process. I moved my operation into the living room and kept doing what I was doing. I didn’t try to recruit them in any way. I just did my work in front of them.

My kids grew up writing their own songs—not for money or fame—but because they saw it happen right in front of them. They saw the many drafts. The false starts. They heard the bad versions and the better ones. They grew up not being afraid of the process.

If we want our children to live vibrant, meaningful, fulfilling lives, what could possibly be the best way to teach them that? What if we—as their parents—lived vibrant, meaningful, fulfilling lives right in front of them? 

What if we invested in ourselves and received a double return? What if we engaged in our own growth; enjoying the benefits of that journey (Return 1x) and then saw our children venturing out on their own journeys of discovery and fulfillment (Return 2x) because they saw how it’s done. They were learning effortlessly all the time.

A few years later the roles are reversed.

Eli taking the helm.


“Children are great imitators so
give them something great to imitate.”

–Diane Hopkins, Educator



P.S. Want to give your kids something great to imitate? Get yourself the self-paced online course, Dreaming with Discipline. We'll walk with you through the whole 7 part framework from identifying a big dream and muting fear to making your dream your reality. You can do the course as a family, couple or solo. Early bird pricing through 9/9/2020. Get $100 off with code LAUNCH ($97 vs reg $197). CLICK HERE FOR A FREE PREVIEW.

Emily + Erik paddling toward Anguilla, Leeward Islands, Caribbean

Emily + Erik paddling toward Anguilla, Leeward Islands, Caribbean

Erik Orton

Hello, I’m the co-founder of The Awesome Factory. 

Many people want more than a conveyor belt life. At The Awesome Factory, we equip and and encourage individuals to build a creative, adventurous, deliberate life. We envision a world where adults avoid regret, come alive to their own potential and inspire others. 

It's Official. We're Moving.

Never thought we’d say this, but we’ve outgrown our space.

by EMILY ORTON

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Fezywig has been our online home since 2013. It started as a personal blog with no aspiration beyond tracking our 2014 sailing travels and periodically sharing with family and friends. 

We had no idea.

When we moved aboard our catamaran, Fezywig, we were just hoping to make it home alive with some unforgettable memories to bind us as a family. 

We returned with so much more.

We came home with new friends, new confidence, and new dreams. In writing, Seven at Sea, we distilled the questions, beliefs, and experiences that transformed us.

We share what made our lives better.

We didn't know if anyone would read our book or care what we had to say. Since then, thousands of copies have sold. We've spoken to over 15,000 people on stages across the country. Readers regularly email letting us know how they are living more boldly, more deliberately, focusing on what matters most to them.

Wow.

Fezywig is still a special place for us but it's not about us anymore. It's about you. We believe we can serve you better in a new space. So, we're moving. Fezywig is becoming The Awesome Factory.

The Awesome Factory is a site where you can connect with us and all the tools, templates, and encouragement and services that we offer to help you customize a meaningful life. We're excited to share it with you! Although it's still in development, true to form, The Awesome Factory went live on May, 10. Classic. We continue adding useful resources.

Swing by when you're online or we can meet up in your favorite places:

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Next Up at The Awesome Factory


Creating new content for you and getting ready for virtual get-togethers with new friends. As always, you're invited. Scroll down for details.

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Is Homeschool Right for My Family?

Live Session: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 7:00 pm EST
Weighing your options? Click to REGISTER

Shout out to all you courageous parents + guardians exploring school options. We've been there. We want to help.

In 2007, homeschooling unexpectedly emerged as the ideal option for our family.

Last week, we shared 13 years of homeschool experience with Park Slopes Parents in Brooklyn. Now, we're opening it up to frustrated moms and dads across the country.

At The Awesome Factory, we know thoughtful consideration of what matters most to you is the first step in living a better story.

