PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA
This morning we did wake up early and were at breakfast for 6:00 AM and watched the sunset from our table. Besides the sunset we also observed the ship being docked at the Pier. For today we booked a trip to see Penguins at a nature reserve called Punta Tombo. You readers might think more Penguins? Yes, we booked this trip as a backup to the Falklands Islands penguin trip, as only 50% of the ships are able to dock at the Falklands due to the strong winds. Puerto Madryn is a midsize City in northern Patagonia where most of the economy is coming from the Aluminum smelter, with additional economy coming from fishing and tourism. There is quite a Welsh influence in this area. In order to get to the penguins there was a 2.5 hr long bus ride. The country side looked a lot like Arizona minus the Cactus. Total rainfall for the year is only 150mm-200mm. After a couple of pee stops, we arrived at the state park. At the park there was a 1.5km boardwalk to get to the ocean. Along the boardwalk, there were penguins nesting everywhere. It was amazing to see that the males and females take turnes guarding the young chicks. While one of them is guarding the nest, the other is making the trek to the ocean to get food, sometimes they have to walk 500m or more. We all know how fast the penguins waddle. (very slow) While this is going on there are southern giant petrels overhead luring to steel the chicks or eggs from the nest. From the 2 penguin eggs usually 1 egg will make it to adulthood. After spending 1-2 hr at the penguins, we boarded the 2.5hr back to port. We thought the bus ride was very boring, not much to see. After we got back to port, there was no time left to spend time in town. After we got back onto the ship, we were desperate in need of a cold drink. We decided to head for the rear deck. The wind was so strong on the deck that we had to be carefull being up there. Shortly after, they closed the deck for safety reasons. (wind 40-50 knotts). After a great dinner (Indonesian buffet), stage show and a game of music trivia we called’r the night.
Cheers
“South America” ” Cruising” “Puerto Madryn” “Penguin”
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