Tierra del Fuego

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DAY 8 Set the alarm early to catch the sunrise & unusually had to be woken from a deep sleep. Sadly did not happen! - too much cloud. Today's program was a day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park (translated means Land of Fires - so named by one of the early explorers who observed many native camp fires on the lower side of the Beagle Channel when passing (who wouldn't need a fire when getting around naked).

The park was established to prevent the wholesale clearing of timber. Access is limited to the picturesque lakes area around the entrance with 4 small walks between 4-8 km's & mostly moderate exertion. We are both looking fwd to more challenging walks later on in the trip.

Tierra del Fuego island is split between Argentina & Chile along with the whole border between the 2 countries based on an arbitrary line through the peaks of the Andes measured by the 68th meridian (I may be wrong on the exact number).

Tierra del Fuego island is further split along the natural deepest water line of the Beagle Channel, consequently some islands in the channel are further split. Makes for some border disputes but seems to work for now given its remoteness.

One of the highlights today was seeing a Ringed Kingfisher, a beautiful female, we had a picnic lunch by the lake and were joined by a dozen horses and foals that were roaming free. We also saw a beaver colony, some lovely black necked swans and various geese and ducks.

Like many people we took a photo op at the start/finish point of the Pan American Hwy which continuously runs for over 17,000km's through the North & South American continents from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Better than the loonies who think they need to travel the whole route.

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