Flight of the Condors

It dawned a clear and sunny day and we were quickly up and ready to roll to make the most of this glorious morning we motored up the canal beagle and we moored in Caleta Olla. Our expedition today was to conquer our first glacier walk. We trudged through some wonderful sphagnum moss of all colours, bonsai beech trees, and did a bit of bush bashing, mud skiing, followed with continuous roars of laughter. We progressively removed our clothing layer by layer until we were down to our t-shirts..!! (and this is Patagonia)
The glacier was a magnificent sight flowing in to a terminal glacier lake, with astonishing burgy bits of all sizes. It was suggested that someone pose like the pania of the reef. Priceless photos were taken and tongues were put to the taste test. (no tongues were harmed in this experiment). While having a short refreshment break to fuel our selves for the journey home, Frances discovered she had filled her water bottle from the salt water tap on Spirit !! duhh !!
We were wow'd by two magnificent condors (Very large Birds) as they swooped over head and glided their way back to their nest. A truly South American treat.
Shelene

Chilean Black Dolpins
The highlight of the day was when a pod of about 10 Chilean Black dolpins welcomed us to Caleta Morning Bay. Initially they were busy feeding but they were soon checking us out, swimming under the yatch and escorting the zodie as the mooring lines were being put out . We feel quit priveledged as they are apparently quite rare and seldom seen. Their dorsal fins are quite small and round and their swimming motion is
similar to a sealion.
During the night there were some significant gusts of wind but the morning dawned calm but misty. El Capitain Dario Diaz suggested that we checkout the waterfall and so the famous five set out on the intrepid mud wallow. Various members lost items into the mud whilst others just got muddy. Hand over hand we clambered up the precipitous route (ie mud slide) and were rewarded with views of a glacier at the head of the valley.
We cast off our mooring lines and headed out into the mighty Brazo Noroeste (Northern Canal Beagle). As we motored along stupendous galciers lunged down to the sea with small bergs clustered at the base.
The Chilean Black dolphins saw a flurry of kayaking activity but alas by the time we were decked out in our dry suits and on the water the dolphins had departed but a pleasant paddle was enjoyed around the sheltered Caleta Morning.
Hot chocolate, Pisco sours, Piscolas and the warm cabin are ensuring a pleasant evening around the saloon bar whilst Tayla and Becs are busy creating a veritable lasange masterpiece for dinner. The culinary skills
are being tested and the challenge is to produce a dinner better than the previous nights. Home baked bread and chocolate brownie are delights yet to be sampled tonight.
Frances
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