Our last stop is the Cousino Palace, a private mansion completed in the early nineteenth century. Early afternoon our journey south continues as we board our flight to Punta Arenas, located on the Straits of Magellan. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, these historic straits were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan during his epic voyage of 1519-1524. As we sleep tonight, the ship sails to a world beyond our dreams. Rising from crystal-clear waters, the snowcapped peaks of rugged mountains surround us, rocky islets dot the calm water and dense green forest mantles the mountain slopes.
Temperatures are mild and daylight lingers.
This morning we disembark on our first wildlife excursion to explore the Marinelli Glacier. We also observe some of the area's impressive mammals, including elephant seals, fur seals and sea lions. We return to the ship and sail forth to the mighty Brooks Glacier. For over 50,000 years glaciers have surged back and forth across Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. We are witness to the tail end of the Ice Age resulting in receding glaciers whose beauty and power hold us spellbound.