[password] rachel25
[position] 54 56.435s 069 09.415w
[status] Still anchored in Caleta Olla, Brazo Noroeste, Canal Beagle.
We decided to do one of the walks mentioned in the pilot book in this area, thinking it would probably take 3-4 hours. The walk was to follow a stream to a lake, and then onto the Holanda glacier. There was mention in the book that there were beavers in the area, which we were also interested to see. These beavers are the American/Canadian beaver which were introduced by the Argentinean navy, so they could be hunted for their fur. They adapted very well in their new environment, and in common with many introduced species, have multiplied uncontrollably. They have no natural predators and man does not seem as interested in their fur as he once was.
It soon became obvious that the beavers had developed the large approach area (Colin called it the Slough of Despond after Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress) into beaver mega city. Not put off, we continued, stumbling, falling, climbing out of holes, balancing on trees which have been cut down by the beavers, determined to see the glacier. It took us 8 hours for the return trip. Luckily we had taken a few small snacks with us. We did not get close to the glacier. Gen managed a brief swim in the lake, which was covered in large icebergs, and even climbed onto one iceberg, for the sheer fun of it. (Crazy, or what!). Aleko developed blisters, and ended up walking bare foot for most of the return walk. He did manage to see one beaver which came out to see what all the noise was about.
We thought it appropriate that the glacier is named after Holland. The Dutch and the beaver have a common interest in dam building and the modification of the hydrological systems of their environment. Beavers are not the soft, cuddly creatures we once thought them to be!
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