Southern Summer, Argentina, Chile and Y Wladfa Gymreig 24th Jan

A day on the water and the weather has changed. The temperature has dropped by 10°C., it's not exactly chilly at 20 ° but you certainly notice the difference. We started with a 50 minutes bus ride that was interesting in itself. We didn't actually have tickets before boarding so the driver requested other passengers to use their electronic cards for us. Two kindly did and we handed them the pesos. Next the driver stopped to pick up a hitch hiker! No ticket, no charge. Is this a first?
Here is our vessel for the day. She was built in Amsterdam in1937 specially commissioned to do the job she still does today. How she was transported to this location remains a mystery to me. Called Modesta Victoria her condition is superb, all varnish and polished brass work. Presidents, Princes and personalities have all been passengers on this vessel.

and another couple of views 

Our first stop after about one hours sailing was the peninsular containing y Bosque de Arrayanes. This, of course translates as the forest of myrtle. It is a very rare and sensitive ecosystem such that all the 800 metres of footpaths are raised boardwalks. The woods get 2 metres of rainfall per annum. 

I must confess that I don't know a lot about the myrtle tree but they are clearly very special here. The forest is between 550 and 650 years old and is unique in the world  (apologies for the tautology). Our craft next took us to Victoria Island. There are several points of interest on the island. The flora and fauna are rare and somewhat specialised. There is evidence of indigenous people living here for several thousand years, some of which is in a museum and some in the form of rock painting. You can see the latter below. 

There's also a luxury hotel entry from which visitors are discouraged by means of an electric fence. One of the more interesting birds is the Chimango whose prey is no longer small mammals but visitors lunch tip bits.  Helen got a good shot of one on the wing and another on the ground. 

Sadly we saw nothing of the exotic mammals and the normally very tempting beach was as about as bracing as Skegness. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable three hours experience. 

A fine view across from the island to the mainland. and finally on the way back I give you a picture of the ubiquitous mate consumption. We both had a suck on this kind lady's "staw" and the verdict was bitter but interesting. Not really a substitute for tea. 

A word to Mr Paget, having been exposed, you disappoint me. I fully expected to see you appear in another guise. Perhaps a not so silent member of the Diogenes Club?