Two Fathoms Deep

Today we departed Ushuaia for Puerto Natales, Chile.  The wind was legendary today.  Before boarding the ferry to depart Tierra del Fuego, we were told there was a chance it could be cancelled due to high winds.  This did not happen, and while it seemed to be an unexpectedly smooth voyage, we were delayed approximately an hour because the wind kept pushing the stern of the craft causing the bow to pull away from the landing.  Wind conditions did not improve as we traveled toward our destination via car, and we were cautioned to drive slow and in the middle of the road when possible.  There were reports several vehicles that had been blown over or off the highway in the last couple of days.  Finally, I OWNED the foosball table while we stopped for gas and coffee.

Our lodging for the night was a simple bed and breakfast whose owner, and older lady, was concerned about the seemliness of a woman traveling with and staying in a room with three other men.  This is definitely a recurring theme.  The place was comfortable, but smelled like gas.  I lost internet access because someone unplugged the router to charge some batteries.  This is the reason for the late entries, rather than having perished as a result of the gas leak.  For dinner, I had a bowl of soup with a greater variety of locally caught sea-dwelling creatures than I’ve ever had in a single dish.

Saying “I have about $200,000 on me,” in the average American town might get you killed.  In Chilean pesos, it’s chump change. Although I guess it could still get you mugged.  Gas is the most expensive here of any place that I’ve ever traveled, and the currency Is virtually worthless.  The exchange rate is something like 500 Chilean pesos for one American dollar.  On an unrelated note, I managed to do a little Black Friday shopping from half a world away.