Stella Australis

The first morning of the expedition cruise brought us to Cape Horn. It was expected that the waters would be rough, but overall it didn't seem as bad as expected. I was glad to hear that the captain would allow the excursion to Cape Horn. We were given instructions as to boarding and disembarking the zodiacs. Once on Cape Horn, there are 160 steps up the side of the cliff to the top. At the top there are wood trails to the lighthouse, church and gift shop. Yes, gift shop. The winds picked up, and it was beginning to rain. To get back to the ship, you have to descend the steps; those wooden, wet and slippery steps. Going to Cape Horn was such a thrill. Once back on the ship, we warmed up until the afternoon excursion. In the afternoon we disembarked at Wulaia Bay, once home to Yamana tribe. Our guides gave us history on the area and explained how Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitzroy explored the island. In the 1800's, missionaries returned with a goal to ''civilize'' the tribe to European ways. Instead the way of life for the indigenous people would be destroyed. As of 1947 it is said that there were only 43 Yamana Indians alive. At Wulaia Bay, there was an option of two hikes, one coastal and one up to a ridge with a panoramic view of the bay. The hikes were followed with drinks on the shore. It allowed us time to reflect on the day and the surroundings.