[password] rachel25
[position] 48 07.653s 074 24.760w
[status] Still anchored in Puerto Eden
Yet another frontal system came through last night, with strong wind and rain. Out in Gulfo de Penas, gusts of 60-80 knots were forecast.
We've had some time to explore this little village. It has a population of 120 men and 40 women during the summer, and a lot less in the winter. A long boardwalk runs along the shore, connecting every house, the school and police station. They use boardwalks instead of paths to protect the delicate, soggy, moss covered land which would be a mud bath otherwise. There are 3 little shops where there is a very limited choice of 'survival' foodstuffs. You press the doorbell, and the owner opens up the shop. Today a ferry, which makes the run between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales twice a week, stopped to deliver fresh food and special orders. A flurry of activity occurred, as lots of little boats went out to the ferry anchored in the bay. These boats are painted yellow and red, and all fly the Chilean flag. It had just stopped raining, and the sun was shining, so it was quite a cheerful sight.
We have the luxury of internet here, so were able to catch up with our daughters by skype. We also received the news of Alan Gerrard's passing. Alan was our neighbour's dad and has been looking after our garden while we are away. We will miss him a lot.
This is an amazing adventure which we feel priviledged to be undertaking, but we do miss the immediate contact with family and friends. We are a long way from home.
[END]
The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.