Early this morning, we arrived at Cape Horn. The seas overnight were a bit rough, but again, no problems. We disembarked to the island and climbed the steep stairs up to the top. Walked out to the promontory and took lots of photo’s. The monument shows an Albatross gliding in the wind. It represents the bird passing from calm into the storm from one side, and leaving the storm for calm on the other side. From here you can see the actual cape, which is off to the south. Lots of other passengers milling around, mostly completely oblivious to others trying to enjoy the surroundings and get photo's. Karen was very relieved to have completed this ridiculous undertaking at the end. We stopped at the lighthouse to shop for souvenirs and had a quick visit to the chapel before returning by zodiac to the Stella Australis. Underway once more with the last stop at Bahia Wulaia. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, very sunny and warm. This interesting cove was inhabited by indigenous people prior to decimation by European colonization and disease. The Beagle landed here with Charles Darwin and spent some time studying and integrating with the Yamani people. The cruise ship company (Cruceros Australis) has acquired a 25 year lease on this property to upgrade facilities and do archeological research. 
We walked up a steep path about one km to a clearing in the forest overlooking the bahia. Apparently, this cove was teaming with King Crab at one time. There would have been plenty of food to support the people. I tried one of the parasitic fungus that are throughout the part of the world (little orange spheres attached to tumorous knots on the tree branches). Also saw many more Chinese Lanterns (parasitic growth) and Fire Bushes which have a bright red flower that appear like little flames in the bush. Along the way, we passed a couple of beaver damns and lodges. It really is fascinating how these non-native creatures have survived and thrived throughout Patagonia. We enjoyed the information center and explanations regarding the history of this interpretive center. The outing was concluded with the customary scotch whiskey. The zodiac run back to the Stella Australis was particularly entertaining. We suspected something was up when the last to board the zodiac was a friendly woman 
who had neglected to where weatherproof gear for the excursion. The operator insisted that she move back along the side and have someone more appropriately dressed (Karen) take the foremost seat. The wind had picked up and there were some waves enroute that splashed over the bow and drenched those at the front. Karen believes he did it on purpose, but the gear we had finally proved worthy of packing it around with us. After this excursion, there was a short cruise to the port of Ushuaia, where the ship docked for the last night aboard. Our last dinner aboard was the best, with a King Crab appetizer that was particularly good. Plenty more vino tinto with our table mates, who enjoyed my pathetic effort to count to ten in German.
We walked up a steep path about one km to a clearing in the forest overlooking the bahia. Apparently, this cove was teaming with King Crab at one time. There would have been plenty of food to support the people. I tried one of the parasitic fungus that are throughout the part of the world (little orange spheres attached to tumorous knots on the tree branches). Also saw many more Chinese Lanterns (parasitic growth) and Fire Bushes which have a bright red flower that appear like little flames in the bush. Along the way, we passed a couple of beaver damns and lodges. It really is fascinating how these non-native creatures have survived and thrived throughout Patagonia. We enjoyed the information center and explanations regarding the history of this interpretive center. The outing was concluded with the customary scotch whiskey. The zodiac run back to the Stella Australis was particularly entertaining. We suspected something was up when the last to board the zodiac was a friendly woman 
who had neglected to where weatherproof gear for the excursion. The operator insisted that she move back along the side and have someone more appropriately dressed (Karen) take the foremost seat. The wind had picked up and there were some waves enroute that splashed over the bow and drenched those at the front. Karen believes he did it on purpose, but the gear we had finally proved worthy of packing it around with us. After this excursion, there was a short cruise to the port of Ushuaia, where the ship docked for the last night aboard. Our last dinner aboard was the best, with a King Crab appetizer that was particularly good. Plenty more vino tinto with our table mates, who enjoyed my pathetic effort to count to ten in German.
No comments:
Post a Comment