RESTING IN RIO GALLEGOS

We arrived here exhausted at 7.30 yesterday morning and had a very chilled day catching up on food, sleep and washing of all kinds. Reason for this being a totally fantastic day on Tuesday 20th (also coinciding with lovely granddaughter georgia's 16th - congratualtions darling, and of course the world celebrated Obama inauguration, which we have since been trying to catch up on.)


The fantastic 20th for us consisted of an almost all day boat trip up the Ria Deseado in a sort of rubber dingy with motor and 10 other passengers, + driver and guide. The sun shone from first thing and a light wind blowing and off we set with our life jackets on and water/windproof jackets. First we saw birds, these were of various water and seabird, but most moving for me certainly was the albatross, with huge wings in a great arc. This was the blackwinged albatross, I think. We arrived at a little rock of an island then, heaving with sealions. They looked quite tawny in the sun, except for the ones emerging from the water, which were black. Amongst them were a number of enormous males, magnificent with their huge shaggy manes and wonderful mannerisms. Also they had great bellowing voices, and each seemed surrounded by an adoring harem.

The final place of the expedition was another larger island where the penguins nest and breed. First we had to get ashore which was quite a feat from a rocking boat onto slippery rocks. All managed safely. The island was the highlight as we were able to spend hours just sitting amongst the lovely rockhopper penguins, with their red eyes and little yellow eyebrows sticking out. Made several vids on the camera kids, so fun when we get back.


However, the adventure was not quite over, as we all had to get back into the boat and the wind had really kicked in. The boat was anchored a little way off and our boatman had to fetch it by canoe, clever fellow. In it came and we were all tightly gathered under strict instructions to get on a fast as possible. Some made it, Sue being the last, who went, partly flying, as the boat parted from the rocks. She was in safe hands thankfully, of a couple of strong blokes who had proceeded. But the rest of us (me, 3 men and the guide) then had to go at great speed back across the island to a slightly calmer cove to await the boat again.

All aboard and off we roar. Look after your bags was yelled at us, as a few people were foolishly fumbling for cameras. Whoosh went the wind and the boat and the first set of waves came aboard! This was total adrenalin for all. White knuckled and screaming we continued for what seemed at least half an hour. Wow!! One of the Latvian lads in the group rated it the most exciting experience of his life. And i think many of us agreed this was close at least.


Sue says:what a day that was. I had a close shave especially as i cant swim, but loved every moment, probably the closest I will ever get to white water rafting. The climate and terrain is rapidly changing now as we approach the end of the world. Windy, cooler and many trees and vegetation like northern europe. Most of the houses are made of corrugated iron and brightly painted,and there are many more indigenous people here. The young people here are also different,a mixture of punk and goth which is interesting. We have been travelling with Shannon, a young irish girl and Anne, a swiss girl. We parted company yesterday, so girls, if you get to read this and we dont meet up again, it was great fun to be with you both. Sue b. well done.

love from Sue.xxx