And the lonely sailors laid with seals, believing them to be mermaids.: Photos 21 to 42

This (non-direct, as I don't have the original to hand) quote from "Stories of Eva Luna" by Isabel Allende has always stuck in my mind for two reasons; first, it is a fascinating example of the power of self-delusion, secondly, it brought home that Southern Patagonia must be a bit of a grim place.

And of course it is. Grim, but stunningly beautiful. And lets face it, I used to live in Crookes, in Sheffield, perched on a hilltop where the wild westerly winds came thundering across the barren Peak District moors, and where for weeks on end the streets are enveloped in thick damp fog, with visibility dropping to near zero so that pubs must be placed close together, lest you disappear forever from this Earth whilst staggering from the one to the next. But for the Gulf Stream Crookes would be a gigantic ice-field - take a look at the latitudes on a map sometime.

But nonetheless, Steve commented several times on Punta Arenas with typical British understatement - "I'm really not sure I'd like to live here." Quite.

This part of the world is about two things - Torres del Paine and Penguins. Three things

Full Text Entry: And the lonely sailors laid with seals, believing them to be mermaids.

A very good Travel, Chile is fantastic!!!!!

Your article is wonderful, I enjoy reading your blogs.

I really love all the pics that you've taken! Makes me want to head off to Chile immediately!

Please bring me back a penguin with you. Al won't mind. I will dig a pond for it in your back garden. Looking forward to seeing you both soon. Jaimie xx

Glad you had a good Xmas/New Year and are still having fun. You couldn't bring me back one of those cute penguins could you?! Apart from them, you have to wonder we bothered with the Falklands ;-) We're coming home Feb/Mar so hopefully see you both again soon. Rx

Have always fancied South America, especially Chile: this site (newly discovered! due to now being on Broadband) absolutely made me want to go there - now! Your photograpy is absolutely wonderful (made me jealous). Please keep up the good work. (Ever thought of writing a book?)

Dude your photography absolutely rocks. What equipment are you using? I read through heaps of your posts (which were awesome and should be sold to a travel mag for millions of bucks) but can't find any mention of what camera you're using?

As a fellow blogger, the quality of your writing and pictures is awe inspiring. I am a Canadian living in Leeds. Chile would be a welcome change to the Broken Windows, and gangs of Football Hooligans that is North East England. Keep inspiring me.

Your African blog left me in turmoil trying to decide whether to email everybody I knew immediately OR check out the next entry. I was left feeling comparable to how I feel after seeing an amazing Magician, sort of amazed but frustrated at the same time. The world I live in doesn't include some of the colours seen in your pictures. Also, animals don't seem to pose for me!! You are truely talented and I am extremely inspired. I would love to see how you could capture Japan on film, particularly Mt. Fuji. I am a Canadian blogger living in Japan, and will be definitely reading future blogs (No pressure though). Thanks, and keep up the good work eh.

I just want to give you a recent comment so you know your page is stilled graced upon. Really really wonderful. My son used your page for his lit. Bio paper, and he loves your postings. :) ya rock.

A very good Travel, Chile is fantastic!!!!!

Your article is wonderful, I enjoy reading your blogs.

I really love all the pics that you've taken! Makes me want to head off to Chile immediately!

Please bring me back a penguin with you. Al won't mind. I will dig a pond for it in your back garden. Looking forward to seeing you both soon. Jaimie xx

Glad you had a good Xmas/New Year and are still having fun. You couldn't bring me back one of those cute penguins could you?! Apart from them, you have to wonder we bothered with the Falklands ;-) We're coming home Feb/Mar so hopefully see you both again soon. Rx

Have always fancied South America, especially Chile: this site (newly discovered! due to now being on Broadband) absolutely made me want to go there - now! Your photograpy is absolutely wonderful (made me jealous). Please keep up the good work. (Ever thought of writing a book?)

Dude your photography absolutely rocks. What equipment are you using? I read through heaps of your posts (which were awesome and should be sold to a travel mag for millions of bucks) but can't find any mention of what camera you're using?

As a fellow blogger, the quality of your writing and pictures is awe inspiring. I am a Canadian living in Leeds. Chile would be a welcome change to the Broken Windows, and gangs of Football Hooligans that is North East England. Keep inspiring me.

Your African blog left me in turmoil trying to decide whether to email everybody I knew immediately OR check out the next entry. I was left feeling comparable to how I feel after seeing an amazing Magician, sort of amazed but frustrated at the same time. The world I live in doesn't include some of the colours seen in your pictures. Also, animals don't seem to pose for me!! You are truely talented and I am extremely inspired. I would love to see how you could capture Japan on film, particularly Mt. Fuji. I am a Canadian blogger living in Japan, and will be definitely reading future blogs (No pressure though). Thanks, and keep up the good work eh.

I just want to give you a recent comment so you know your page is stilled graced upon. Really really wonderful. My son used your page for his lit. Bio paper, and he loves your postings. :) ya rock.