“That was AWESOME! Thank you both for all that amazing wisdom. It’s so valuable coming from people who WALK THE WALK. 
Or, in your case, climb the mountain, 
sail the seas, tend the goats…”

- Carla Weiss (Director of Events and Marketing, Park Slope Parents)











Getting Scammed Prepared Me for Peace in a Pandemic

by EMILY ORTON

We Were So Naive

We were so naïve. It was the middle of winter 2001-2002. Erik was between Broadway jobs. Winter is a tough time to find theatrical employment but we weren’t worried.

 This guy, Conan, promised 5x to 10x returns in only a few months. We didn’t have any cash so we got a five thousand dollar cash advance on our credit card. The huge returns should arrive before the exorbitant interest rates kicked in.

 Conan would bulk buy all the computers leftover from the Salt Lake Olympics then sell them in bundles or individually at a much higher price. Investors like us provided the capital for the initial purchase and we’d all get a cut of the profits. 

Can You Tell Where This is Going? 

You can probably tell where this is going. The Coronavirus got me thinking about times when I’ve been stuck or a victim. What did I do then? What did I learn? Can those lessons help now? I hope so.

While we calmly waited for a huge return to hit our bank account, we got a lot done.  This was shortly after the 9/11 attacks and everyone in New York City buzzed with a renewed sense of urgency to value relationships and pursue dreams. 

 Erik re-wrote, cast and workshopped one of his musicals, which was subsequently made into a TV event and later won an Emmy.  We also had our third baby.  Sarah Jane was born two days after Erik’s musical workshop. We basked in the bliss of our new creations. 

Alison and Erik NYC April 2020 responsible citizens on their way to the bank enjoying the irony that they look more like they’re going to rob the bank than make a deposit.

Alison and Erik NYC April 2020 responsible citizens on their way to the bank enjoying the irony that they look more like they’re going to rob the bank than make a deposit.

We dreamed about a brighter future. We checked our bank account. No new money. I opened a number 10 can of red hard wheat and ground it up for bread. Erik called for updates on the investment. Conan’s rich uncle died. Conan was hospitalized in a bar fight. Conan’s aunt had a heart attack. There was always some dramatic empathy-inducing event that put the sale of these computers on hold.

People older, richer, and more sophisticated than us made us promises they weren’t keeping.  We couldn’t get a straight answer. Interest on our cash-advance would be due soon.

I’ve never had claustrophobia in small spaces. I get emotionally claustrophobic when my choices are limited—when my outcomes rely on somebody else taking action. It’s nice to be able to blame somebody for your problems, but it doesn’t help you solve them.

Erik and I decided to let the money go. We stopped asking about it. We stopped expecting it. Our reality was we had three kids, no job, and a high-interest rate cash advance to pay off.  What were we going to do?

It’s nice to be able to blame somebody for your problems, but it doesn’t help you solve them.

-Emily Orton

Reframing the Problem

The moment we reframed the problem and made it our responsibility, we felt a huge sense of relief. The knots in Erik’s stomach untied. The pressure in my head subsided. Our minds expanded. The weather warmed. Theatre jobs opened up. Erik found work. We established a stringent budget that would allow us to feed our family of five and pay our debt. Purposeful sacrifice turned momentary relief into ongoing peace.  We felt happy—even abundant.

That was the end of our investment story because we opted out of the drama. But the story continued for Conan. Conan was arrested by the FBI and sentenced to Federal Prison for fraud.  Several people lost their homes and life savings.

What I Learned 

We were literally the victims of fraud. Here’s what I learned when I was a victim: I don’t like being a victim. It’s discouraging, disempowering, and depressing. I also learned that I don’t have to stay a victim. Yes, somebody lied to us and stole our money. I can’t change that situation but I can take up my power and decide how I want to move forward. I learned that the way back starts with gratitude.

I realize that may sound overused but gratitude calms the mind and heart. It allows the brain to think clearly. I experience gratitude as a powerful problem-solving tool. It’s not about complacency and just being content with your circumstances. When I’m stuck, gratitude opens a way forward.

