Rounding Cape Horn was the whole point of circumnavigating
South America – and due to the fact we were coming by cruise ship we had the
luxury of traversing (partially) the Straits of Magellan, the Beagle Channel,
Drake’s Passage and actually circling Isla
Hornos (Horn Island originally Hoorn after a Dutch town) on which Cape Horn
lies at the southernmost tip; next stop Antarctica. This cruise actually used to visit Antarctica
but in recent years, ships in excess of 500 (we’re 700) passengers are unable
to traverse the Antarctic route as a shipping disaster in these dangerous waters would
not only be a tragedy for those on board but also an ecological disaster for
the fragile Antarctic environment. Fair
cop.
 |
| The Ship's route round Cape Horn |
This map outlines our route (you really will have to click
on it to see the black line), where
the ship went.
Although photos are interesting, it’s really about being
here: 56 degrees South. And seeing the Cape
and the Albatross Memorial to the sailors who have died ‘rounding the Horn’.
 |
| Albatross Memorial - Cape Horn |
The weather, whilst not perfect, was
relatively pleasant and the crossing not too rough.
 |
| Cape Horn |
There was an amazing party atmosphere on
board as it’s quite something for those like us doing it the first time but
even our ‘on board’ expert Terry Breen who is the only female member of a society of sailors who have been around more
than 30 times still gets a buzz! We had a great view from
our cabin, but it was much better on the horizon deck at the back of the boat
sharing the event with the others – all the staff came out and were taking pics
as well.
 |
| With Cassandra, the Ship's vocalist - from Perth! |
We were very, very happy campers!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment