Journey to The End of The Earth

Today we head to the famous Tierra Del Fuego national park which gets its name from when discoverers from Europe saw the llamanas people creating fires on the shores of Tierra Del Fuego. We were picked up from our hotel and rode in the back Jump seats of the jeep there we joined our 3 other Portuguese adventurers who would spend the day hiking with us (Lucky Them)! After a short drive we finally reached the Southernmost park in the world (they are pretty proud of the southernmost designation of everything). When we arrived at the trailhead we were sure to use the southernmost bathroom before embarking on our 7km hike.  As we trekked along the path our guide, Norbi, pointed out the "Old Mans Beard" a fungus that grows on trees only in the pure absence of pollution and assured us the crisp cool air we were now breathing was some of the freshest in the world. Quite a change from the daily life of NYC. We stopped a few times along the route for rest and for a bit of education about the indigenous llamanas people. We learned that they were sea lion hunters who spent most of their time naked due to the wet climate. When they were lucky they would have a special treat to eat of "Indian Bread" or "Darwins Mushrooms" named for the great scientists early explorations and discoveries in Tierra Del Fuego. 

Halfway into our trek we stopped for a cup of matte (a traditional South American hot drink equivalent to green tea) and rest. Coincidentally, my friends from the glacier passed by us along the route. As we continued along the hike we dodged piles of manure which we attributed to what must have been a horses by its sheer size. Dads complaints about the dog poo in BA Pericles in comparison to what we were dealing with here. All of our suspicions about that were confirmed as we passed a pack of horses grazing along the route.

As the day dragged on the hike began to wear on my Dad yet he soldiered on as we approached the Bay of Good Wood which was riddled with Winter Spark trees that the Llamana  used to create spears. We didn't need quite need spears, but a slippery trail led to a tumble by Dad and from there on out a walking stick was his new companion. Thanks Portuguese friends!  We reached the end of the trail to enjoy a meal and some argetine wine on the campsite. After a bit of rest we suited up in waterproof boots and canoeing pants and launched our canoes into the bay. Norbi,noticing that our group may be in need of an extra paddler joined our boat of jolly Rosens. 

Despite the name, land of fire, we endured a constant rain throughout the day. Despite this Norbi repeatedly told us today was absolutely perfect because there was no west wind which often ripped across the Beagle Channel between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. We paddled for a couple of hours through the rivers, bays, and the channel between Argentina and Chile enjoying the beautiful scenery of the mountains and Patagonians birds. Our canoeing ended as we beached the vessels on shore where we had finally reached the end of the Pan-America Highway. A route the extends 18,000km from the top Alaska to our spot here at the End of the World. Many people attempt to do the entire route by motorhome, motorcycle, or by bike alone. I was content with a few flights, a car ride, a hike, and a few hours paddling to reach the point just 600 treacherous miles from Antartica. Despite the rain the day was absolutely incredible. As they say here "You can't judge a day by the weather" because in the Land of Fire it often rains.