[password] rachel25
[position] 54 45.150s 063 53.050w
[status] Anchored in Puerto San Juan del Salvamento, Isla de los Estados
Before leaving Puerto Cook, we hiked up one of the more achievable hills nearby. Walking here is like walking in deep snow on rough ground, the moss is so thick, and where there are trees, they are almost impenetrable. We are full of admiration for a Frenchman called Andree "Yul" Bronner who, in 1995, walked the length of this island over 2 months, with only a tent, a small fishing net, a bow and some arrows. Aside from the terrain, the wind and rain, and the perennial dampness must have increased the challenge significantly.

Bronner is also known for rebuilding a particularly attractive, octagonal lighthouse that had fallen into disrepair close to where we are now at anchor. It is known as the Faro del Fin del Mundo. He did it for the sheer pleasure of seeing it work again, as another lighthouse had been built in a more suitable place. Most people would think the reconstruction to be senseless, however when we visited the lighthouse this afternoon, we came to understand and appreciate why he undertook such an enterprise. Apart from being a lighthouse it also serves as a refuge for any traveller or mariner who finds himself without shelter, a sort of bothy. From the lighthouse log book the last visit was a month ago. While here, we have seen no other people or boats.
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