My ‘Grateful I Got Scammed’ List

  • Two peaceful productive months waiting for mythical returns

  • Erik rewrote and workshopped his musical

  • Blissfully welcomed Sarah Jane into our family

  • Learned to trust but verify

  • Avoided several con artists since

  • Learned it’s most empowering to take responsibility even when it’s not my fault

Mood - Erik + Emily NYC April 2020

Mood - Erik + Emily NYC April 2020

Stuff That’s Not Your Fault

  • The world-wide coronavirus pandemic

  • How little we actually know about this virus

  • There aren’t enough masks, gloves, or test kits

  • Your local, state, and federal leaders send conflicting confusing messages

  • Grocery store shelves are bare

  • You’re safe/stuck at home

  • Sports and extra-curricular activities are canceled

  • You can’t celebrate milestones with loved ones

  • You’re mostly inside as spring emerges

  • you’re working from home or unemployed

  • You don’t know when or how this will end

  • You don’t know what’s next

  • Not enough hugs

It’s not your fault. None of it. But here we are. This is my life and your life. If there is one thing I’ve learned from being scammed it’s that the path to peace is not in finding out what others are going to do. The path to peace is in deciding what you are going to do.

The path to peace is not in finding out what others are going to do. The path to peace is in deciding what you are going to do.

-Emily Orton

What are you going to do?

Stuff I’m Doing (in case it helps you generate ideas)

  • Physical and mental health self-care — join me in this free 90-day challenge

  • Sharing tools and strategies Erik and I have learned living in small spaces, working from home, homeschooling, and embracing uncertainty on our fledgling Youtube channel and social media

  • Redesigning my life with Designing Your Life My audio copy is from the library—less wait

  • Pivoting to speak online while in-person events are too risky

  • Reconnecting with all of my kids in person

  • Singing a heck-ton of karaoke

  • Occasionally sleeping in and wearing my sweatpants all-day.

Whole Orton family NYC Easter 2020

Whole Orton family NYC Easter 2020

How Can We Help You?

We really care about you and your struggles. Please email us at hello@fezywig.com if there is a concern you’d like us to address. We don’t have all the answers but we’ve been in some tough spots and figured a way out. We’re happy to share what we can.


Thank you for celebrating our monthlong book birthday for Seven at Sea! 

Until NYC comes out of Coronavirus "pause" use code COVID for 19% off in the Fezywig Shop

Writing a New Story - Adapting to Change in a Coronavirus World

Writing a New Story - Adapting to Change in a Coronavirus World

by ERIK ORTON

We all think we know how it’s going to turn out. We’ve already written our story and like how it ends: We have a happy family, grow old together, watch our grandkids become adults and die peacefully in our sleep surrounded by loved ones. But then a plot twist happens (i.e. divorce, fired, cancer, betrayal, bankruptcy, injury, pandemic) and nothing in our story looks likely anymore. We don’t know what to do. We get mad, angry, frustrated, worried, anxious. Afraid. How do we get our old story back? How do we get to the ending we liked? Or maybe we write a new story.

Read More

Covid19 at Home: Is Social Distancing Bringing Your Family Too Close?

Covid19 at Home:  Is Social Distancing Bringing Your Family Too Close?

by EMILY ORTON

Did your wishes for more family time just morph into too much togetherness? That 45-minute commute with an audiobook or podcast is looking pretty good right now. Widespread social distancing is keeping our loved ones close for who knows how long? Here are a few ideas to speed up and smooth the transition so you can make the most of your time together while it lasts.

Read More

Preamble + Patagonia - 4 Ideas How to Travel Safely in a Covid-19 World

by ERIK ORTON

I always think it’s going to be that way, until it changes.

We drove through the Columbia River Gorge wowed by its lush beauty. Two weeks later it went up in smoke.

