We were unable to depart today. At 10am this morning we were notified that Patriot Hills had winds of 22 knots, with gusts measuring 30 knots. That’s far too hefty to allow a safe landing. So we have to wait at least one more day, which is quite normal when you’re flying to Antarctica.

The twelve of us are enjoying walks and small excursions in Punta Arenas and its vicinity. This is the southern tip of the Americas, and the scenery is fascinating – especially by the Strait of Magellan (photo above).

Yesterday morning we visited a shipwreck, an old sailing vessel. SS Lonesdale once sailed from London, but now rests on a beach just west of the city.

I know an old diver who lives down here. Last night he invited us to dinner at Hermandad de la Costa de Chile, which translates “Friends of the Chilean Coast”. It was a real pirate party! And we have solemnly promised to plant the organisation’s flag on the South Pole – in exchange for yet another feast when we return.

That sounds like an excellent deal to us!

Britt is a natural as a pirate. Photo: H.Chr. Meen

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