It's continued fair sailing as we leave the Chilean Fjords today.  We are heading to Porto Montt, our last stop before reaching the end of the cruise in San Antonio, near Santiago de Chile.

12 December 2018

Rounding Cape Horn, from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans

Kevin, who presents all the scenic cruise narration, has prepared us for another early morning adventure:  rounding Cape Horn.  He also warns us that on the previous cruise, as the Zaandam headed eastward (from Chile to Argentina), the seas were very rough (as usually happens).  A second member of the ship's crew corroborates the view that it could be a rough night.

But, the gods of good weather continue to shine on us, as the both the night and the following day are clear, with no rain, and the waves are calm and behaving themselves.

Before reaching the Cape, we pass a number of desolate islands--like most places in Patagonia, there is no human population here. We are on the starboard side of the ship, so we get our first 
views of Cape Horn from our veranda. We are still in our pajamas and bathrobes, but with heavy outer coats added.  As in many of the most scenic spots, the Captain will have the ship circle the scene, so passengers on both sides of the ship will have equal access.

Horn Island is easily recognizable, with a lighthouse station and an international memorial at the top of the highest point.

Will Earns His Certificate for Rounding Cape Horn by Sea

After leaving Cape Horn we begin our trek northward and westward through the Sarmiento Canal and the Darwin Passage.  

We are witness to more snow-covered peaks and glaciers as we travel.

Later in the morning we pass the wreckage of the SS Leonor, sunk and abandoned in March 1968--the only man-made artifact to mar this natural wonderland.

As we continue westward the skies clear and we enjoy a beautiful day on board MS Zaandam

We take a detour from the Sarmiento Canal to approach the magnificent Brujo Glacier.  This glacier simply towers over the ones I've seen in Greenland, Norway, and New Zealand.  The Captain opens the bow of the ship so passengers can get a closer look at this phenomenon of water and ice.

There isn 't much to say after the privilege of viewing this scene, so I will publish this blog and start a new one tomorrow as we enter the Chilean Fjord District.