Our camp last night was very basic, but despite the rain coming just after erecting the Caranex, it didn’t last long and like the wind, stayed away all night. We both slept well.
As there was not too far to drive today, we left the camp at 11.30am. The countryside is changing. As Jen mentioned yesterday, we are seeing stunted, gnarly forests. In the distance we can also see snow topped mountains, occasionally.
Gone the wide flat expanse and now we are into hills and soon,mountains. What’s with the trees? My guess is, that they are badly affected from being buried under meters of snow for much of the year?
These are the southern most mountains of the Andes.
Pretty soon we are on the outskirts of Ushuaia. Our speculation at the beginning of the journey, in Cartagena, getting here by Christmas, has proven to be pretty good.
Ushuaia.
This is the Cruise Ship gateway to the Antarctic and Falkland Islands. Most people fly in from wherever, and fly out again after.
This is an interesting picture. It tells a few stories. It’s a display featuring…not the Falkland Islands, but the Malvina’s, complete with lifelike looking soldiers to protect you, should you wish to visit. Protect you from who?….;)
The packed Tourist Information service directed us to a currency exchange. The exchange, a sleazy dive, run by two con men, if I’ve ever met one.
Ushuaia has the feel of Canada or Scandanavia, without the finesse or style.
I have to give a shout out to Poki. Since leaving the high altitudes, she has been perfect. Great to drive and super reliable. The reliability factor has a lot to do with an African mechanic in a Swakopmund, Namibia, service station, finding and rectifying a fault that none of the agents or independent “experts” could. Also the work done by TuneServe in Durban, South Africa. Over the years we have made some performance modifications and she is much more powerful, and a delight to drive. Our accommodation is somewhat unique too, but it has been perfect for us….so far…:)
Ushuaia Camping.
Our camp site is small but complete, with everything we need. iOverlander directed us here. There is a German registered camper beside us, but the couple are “older”and unlike every young German we have met, don’t speak English.
The weather is mild, compared with a few days earlier. We have got some things to attend to. Washing clothes a main one. I also badly need a haircut, it’s been about 2 months since the last one, and shows. The chrome is coming through..:)
It’s a 40 minute walk into the city. We’ll do that tomorrow. I also badly need to buy a pair of jeans or long trousers. Bought three pairs of shorts and plenty of shirts, but only two pairs of trousers, and neither of them fit very well. I need a change.
Oh, they have a Border Collie here in the camp. I love Border Collies and he’s typical. Super affectionate, friendly and a ball of energy..:) It’s unique, with piercing white eyes, like a Husky.
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Another box ticked, well done you two. Now relax and enjoy the comforts of a big bed and endless showers. Just hope the weather doesn’t put a crimp in your cruise. It will also be a relief to be heading north soon.
Hi Bro, yes, running out of boxes.
Four more days to kill till we can relax and as you say, endless showers and food!!!..:) Not that we have been denying ourselves food, it’s just that it’s easier when someone else is cooking and bringing it to you..:). It will be quite different, heading back north again. Lets see how that unfolds. Hope you have the knee sorted! A crepe bandage supporting it, can’t be bad? Hi! and hugs to Jen.
What a journey it’s been (and amazing to think the tires from Portland are still holding up!) Great to hear that Poki is purring along. The cruise to Antartica will be such an exciting journey (on top of an already exciting adventure). Brilliant. Sounds like coffee shops have been slim pickings down that way – I hope Jen can find a few good ones in Ushuaia! Loving every blog. Enjoy that well deserved break from driving! (…and eager to hear more about Antartica 🙂
Hi Logan, now there’s a blast into the recent past…tyres in Portland. They make ’em good up there…:)
Had a letter from dad, yesterday, great to hear from him, and you. I know you keep in touch with him, it’s important.
How’s that wee man? Growing fast! Hi! to Jamie.
Us 🙂
He’s growing too fast! Will be off to school in Sept next year. The time is flying! I was looking at Ushuaia on YouTube yesterday (learning a lot through following your travels!). Will see Dad in March when we’ll finally make it to NZ. Will be a great trip. Looking forward to introducing River to proper Kiwi Fish n Chips and a good mince pie!
Great for all, you are going in March..:)
Hi you two, I am a bit concerned that you might fall off the bottom of the world, make sure you hold on to the handrails.
Hi Ash, it’s going to be difficult, specially when it starts sliding…:)
Stay safe on that pushbike! No running into old ladies…:)