We also have a chance to see how people live in this difficult environment. This afternoon there is an outdoor barbecue on the shore of Yendegaia Bay. Tonight we continue on to Ushuaia. Our port of call today is Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Originally built and operated by convicts, the train was used to harvest trees from the extensive sub-Antarctic forest.
Many people are surprised to discover forests of large trees so close to the Antarctic Circle.
However, the climate here is much milder than the same latitude in the north. These woodlands are composed primarily of trees, in the genus Notaphagus, called Southern Beech though they resemble oak trees in their outward appearance. Their rugged bark, dark-green leaves, and moss and lichen coats create a mysterious and exotic atmosphere in this far corner of the world. The forest attracts numerous bird species including the Magellanic Woodpecker, a large relative of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, and the world's most southerly parrot, the Austral Parakeet. Well-kept trails allow easy exploration of this beautiful forest.