Ushuaia and cruising around Cape Horn

 

Since we could not complete bunkering ( fueling up the ship ) at Punta Arenas due to worsening weather conditions we made an unscheduled stop in Ushuaia.  It’s a charming town and the most southern one in Chile.  Unfortunately we were not permitted to disembark.  We spend the night there, so a nice smooth night, no gentle movements of the ship to rock you to sleep.  We woke up to a beautiful sunny day. After bunkering was complete we continued on to sail around Cape Horn.  The seas got rougher, the winds stronger, the clouds lingered, but no rain.  For many it was a once in a life time experience.  For me it was the second time, though I never thought I would have that privilege again, especially with what turned out to be relatively decent weather, a rarity.   This area is known for 60 ft waves and gale force winds.  Don’t get me wrong we all bundled up and went outside to experience this monumental moment.  Many a sailers have tried and failed.  And now mostly only cruise ships venture these treacherous waters, only to say we have been here.  Your passport gets stamped as well to prove it so.  A little crazy if you ask me.  With the opening of the Panama Canal there was little reason for commercial ships to venture around Cape Horn. 

There is a lighthouse and a house, a family of three and a dog live there 12 months out of the year manning  the lighthouse.  What a foreboding life.  You could not pay me enough to do that, though living in a lighthouse has always intrigued me.  

It was another fascinating day.  The journey continues.  

If you look real close you will see a lighthouse on the knoll of this island.  There used also be a monument in the shape of eagle commemorating  those brave souls that lost their lives, but strong winds in 2015 knocked it over and it has not been erected.  Apparently no plans to do so.  

Cape Horn in the background

Two crazy ladies,  well one of them (in the pink) is me, no clue who the other lady was, but since we were wearing such colorful puffer jackets everyone wanted pictures of the two of us together.   

My friend Margit with Cape Horn in the background.  Isn’t she cute with her lovely alpaca head gear.  She had just the right cap on for this kind of weather and I am sure many were envious for she does not have that frozen look that so many passengers did. 

Another viewpoint of Cape Horn as we approached it from the north.  

This is the town of Ushuaia that we did not get to visit, but were anchored in its harbor for bunkering.  It’s such a cute place and the sun was out in full glory.  

And for those skeptic people, who don’t believe I am really doing this, here I am all bundled up with the glacier Amalia in the background.    Missing everybody. 🤗😘🤗