We visited Notre Dame and listened to the rehearsal of a Bach cantata. 4.5 months later, the roof crashed to the floor.

Our daughter was going to leave her apartment, until she couldn’t. Alison is in Japan and, for the past two weeks, has been instructed to stay inside. She is going on week 3 of quarantine.

We’re all scared of car wrecks, cancer, freak aneurisms, getting fired.  But I don’t often think about a pandemic. I take for granted I can attend a class, visit another country, go to church. Nope, nope and nope.

I went downtown today for a class at Google.  The receptionist informed me it was cancelled.  All classes were cancelled until further notice. We Ortons are supposed to go to New Zealand in May to house sit.  Or not.  That’s in limbo. I was planning on going to church this Sunday. Maybe not. So many things I took for granted.

And that, my friend, is my preamble to this post.  There are so many things I want to do in life.  I’m constantly reminded—by events like Covid-19—why it is crucial not to wait.  I never know when the Columbia River Gorge will burn, when the roof of Notre Dame will collapse, when Covid-19 will put me in lock-down.  Whatever matters to us, let’s stop waiting.

And now the post:


One year ago we packed into the Upper West Side Patagonia store for the book launch of Seven at Sea.  We were grateful for the friends, family, colleagues and curious Patagonia customers that joined us in this celebration.  Emily and I shared stories from our book, sang a few songs and did a quick Q&A.  One of the last questions was, “What do you want to do next?” My response: “I want to go to Patagonia.”  I swore it wasn’t product placement.  That was a year ago.

In high school, I had a picture of Torres del Paine National Park taped inside my locker.  At the time I didn’t know where it was located in the world, but I knew it was exceedingly beautiful and I wanted to go there someday. 

Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine National Park. Photo by Erik Orton

Los Cuernos in Torres del Paine National Park. Photo by Erik Orton

I lived in Chile for two years doing missionary service in the country.  I learned the language and loved the people but never left the city of Santiago. I left and never went back.  That was 25 years go.  

I dreamt of going back.  I dreamt of brushing up my Spanish and visiting old friends.  I dreamt about going south and climbing something big.  But I wasn’t ready. I was out of shape and I didn’t have the skills, or the time, or the money.

This is a broken record for me.  I’ve played this sad song for a long time.  It’s the same reason I never went to Yosemite, Finland or Europe after growing up there.  They felt too big to pull-off.  And if I did manage to pull them off, I secretly worried there would be disappointment.  Either the place and the people wouldn’t live up to what I’d remembered; or worse, I wouldn’t feel ready to enjoy all their goodness.  Either way, I would feel let down.

 At a time of travel-phobia, here’s what I’ve learned about “once in a life time trips”:

  1.  Get over it.  I’ve held off on taking many a “once in a life time” trip because they’re intimidating.  I’ve put a massive burden of expectation on that one experience.  I want it to be perfect, so I wait for the stars to align. But they never do.  Time, money, traveling companions.  They never line up.  I’ve learned to not let those misaligned stars hold me back.  I tried for most of a year to find a climbing partner for Patagonia.  When nothing came together, Emily said, “Just go.  You can scout things out.  You’ll learn a lot and it will make it easier when we go next time.”  I like the way she thinks.

  2. Assume you’ll be back.  We’ve been to a handful of places we thought would be once-in-a-lifetime trips.  Assuming you’ll be back improves a lot of things.  If you thought you’d only go to the grocery store once, you’d be a wreck.  One reason you can handle it is because you know you’ll be back.  You don’t have to experience everything in one run.  You can sample those glazed cake donuts next time. Trust the universe.  If you’re going to Fiji, don’t scramble around feeling like you have to see and do everything in one trip.  You end up doing everything and nothing at the same time.  If it’s as amazing as you hope it will be, you’ll figure out a way to return.  And it will be that much easier since you’ll know the ropes. Enjoy your time and—if you love it—plan on coming back.  You’ll figure it out.

