It’s hard to believe we boarded the Sapphire Princess two weeks ago! Since then we’ve travelled more than 3100 nautical miles – almost 5900 kms. Not once did we get seasick, despite all the talk about the ‘dragon-like’ waters off Cape Horn.
There’ve been fewer stops since we left Ushuaia but spectacular glaciers on the inland route off Chile’s coast. We visited Punta Arenas for a walk around the port. It was a rainy day: the first showery shore day on the trip. But we wanted to score some Chilean Pesos by using our ScotiaBank account. Yes there are ScotiaBanks in some South American countries.
Getting currency in South America isn’t as difficult as it used to be. There are ATMs everywhere. Most of the stores in tourist areas take credit and debit cards. But others want cash. So, using our own checking account here is useful.
The next day we travelled up a fjord to hover just off the massive Amalia Glacier. It is retreating – we could not have come this far up the fjord ten years ago. the big bump in the middle of the picture is a dormant volcano. The river of ice flows around it.
The face of the ice is ugly and black. But deep inside it is a beautiful blue. Hundreds of passengers are gathered on deck, silent. You can’t hear the ship’s engines. Every so often the ice groans and rumbles. Splinters shave off and drop like a sudden waterfall into the bay.
All our pictures are from our phones. We debated bringing our big camera for something like this. In truth, I’m satisfied. The photos are placeholders for the memories.
Ahead of us – another day of sailing. It’s still chilly on deck, but it’s great to walk the circuit. Three trips around equal a mile and it doesn’t take long.
Puerto Montt is our last stop before disembarkation. It’s in Chile’s lake district which is famous for small mountain towns, rivers, dormant volcanoes and a history of German settlement.
Blair was feeling under the weather so I explored on my own, with some helpful advice from a ship-board expert. The local bus station dominates the waterfront and I paid about $1.50 Cad for a half hour ride to Puerto Varas.
There is a definite European vibe to these towns. They’ve preserved some of the original wooden German buildings, erected in the mid-19th century.
Another 30 minute bus ride away is Frutillar Bajo with a gorgeous view of a distant volcano – Mt. Osorno.
It’s almost as perfect as Mt. Fuji!
Retracing my steps by bus, I get back on the ship! The weather is definitely getting warmer.
The Lake District was in the mid 20s and Santiago will be 30 degrees.
I’m looking forward to the next, and last stage of our trip: a week in Chile’s capital city. Goodbye Sapphire Princess!
NotRetiring 