Friday 22nd
February 2013.
As a result of problems
with the tender operations in Ushuaia we left some two and a half hours late. Because
of this we missed “Glacier Alley” in the Beagle Channel as we passed the area
in darkness, which was another unfortunate disappointment.
After overnight sailing
through the Beagle Channel and the
Magellan Straights in glassy seas we reached the seaport and city of Punta
Arenas in Chile. The day was cold and overcast and the temperature was about 12
degrees. We arrived some two and a half hours late, with the ship unable to
pick up the time due to speed restrictions in the channel
Punta Arenas is a city
of approx. 130,000 people which has been settled on the foreshore of the “Straits
of Magellan” and is the largest and southern most city of mainland Chile.
Because if this it is also known as the “Uttermost Realm”. It is a wide
sprawling city spread over about 15 miles along the foreshores, and has a
backdrop of low and undulating hills. With no berthing facilities in Punta
Arena, we were required to tender into the port.
Due to our late
arrival, several shore excursions were cancelled and as a result we were
restricted to a city stroll for the day’s excursion. The city is old and
generally run down, but appeared safe and reasonably clean and tidy. The centre
of attraction in the city is the “Plaza de Armas” which is the local park and
market area. Other than this, the city itself has nothing much going for it.
Apparantly tourists are attracted to the
area for trecking and wildlife visits to penguin colony’s.
Whilst this place may
be great for people interested in wildlife, the city is certainly forgettable
and one which doesn’t inspire a return.
We now have two
relaxing sea days before reaching the seaport of Pueto Montt on the western
coast of Chile. We also have scenic cruising to view the Amalia Glacier along
the way.
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