  3. Experiment with flexibility.  Some people prefer to have their whole itinerary planned and confirmed before leaving their driveway.  I, on the other hand, am a flexibility addict.  Although more demanding, I’ve found that “figure it out as you go” travel has some real upsides.  When SJ and I left on our Patagonia trip, we had a place booked for our first night only.  The rest we figured out as we went.  We stayed at 3 Airbnbs, 2 hostels, and 1 campground (4 nights) and crashed with friends in Santiago.  Our only booked transportation were our flights.  All in, we took a local Chilean flight, 2 long distance buses, a couple of taxis and rented one car.  It is a lot more work to stay flexible, but it’s also the best way allow pleasant surprises happen on your trip, and can save you some headaches.  I fell asleep in our lovely Airbnb in Puerto Natales.  However a dog started barking around midnight and didn’t stop until sunrise.  I was grateful I’d only booked one night there.  On the flip side, we decided last minute to rent a car instead of take a bus into the park.  If we’d stuck to our original plan, we would have missed out on all the other parts of the park that were difficult to reach by bus.  Try buying a one-way flight and booking only your first night.  You might be surprised where it leads. 

  4. Scout it out.  Emily and I are big fans of scouting things out.  For us, scouting it out means going somewhere new, gathering information, getting exhausted from all the newness, and going home to rest and absorb.  We’ve found this helps us do bigger, more challenging things, because we don’t let ourselves get worn out or overwhelmed.  Sometimes we leave the kids (teenagers) in the car and scout out a new grocery store.  Other times, it’s a new country.  Alison and I did this with Yosemite several years ago.  That trip paved the way for two long-term stays in Yosemite with the whole family. Our hope is to go back to Patagonia with as many kids as we can next year.  It was scary before and it’s still daunting, but it feels more doable.  And that’s the point.

The hope is for me to climb Central Tower of Torres del Paine.  Emily and the kids will hang out in the valley and explore the rest of the park.  I’m really grateful to a wife who encourages me to go, even when I don’t have a climbing partner.  I’m grateful to kids (Alison and SJ, I’m looking at you) who are willing to be my traveling buddies when they know traveling with Dad can mean a lot of walking, carrying heavy gear and extreme cold or hot.  I’m grateful for the friends we meet around the world and how we all manage to stay in touch despite time, distance and limited financial resources.

I’m already so grateful for my trip to Patagonia and Santiago.  Mark Twain was right, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” 

Torres del Paine when we arrived at sunrise. Photo by Erik Orton

Torres del Paine when we arrived at sunrise. Photo by Erik Orton


To celebrate the 1-year birthday of our book, Seven at Sea, we are offering a $7 discount for autographed copies, available only in our Fezywig Shop.  (Use code: 7OFF.) All items are 25% off thru Mar. 17 (use code: BIRTHDAY) including our brand new “What Could Go Right?” cozy mug.  

If you’re hunkering down for a quarantine (like Alison in Japan) it’s the perfect time to read a travel book.

$7 off autographed hardcover book - Code: 7OFF

25% all orders - Code BIRTHDAY

 
 
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Erik Orton

Hello, I’m the co-founder of The Awesome Factory. 

Many people want more than a conveyor belt life. At The Awesome Factory, we equip and and encourage individuals to build a creative, adventurous, deliberate life. We envision a world where adults avoid regret, come alive to their own potential and inspire others. 

A Quick Guide to Torres del Paine Patagonia - GETTING THERE (especially for Rock Climbers)

Approaching Torres del Paine National Park from the south. Photo © by Erik Orton. All rights reserved.

Approaching Torres del Paine National Park from the south. Photo © by Erik Orton. All rights reserved.

