Wet, windy and worst day!!!
Trip Start
Sep 07, 2011
1
162
289
Trip End
Sep 06, 2012
Where I stayed
What I did
Gable Island
Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Frederico and Claudio came to pick me up at 9 am, and to say it was a grey day, is an understatement. Today, my fellow passengers were from Germany and South Africa. Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you that today was about canoeing on the Beagle Channel over to an Island called Gable Island.
We drove along the same route most of the way as we did yesterday, before heading off East, following the coastline until we reached our destination about 1 1/2 hours in.
The rain had already been pouring down from the moment we got in the van, so that was not a good sign. We were given waterproof trousers and wellies to wear to keep us dry. The temperature most have been a high of about 2, and quite windy so that made it feel about -2. Lucky us!!
We carried the canoe down to the water and set sail off into the channel. Within a few minutes I could not feel my fingers or my toes. Not a good sign really.
I think we must have been canoeing for about 45 minutes to an hour, but it felt like a life time. All we saw whilst paddling were lots of cormorants and ducks. I now know what it feels like to be a duck!!
When we finally reached Gable Island, we pulled the canoe onto dry land and went into the little tin hut which they use a s a shelter. We were all very wet and cold. Claudio lit the small stove in there, but it near really generated much heat. I felt like climbing inside so I could defrost.
We were given our lunch which consisted of sandwiches and nibbles and some hot tea and coffee. I used my tea to defrost my hands. I felt like pouring it into my wellies to warm my feet up.
The next part of the trip was a hike around the island. I really was tempted to stay in the tin hut with Claudio, but then it would have been a waste of money just to sit in a hut for 2 hours doing nothing. I joined the group and went off out into the cold and wet and we hiked around the island for about 1 1/2 hours. To be honest, I am glad I did as I got quite hot. On the other hand, my leg started playing up again, as it was pretty slippery in places due to the amount of snow and rain that has fallen.
We saw lots of beaver dams, but no beavers, and the view around the island was gorgeous, apart from the grey clouds making it look a bit gloomy.
Didn't see any other wildlife which was a shame as a couple of says ago, they saw sea lions swimming in the channel.
Once we got back from the hike, we then had to get back into the canoe, but we took a short cut this time and we were only paddling for about 20 minutes, thank goodness.
By the time we got back to the van, I took off my waterproof trousers and I was soaked to the skin, so the trousers didn't keep me dry at all. Claudio, bless him (I think he has taken a shine to me!) had a spare pair of trousers which he let me put on as I was so cold.
The drive back seemed to take ages. I have to say, the trip was good, but the weather spoilt it, so this was my least favourite trip so far. the rest have been awesome.
When I got back to the hostel, everyone laughed at me as they said I looked like a tired drowned rat. Thanks!! I took a hot shower to defrost my whole body and then led on the sofa's downstairs to watch a movie. Emma, bless her, made me the best mug of hot chocolate ever. She also gave me a blanket so I could get warm on the sofa. This was bad news as before I knew it, I was waking up and it was 10.30 pm!!
Time for bed I think. One more trip tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will be kind to me!
Comments
Gosh Keeley, it made me feel cold just reading your blog and looking at the photos. Heavens knows how damp and chilly you must have felt.
It reminds me of many an unhappy hour spent marching around Wales. Not every trip is a holiday!