Estancia Harberton: it looks so green after all the ice
Date: 24-02-07
Drake shake
Weather: wonderfull morning lots of wind in the afternoon
Wind: W 5
Temperature: 12
8:00 getting out off bed, an early start after a long night.
Around 8:45 we land with the Zodiacs at estancia Harberton. The ranch (‘estancia’) was established in 1886 by Thomas Bridges, an Anglican missionary from the UK, who became known for having written a dictionary with more than 30.000 Yaghan words, the last remaining memory of the original inhabitants of this area of Tierra del Fuego. Today, the ranch is still run by Thomas Bridges’ family, Tom and Natalie Goodall.
We land on a beach near the farm and two guided tours are arranged. One group goes off for a tour around the estancia, the other visits the Museo Acatushún where the guides impresses everyone of us with their excellent knowledge of the whales and dolphin skeletons that are here on display. In the tearoom, the other group taste home-made cakes after a tour of the Estancia, led by Thomas, Matthew’s brother, who is equally knowledgeable about the history of his grandfather’s ranch.
On land we spot some Crested caracara’s, Austral Trushes, Black-bellied Cinclodes, Southern Lapwings, Austral Trushes, Flightless Steamerducks and some Fire eyed Diucons and a Long Tailed Meadowlark.
Back on deck Lunch is served while we enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. While we are eating soup we see a Turkey Vulture flying over, a common bird in this part of Tierra del Fuego. Still wonderful birds to see.
At 19:00 we arrive in Ushuaia again. A successful journey has nearly come to an end.
STATISTICS
Total sailed nautical miles 1615 nm (=2990 km)
Total use of diesel 16.000 liters
Consumption of potatoes 200 kilo
Consumption of soup 340 liters
Consumption of home made bread 166 loaves
Consumption of champagne 12 liters
Production of fresh water 43.500 liters
Consumption of fresh water 48.700 liters
Nationalities 7
Birthdays 5
