Two Beers and a Pretzel

Disembarking from the port at 9:30 AM, our small (40 ft) boat set out across the Beagle Channel (named after the HMS Beagle that first navigated the waterway in the early 1800′s).  Amidst sea spray and snowflakes, we pulled out to the lighthouse, then alongside a few islands to view Sea Lions and lots of waterfowl.  It was actually nice being in a “small” boat since we could pull right up to the shore, where the larger boats need to stay about 10 meters back.

It was really nice when we came back into the cabin and they had hot coffee and tea waiting.  Today is probably the first time I’ve been colder than anyone back home in 3 months..

We also stopped on one of the larger islands to see the foliage and hiked to one of the highest points in the channel.

Now I’m going to try to find a “cheap” boat to Antarctica ($2500-ish).