A Final Thrill...

Puerto Iquazu, Brazil

March 20-22

While most of the group flew home, a handful of us continued the adventure with a flight to Brazil and two days of exploring Iguassu (Iguazu) Falls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the falls straddle the border between Argentina and Brazil and with 275 drops, this is a gift of nature that defies any description.  Considered one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World” the semi-circular falls are 2.7 kilometers long and are surrounded by  a rainforest full of unusual flora and fauna; the colors of the butterflies, alone, are extraordinary. The sheer power and noise of the cascades make for one of those forever memories and, as for the almost “roller coaster type” ride I took with new friends Linda and Greg and a small boat full of others close to some of the falls getting rocked, windblown, and drenched,...well, talk about an OMG experience!

                                                                Argentina

                                                   

                                                              Brazil

Coming To An End...

Ushuaia, Argentina

March 18-19

The capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is regarded as the southernmost city of the world and it was here that we spent a final night before heading back to Buenos Aires. Located in a wide bay and bordered by the Martial mountain range and the Beagle Channel, it was just the right spot for winding down, last minute shopping in Patagonia, walking on solid ground, and a farewell dinner…a perfect trip coming to an end too soon.

                                         

                                            An early morning ride to the airport

Four Days At Sea...

On board the Via Australis

Patagonia

March 14-18

Four days at sea and it was grand! Flourishing friendships, lots of laughter, food and drinks until we had no more room, a superb staff, and the exquisite, pristine beauty of Patagonia outside our ship's windows as we sailed by. The zodiac boats became our sea-worthy companions as they took us past spouting whales and became our landing craft at the Pia Fjord, Wulaia Bay, and Cape Horn. The Beagle Channel became a familiar name and in the lounge we all talked about the landscape, the adventure, and the weather. And we had lots of weather…intermittent sun, winds that required holding onto the rail if one braved going out on deck, rain, snow, sleet, and hail…and we all loved every minute!

                                                   Pia Glacier 

                                                 Via Australis

Cape Horn National Park

Continuing South...

Punta Arenas, Chile

March 13-14

A long bus ride to Punta Arenas, a city on the Strait of Magellan close to the tip of Chile’s southernmost Patagonia region, and we are getting ever so much closer to boarding our ship. Even on route, there was always something to learn…the countryside beyond our windows, the stories about the history and culture of the area as told by our superb guide, Pablo, and the colorful conversations amongst ourselves...especially at the ranch where we were treated to a grand barbecue hosted by the owners and a close-up viewing of a sheep shearing demonstration done with Chilean finesse.

The origin of our wool sweaters...

                                                    Welcome to Punta Arenas