Have you dreamt of climbing the massive granite cliffs of Torres del Paine?  Climbing in this wonderland is a dream come true for many rock climbers, myself included.  But the logistics of getting there and navigating the bureaucracy can be daunting.  I was stoked to finally visit this mythical place, learned a ton and wanted to share the information I gathered in hopes of making your trip smoother.  Here’s a run down:

Getting There:

Fly into Santiago and catch a flight on SKY or LATAM down to Punta Arenas (~3 hour flight).  

From Punta Arenas you can catch buses almost hourly to Puerto Natales (~2 hour ride), which is the entry town to Torres del Paine National Park.  LATAM airline has very limited—and more expensive—flights directly into Puerto Natales.  Either way, you’ll want to get to “Natales” as the locals call it.

Think of Puerto Natales like Canmor is to Banff, or Mariposa/Oakurst are to Yosemite.   Natales is the last major town before heading into the boon docks.  Natales has everything a climber, trekker or outdoor enthusiast might need.  The town is set up for outdoor tourism.  I found rock climbing shoes, approach shoes, rain gear, butane for my camp stove, quick draws, ascenders, haul bag swivels, climbing helmets, ice axes, crampons, headlamps.  They have nearly everything you might need.  Click [LINK] here for more info on gear and rental shops.

Punta Arenas 

After a long day of travel from the U.S., we opted to stay one night in Punta Arenas before continuing on to Natales.  (Please note:  you can catch a bus directly from the airport to Puerto Natales.  On my next trip, that’s probably what I’ll do. More info on that below.)

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Sign in the Punta Arenas airports for buses going directly to Puerto Natales. (I love the mistranslation on the top left: “ our destinations” translated as “our fates.” Choose wisely : )

Sign in the Punta Arenas airports for buses going directly to Puerto Natales. (I love the mistranslation on the top left: “ our destinations” translated as “our fates.” Choose wisely : )

The easiest way into Punta Arenas from the airport is via taxi: $10,000 CPL / $13 USD.  It’s about a 25 minute ride.  We withdrew cash from the ATM immediately outside baggage claim.  The taxi drivers are waiting right there and are happy to help you with information and carry your bags.  (Although in my case our driver let me carry my haul bag : ) Once in town, there are grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, etc.  If you’re just passing through, I would recommend staying close to the Statue of Magellean which is near the bus stations.  

Our haul bag in the front seat of the taxi.

Our haul bag in the front seat of the taxi.

In Punta Arenas, we stayed at Hostal La Morenitain that we booked through AirBnB.  ($16/night per person; breakfast was included).  It was a perfectly comfy stay for one night, but it was a long-ish walk to the bus stations with all our gear.

From Punta Arenas, you can easily catch a bus to Puerto Natales:

The Bus Sur depot.

The Bus Sur depot.

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All forms of payment are accepted.

All forms of payment are accepted.

         Fernandez  Bus

Timetable: 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 13:00pm, 14:30pm, 16:00pm, 17:00am, 18:30am, 19:15pm, 20:00pm, 21:00pm

Price: 7,000 CLP ($11 USD) one way

Address: Armando Sanhueza #745, Punta Arenas

Telephone: +56 (61) 2 242 313

Email: pasajespuntaarenas@busesfernandez.com

 

         Bus Sur

Timetable: 10:00am, 12:30pm, 15:00pm, 17:15pm, 19:00pm

Price: 7,600 CLP ($12 USD) one way

Address: Av. Colón 842, Punta Arenas

Telephone: +56 (61) 2 614 224

Email: info@bussur.com

         Bus Pacheco – was closed when we dropped by. 

All buses stop at the Punta Arenas airport on their route to Puerto Natales, so you can decide if you want to leave from town or directly from the airport. The bus ride is about 2.5 hours from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales. You can also rent cars in Punta Arenas. Rates are comparable to the U.S.

It is also possible to store luggage and items you may not want to take with you into the National Park. This is especially helpful if you will be camping and/or backpacking. They make it easy to travel light.

Baggage storage inside the Bus Sur station in Punta Arenas.

