Patagonian Frontiers

Every year my wife and I take a trip or two with our favorite travel company Odysseys Unlimited.  This year the trip was titled Patagonian Frontiers.  This would provide us the rare privilege of face-to-face encounters with two of the world’s last great frontiers: the majestic fjords and glaciers of Southern Patagonia, on a small-ship cruise; and the stunningly dramatic scenery of Torres del Paine on a three-night stay at the park. It also included visits to Buenos Aires, Argentina and Santiago, Chile providing us the opportunity discover the remarkable diversity of South America.

From the top of our hotel looking out over the city of Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires was the first stop which is home to nearly 40% of the population of the country.  Highlights of the tour included elegant mansions, lovely parks and gardens, excellent dining, and a tour of the Recoleta with its cemeteries of elaborate mausoleums and historic Government House.  A special occasion was the dinner and show at the legendary Esquina Carlos Gardel named for the legendary tango icon Carlos Gardel.  This is one of the city's most famous tango houses.  The tango once considered vulgar is now the country's national dance. 

Tango dancers in a city park

Family mausoleums of Eva Peron

Name plate for Eva Peron on the family Mausoleum

From Buenos Aires we flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, the farther most southern city in the world.  After stepping off the plane we were surrounded by the Andes peaks and the beauty of the Tierra del Fuego National Park.  

The City of Ushuaia

     The beauty of the Andes and the Beagle channel is stunning. 

The journey to Cape Horn began in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina.  With a population of 65,000, this is one of the most important cities in  Isla Grande De Tierra Del Fuego.  Founded on October 12, 1884, Ushuaia was the site of one of the first encounters between the Yaghan culture and Anglican missionaries. This would be the highlight of the trip during our voyage through the remote and spectacular places of Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn.

After touring we boarded the ship Australis

The city of Ushuaia as seen from the ship leaving the city.

We boarded the adventure boat late in the day and sailed that night to Cape Horn.  That evening we had an outstanding dinner. The next morning early, if the weather permitted,  we would climb the cape and see where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.

 

Good hunting, good fishing, and good luck.  Hank

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