password] rachel25
[position] 52 41.593s 073.45.784w
[status] Anchored in Puerto Profundo (Caleta Teikita), west coast of Canal Smyth, Isla Manuel Rodriguez
We up'd anchor early this afternoon, after the rain had stopped, and moved a grand distance of 13nm south. It is supposed to be a good anchorage to wait for favourable winds to cross the Estrecho de Magallanes. This anchorage is enclosed, but is subject to gusts, so apart from the anchor, Colin attached four lines to the shore (two forward and two aft). We found another orange message flag from Aleko, who left the caleta three days ago, heading for a caleta in the Paso del Mar.
The attaching of lines sounds easier than it is. There are several challenges. The first is that the caleta is surrounded by rock walls some 3 - 5 meters high which rise sheer from the sea. Then there is the prolific vegetation which cascades down the rock walls, making it very difficult to find steps to climb them. The trees are up on top of the cliffs and are not all of the stout variety. Many are rotten or are disguised by the thick moss which covers everything. So, after an hour of cliff climbing, tree climbing, pruning, and abseiling, we are now very well fixed to four stoutish trees and are having a beer in the belief that we will not be moved by anything short of a hurricane. Let's hope so.
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