Baggage storage inside the Bus Sur station in Punta Arenas.

Our Bus Sur ride from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales.

Our Bus Sur ride from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales.

Puerto Natales 

Buses arrive at the Rodoviario (Bus Station).  You can catch buses from that same location into the park. Immediately across the street are rental car huts, and many others are scattered throughout the town.

We stayed at two AirBnBs and one hostel in Natales.  

There are loads of options in both Hostels and AirBnB’s.  I would recommend staying close to the bus station (if you’re just passing through) or closer to the main grocery store (Unimarc Supermarket) if you’re needing to run errands, arrange gear or book a guide. The town is small enough that you can walk where you need to go, but taxis are available if you have heavy luggage.

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For hard core climbers, you can stay at the Red Point Hostel, which is only a few blocks from the bus station.  NOTE: it is affordable but they only accept cash.  Eduardo and Ruth run Red Point. They are super friendly and helpful.  Ruth is really good at getting climbing permits and Eduardo knows the mountains and climbing scene extremely well.  We stayed for $10,000 CLP ($12.25 USD)/person per night.  Breakfast of bread, eggs and coffee/tea/hot water was included.

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There are plenty of options to get from Natales to the National Park. Rental car offices abound in Natales and there are regular buses every day at regular hours. It’s about a 1.5 hour ride or drive into the park. Buses will take you to the eastern Lago Amarga entrance. We ended up renting a car and drove in through the southern Serrano Entrance. Both have amazing views as you approach the park. NOTE: the park entrance fee is 25,000 CLP / ~$31 USD and must be paid in CASH. This is one of the rare instances when debit/credit cards cannot be used.

The beautiful drive into the park. Approaching the southern serrano entrance.

The beautiful drive into the park. Approaching the southern serrano entrance.

Erik Orton

Hello, I’m the co-founder of The Awesome Factory. 

Many people want more than a conveyor belt life. At The Awesome Factory, we equip and and encourage individuals to build a creative, adventurous, deliberate life. We envision a world where adults avoid regret, come alive to their own potential and inspire others. 

3 Ways to Love Your Sweetheart When You Don’t Share Their Dream

3 Ways to Love Your Sweetheart When You Don’t Share Their Dream

by EMILY ORTON

What if your sweetheart has a different dream than you?

My friend got a surprise invite to join a group of guys in the Alps for a week of hiking Mt. Blanc, which lies along the French-Italian border and reaches into Switzerland. It’s not an adventure you can march into on adrenaline alone. You have to be fit to take on this terrain. Fortunately, my friend has a habit of running five miles every day and lifting weights. When the opportunity popped up he was prepared.

He came home with stories. There were some dangerous moments. I was vicariously stoked. I imagined what I would do with the same opportunity. I disregarded the fact that I only walk 2 miles each day and pump out 20 pushups 50% of the time. The views would be stark and stunning.

I was all in…until I heard how his wife spent that same week.

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Because Your Dream Matters

Because Your Dream Matters

by ERIK ORTON

Have you ever felt your dreams being shut down, from lack of time, money, your physical surroundings, your physical condition or even just someone’s opinion?  Have you ever resented obligations to work, friends or even your own family?  Have you ever felt guilty for resenting those obligations?  

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve said yes to every one of these questions at various points in my life. I’d love to share what I’ve learned, and continue to learn, about why our dreams matter.

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One Thing Led to Another

One Thing Led to Another

We’ve spent the last three months on the South Island of New Zealand.  We arrived via one-way flights to visit friends with our bags packed for the wrong season.  One thing led to another and we ended up living on a farm birthing spring calves.

One of my favorite comedians, Brian Regan, says: “I hate the phrase, ‘One thing led to another.’ What kind of lazy writing is that? Isn't it your job as a writer to tell me how that made this happen? ‘Adolf Hitler was rejected as a young man in his application to art school. One thing led to another and the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the sovereign nation of Japan.”

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