Sailing the Beagle Channel
Trip Start
Sep 07, 2011
1
160
289
Trip End
Sep 06, 2012
Where I stayed
What I did
The Beagle Channel
Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina
Thursday, April 19, 2012
I had a rest this morning to try and give my leg a break and let it heal a little. Carla, I really hope it isn't shin splints as you said, as I have had them before and it took ages for it to heal. No way I can rest it. I gotta keep moving!!!
Oh, just to report back on the weather. It has been snowing quite heavily which is awesome, but the temperature has dropped quite a bit. As I hardly have any warm clothes, I have to wrap up in layers and keep wearing the same clothes every day. God I am such a tramp, however, I am not smelling like one ......... yet!!!!
I walked down to the port around 2.30 pm and had to pay my $7 peso tax to get on the boat (on top of $250 pesos for the trip).
We set sail around 3.30 pm and headed off into the Beagle Channel which is also shared with Chile. Have a look on Google Maps!!
If I had continued sailing out of the channel, after about 2 days, I would reach Antarctica. I wish I could, however, the season is over so no chance of getting there.
The first little Island we stopped at was Islet Les Eclaireurs, which some people may know as the Lighthouse at the end of the world, but it's a lie, as there is another one closer to Antarctica!!
This was the furthest distance we were going to sail down the channel before heading back slowly to some more little islands. The first was a tiny island (or rock) full of cormorants. King Cormorants and another species that I cannot remember. There were hundreds of them just sitting there looking pretty.
The next little island (or rock) was full of Sea lions and seals. They were South American fur seals and Sea lions. They were all just led around being fat and making lots of noise. God could you smell them as you came close. It was like a real bad rotten fish smell. Probably from all of their poo!!
The last island we stopped at, Conejo, we were allowed to disembark and walk around for 20 minutes. I have to say it was bitterly cold and we weren't that bothered if we walked on there or not. It was starting to rain and the wind was picking up.
I forgot to mention that they gave us some hot drinks on the boat and as we were sailing back to the port, they gave us this lovely coffee liqueur which went down a treat!
The weather had started off ok in the afternoon, a little cloudy but dry, but as we were coming back to the port, the rain started and then it turned into snow.
All together we were out sailing for about 3 hours. It was a really relaxing trip and a nice was to see the wildlife and another perspective of Ushuaia.
Once we disembarked at the port, I noticed a sign on the footpath. I will not make any comment for fear or being shot, so make your own judgment. I've attached the photo for you and you can read it in Spanish or English!!!
We were given a free voucher for a cup of hot chocolate (or Chocolate Caliente) so me and two other girls went off to warm ourselves up.
Got back to the hostel around 8 ish and sat and had a chat with some of the other backpackers here. I do love this hostel. It is so warm and friendly and great people staying here. It will be a shame to leave.
Got to bed at a reasonable time as I have another full fun packed day tomorrow. All will be revealed later!
Hasta Luego!!
xx
