I of course was up early ready to ride the bus. TB, Lara, Kari and my BFF Elle came along for the ride.
We took a tender boat from the Eclipse to Punta Arenas. Elle wanted to take a Tinder boat but the rest of us were uncomfortable with that choice.
Here we go let’s get on the bus.
Where is Harold?? Can he see you?
After arriving at the dock we searched for our driver and our tour guide Harold. After multiple texts on WhatsApp we connected and were on our way out of town to Straits of Magellan Park. It took us about 1 hour to get out there. Our driver loves classical music so it was a very soothing ride.
The park and the Straits of Magellan in the distance
More picture of the park
Kari and I rocking the Straits of Magellan
A replica of the first map depicting the Straits of Magellan.
Every new explorers map gains a little detail.
Straits of Magellan. The Pacific and the Atlantic are meeting
From the park we went to Fort Bulens in Punta Santa Ana. Fort Bulens was one of the first Chilean settlements in this region. Fort Bulnes was established in 1843. From a military standpoint it was a great location, elevated, fortifiable with great sight lines in all directions. From a development standpoint it was on a hard rocky outcrop so growing anything and getting drinkable water were challenging. Finally they gave up, burned the original fort to the ground and moved up to the Sandy Point area and formed the city of Punta Arenas.
Chilean flag 🇨🇱 flying in a stiff wind at Fort Bulnes
Cannons point towards the Straits of Magellan
Cannons and Mountains
Butners at Fort Bulnes
The Chapel at Fort Bulnes
Finally the mayor has found a city to call his own. Mud brick buildings and all.
From Fort Bulnes we traveled back to Punta Arenas for lunch. Harold, our guide had a great little spot near the port. I am pretty sure the 5 of us were the only people not speaking Spanish.
The building were we ate lunch.
Drink local beer!! Wherever you are drink local beer!!
This ceviche was amazing. If we would have had chips I would still be in Punta Arenas eating this ceviche.
We also enjoyed soup (Kari) and amazing empanadas, shrimp and queso and crab and queso. This queso was amazing Chipoltle should check it out.
A lookout above Punta Arenas
Scott and Kari above Punta Arenas
The cemetery in Punta Arenas. Smaller and a little less ornate then Buenos Aries but still amazing
Harold by his families crypt.
This is the crypt of a Spanish family that settles the region. Protesters have thrown red paint on some parts to symbolize the blood of the natives.
In the town square. Touching the toe of this statue is suppose to bring you back to Punta Arenas
Kari and I want to come back? Maybe just me.
The statue above is suppose to symbolize the indigenous people who lived in this region first.
The statue in the town plaza is a monument to Ferdinand Magellan. It is quite impressive.
Elle is not impressed with the dab action
So much better.
So artsy.......
Graffiti from the recent social unrest in Chile. Even in Punta Arenas there were protests . It was very quiet and peaceful for us during our visit.
Leaving Punta Arenas
Back on the boat. It is NYE after all mojitos, Bacardi cokes and blue martini 🍸 for everyone.
We watched the ball drop in the Grand Foyer at midnight.
Happy New Year. Let’s make 2020 great
Abby, TB and our cruise director Alejandro.
Alejandro has a way with the ladies.
After this picture it was time for bed.
2020 will get off to a big start if my main man, PJ Fleck can do his thing.
Row the Boat
Ski-U-Ma
Go Gophers.
Happy 2020 everyone! Hopefully this year on most days, you will think deeply, laugh loudly and remember all those you care about and who care about you.
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