We said farewell to the milodon on the roundabout at the entrance to Puerto Natales and headed back south. The road was quiet, so quiet we had time to notice the very fancy bus shelters and flag trees. We passed a large herd of cows being driven alongside the road. On the way up, we saw this unusual rock ill at odds with the vast, rolling plains. As we passed it again we noticed there was an interpretation board. It turned out to be a volcanic plug, one of five i...

Originally when we planned this holiday we had allocated today for a boat trip to see penguins. However as we had already done that on Tuesday, and given the boat journey was six hours there and six hours back, we decided to pass and walk down to the port and promenade. Having been chilled to the bone yesterday, we togged up warmly and walked down a few block to the sea front. Given it was the longest day, a Sunday too, there wasn't exactly hundreds on the prom. ...

Today we had a tour of Punta Arenas on foot. Despite togging up for the trip there was a bitter wind which seemed to penetrate every layer of clothing. Apart from that it was mainly sunny with a few clouds. The place we are staying is south of the centre, maybe a fifteen minute walk from the centre. Our first stop was the obligatory statue of General Bernardo O'Higgins. Virtually every town in Chile has one and he is typically depicted on horseback. Sadly there w...

Neither of us slept well as we were both aware that we had to be up early to catch the bus to Punta Arenas. Joan was also aware that the local government settlement had been announced the day before, and after a plea on Facebook, Caitlin sent her the spreadsheets. Dire news for the north. The taxi came and hurtled around the street as if it was in Grand Theft Auto and dropped us off at the bus departure point. Despite its length the journey passed quickly. Initia...