We took a rather late breakfast in the hotel's restaurant which overlooks the promenade. Then we headed along the coast passed the Skorpios boatyards. (We went on a Skorpios cruise as part of our honeymoon.) Then it was a short journey down the Ruta 5 to catch the ferry to Chiloe.

We got straight on. As we set off a family of sea lions bobbed beside us.

Chiloe is reknowned for its bad weather and mists but we have rucked up in good weather. The road down to Castro was paved and easy to drive. We're staying in a palacito, a traditional fisherman's house on stilts at the waters edge. The Chilean government once thought about demolishing them as they were considered slums. However some have now been gentrified and have been turned in to boutique hotels and cafes.

We found ours easily enough but it was locked and there was no one about. This has happened to us a few times on our trips. There was no sign on the door telling you where to go. We couldn't call as our mobile doesn't work in Chile. After waiting a while, we drove up to the main square to find a phone. Luckily we spotted the tourist office and they called for us. It seems to key is in a hotel a few doors down. Thanks for letting us know!!

Once in, though, it was worth it. There were stunning views across the estuary and the place seemed quite new, all made out of wood and quite minimalist. Boat trips passed by every few minutes looking at the palacitos and we waved at our fellow tourists.

A plane flew overhead advertising the circus that is in town with a loud fanfare.

Our hotel is just a few metres from the main dock where there is an artisanal market. Grandmas sit there knitting the jumpers and hats Chiloe is famous for, but with the fine weather, it's not a thing people were buying.

By the dock is a bar that Kevin and I visited on our honeymoon when our cruise docked here. The cruise was all-inclusive and taxis had been arranged to take us sightseeing. Kevin and I were aware that we hadn't been able to put any money in to the local economy as everything, even drinks, were included. We revolted and turned down the opportunity to go on the tour and instead bought a beer in a bar with a few bemused locals. We recall the town being quiet and deserted, with not much open and not much to do. Today it was full of tourists taking trips and people shopping. There's a brand new mall and groovy internet cafes. It's good to see the place regenerating.

We visited the church on the plaza with its lurid statues which have real hair wigs.

For dinner we watched it grow dark on our balcony, eating a vegetarian hotpot. Noisy seagulls paid us visits. looking for scraps.