Patagonia, literally translated, is Land of the Big Footed. Apparently the Europeans needed some good stories to justify the cost. They told tales of 4 meter giants with accompanying foot prints. The prints may not have been too overstated as the locals wore leather sandals to protect their feet. And they did stand maybe 7 feet tall. 

Yesterday we were stalked by sea lions while canoeing. They are very curious and like following the boats around and watching people. Probably wondering what the heck we’re doing and why we go so slowly. 

We also saw a few steamer ducks. They’re rather larger and are flightless. They look rather judgy and put off. There are albatross here as well and we saw a few from a distance — or at least that’s what our guide said. 

There really is not a lot of wildlife here because it’s an island. During WWII, some wildlife was imported (because that never ends badly) so the Europeans would have something to hunt while the rest of the world was off fighting. The Canadian beavers really took to the area (no annoying predators around), so while taking a penguin as a souvenir is discouraged, taking a few beavers home is highly encouraged. Sadly we saw no beavers so you all won’t be getting one for Christmas. 

The hike and canoe were in the national park of Tierra del Fuego. We had to switch the order as the winds were from the north, which brings warmer weather but also stronger winds, which is not ideal for canoeing. 

It poured during lunch and none of us were keen on hiking but it cleared and the hike was beautiful, along the Beagle Canal. 

The hike ended at the southernmost post office, which unfortunately was closed so I wasn’t able to get stamps from there for my postcards. The hike started at the end of highway 40, the longest road in Argentina. From there, it is a mere 18,000km to Alaska. It is also known as the loneliest highway. I suspect taking spare gas cans and tires would be highly recommended.