Rainbows, Dolphins, and Ice

(Sunday, March 22)

We waited for weather for a few days at Caleta Borracho and left at first light this morning to try and make it up to Seno Pia, a famous glacial area. Our friend Osvaldo on Polar Wind (a local charter-sail) happened to be taking clients up to Seno Pia today as well, so we followed him up. By "follow", I mean that we left Borracho at the same time and both ended up at Seno Pia this evening; Polar Wind is much larger and faster than little Polo Flat. In any event, Osvaldo has been sailing around here for mnay years and invited us to tie off of them in a very cool anchorage by the glacier and near to a big waterfall. It is gorgeous.

Today was a long day with less than perfect wind/weather, but we had to make head-way in order to catch good weather through some upcoming tricky spots. In spite of the constant cold sprays of salt water, and annoying head wind, we had an empty channel, surrounded by mountains, rainbows, glaciers, waterfalls, and even dolphins and sea lions on our bow as we dodged icebergs coming into anchor.

Tomorrow, Monday, we will go check out a major glacier nearby and then head on. For now, though, some much needed sleep after a rough day.

Position: 54,46S 69,40W

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(Monday, March 23)

Woke up early, said goodbye to Polar Wind, and went up to the glacier. The weather was clear and calm, though quite a few more bergs floating about. We had our morning coffee in front of the ice, listening to it crash and bang. Being that close to a glacier was pretty surreal. My brain just could not process it - sensory overload! Icy blue colors, massive size, fragile tracks carved through it...truly unlike anything I have ever seen before.
After our glacial meditation :), we continued back out into the channel. With no wind and no waves (quite a different day than yesterday!), we got to Caleta Emilita in good time. It's a beautiful anchorage – very protected with views of the snowy mountains in the distance. Off again early tomorrow morning.

Position: 54,53S 70,23W