Ushaia

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Buonasera....its 11.30pm Ive just come in and its getting dark!!!!!!.........

What a wonderfull day.......set off this morning on the well named Fin del Mundo with about nine other people sailing up the Beagle Channel. All started well as we paid our port fees, had our bags x rayed, and left Ushuaia harbour. We were headed towards the lighthouse at the end of the world......made famous in Jules Vernes novel....( but there is apparently a more southerly one ). I was chatting to the captain and told him that I had my sailing licence.......upon which he insisted that I take the wheel and head a course for the lighthouse.......shit!.....I couldnt even see the lighthouse.......so remembering nautical night classes I asked for the chart and present position then plotted the course, set the compass and was away......that was impressive.......he let me take the wheel for the next half hour until we were in sight of the lighthouse and rocks......now taking a boat round Lago Maggiore is one thing.......but not many people can say they have sailed the Beagle Channel, Tiera del Fuego!!
I dont think the other passengers were that impressed.......
The light and weather here is amazing.......we had just turned the lighthouse when weather conditions deteriorated.....huge swells and waves crashing over the bow......it was like being on a rollercoaster, as we headed for an island which is uninhabited now but was settled by the indigenous tribes hundreds of years ago......thankfully it calmed and we were able to land........
When I returned this afternoon went for the most amazing King Crab Dinner......they were huge.....right next to the harbour.....that and the mussels which are both local......the sea here is so clean and unpolluted.....just its a bit far to come for dinner...........
Then found this tour operator who was just putting this fabulous offer in his window......18 days criusing around Antartica for US$3700 instead of US$9500 leaving in 3 days.......wow......thats an offer, back home just in time for christmas.....apparently they dont like leaving with empty cabins............
The images I have made here are fabulous....this evening went out and from my hotel I could hear music and singing....it turned out to be an evangelical group who all meet on a sunday night....asked if I could take some photographs, and was invited in....Praise the Lord!!!!!.....
Ok tomorrow evening am off the El Calafate which is about 1000kms north.....I guess almost everywhere is north....the flight is ninety minutes, and yes youve guessed it......aereolineas argentinas!!!!
Its in the middle of the Glacier National Park .....so am looking forward to some spectacular glaciers....
Enjoy the images.......am shattered!!!!.....
ciao,

Mario
PS Did i mention how cold it is.......you could have amputated my hands and I wouldnt have felt a thing....the 100 degree heat of the Atacama is an eternity away.....heating in the room is on all day and night!!!!!

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Photos

Basking Sea Lions
reminded me of Carlo on the sofa after lunch

Comments

[Carlo]

The things you get up to
How is it that they ask YOU to take over the boat ? I would have been crapping it, especially as I have forgotten how to chart my course. Nothing beats doing it visually.... You could have stayed on until Xmas, man, or even Easter. All the stuff you are missing back home; like rain, and more rain. Looks a fabulous place, but where have all the girls gone ? And I will nicely ignore the comment about the sea lions reminding you of me, although it could have been worse and you could have spotted a whale. Off to Italia this morning - it's all happening. Good news, of course. Keep the blogs coming, they make for very interesting reading, even if I am a bit biased. Ma is well, and says 'va fare un mestiere'. My sentiments exactly, accompanied with a 'Peppe le feste'. Take care. Ciao.