The Search of the Penguins pt.1

  Ancud, Chile
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

There's something about Chile that you cant help but love.  For one the architecture is worlds apart from anywhere else in Latin America. 

Farm House

There are actually houses made out of wood.  Yes thats right I said wood.  If you can believe it.  In every other country all the buildings are made of reinforced earthquake resistant concrete. But since Chile sees few earthquakes there are a lot of old buildings and farm houses still standing.  Also most people heat their homes with wood stoves, so there is that perfect sell of burning wood in the crisp morning air.

Ancud is a small town on the Northern Coast of the Island. 

Could it get any greener?

The Island itself is small enough with a population of only 150,000 with agriculture being the primary source of income of its inhabitants.

One thing is for sure,  My timing for South South America was way off.  I was hoping to make it down here before the Penguin nesting season was over, but I missed it by a month.  Not only that but there winter is our summer so the temperature was starting to drop.  I knew that the Penguin season was over, but I still had hope that there might still be some in the area.  Plus a bet the girl I met a few days ago that I would see them and I did but in

What is that?

Argentina.  I was determined to see them, plus I wanted to prove her wrong because she said they were all gone.  I know it was to late, but I went to the nesting spot anyways to see for myself.  Sure enough they were all gone.  All but 2 penguins that don't know enough to leave with the others. 

Birds

But even then I didnīt see them.  I guess they were hiding somewhere or dead.  Even though I didnīt see any Penguins I still that an amazing day with a Frenchman I met at the hostel.  The nesting beach is on the North-western part of the Island on the Pacific ocean.  The beach itself was stunning enough, with or without the penguins.  So with no penguins, we spent the days exploring the surrounding area, walking on the beach and up and down the valley roads.  The landscape here is world class with brilliantly green mountains and beautiful old farm houses. So ya , no penguins. maybe next time. maybe next time......

Ancud 01

Ancud 02

Fly

Look, Look!

Nino

I dont think it can

Ocean

Ocean Beach 2