The end of the world looks nothing like I thought it would. I´m not sure what I thought it would look like but I was unprepared for the stunning beauty of Ushuaia.
Flying into the Argentine island of Tierra Del Fuego is like watching a tapestry of snow capped mountains, heavily wooded valleys and intricate waterways unfold beneath the wings of the plane.
The town itself is bounded to the north by the stunning snow topped Martial mountain range and the south by the serene Beagle Channel. A more eclectic mix of housing styles would be hard to find: everything from super modern hotels to small one room dwellings made completely of corrugated iron. It seems that every language of the world can be heard on the main street as people make last minute purchases against the cold. And cold it is - I thought I was prepared but nothing could prepare me for this. I had forgotten how cold it is when there is a slight wind and drizzling rain. I too have had to join the other tourists in the outdoor outfitters buying warmer clothes.
We have spent the last couple of days getting a good look at the area. After the first day spent strolling town and trying to become better equipped for the cold we had a good sleep and headed to the Tierra Del Fuego National Park. What a glorious place. We took a walk along the seashore (approx 8km) through forests where the ground was carpeted in beautiful small white flowers (similar looking to a small orchid), daisies or fallen wood. The whole of the national park only has 4 types of tree, 3 of which were beech trees.
We watched as hawks stooped, wood peckers pecked and ducks ... well you know.
It is the most amazingly still and calm place. We felt like the only people on earth. The beauty of the sound as it stretched over to the mountains is hard to describe - grandeur is the first word that springs to mind.
The light here is proving hard to deal with, 10.30 is dusk although we have had no "sunset" and dawn is somewhere between 3 and 4am. No dawn or dusk shots from me just yet. Might try for tonight.
Dave has venture up Martial Mountain today to check out a local glacier. I took the cab ride but once I saw that the "cable car" to the top was really just a ski lift with no capsule I bailed out and left him to it. There are some things I am just not brave enough for - plus we are going to see plenty of glaciers further into the trip.
I have included 4 photos - The Antarctica Office where info and bookings can be made, The Beagle Channel as we saw it yesterday on our walk, downtown Ushuaia and the ships ready to depart from the main dock for Antarctica.
Our ship to is due to dock tomorrow morning and we are due to set sail in the late afternoon.
Until next time - Buenos Dias mi amigos.
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