Stella Australis

This morning was sad and exciting. It was our last day on the Stella Australis but we were going to Magdalena Island before the adventure ended. The early morning excursion started before breakfast. Daylight was just breaking. Everyone gathered on the decks and waited for the zodiacs to be readied. It was quiet as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting and anticipating. Once on the island the trail took us from the dock to the light house. Along the way are hundreds of penguins. It was a highlight of my trip. Being on the island and watching the sun rise, the quiet of the morning, reflecting on the last few days, anticipating the next. We docked in Punta Arenas and were taken to our hotel, Hotel Rey Don Felipe. Plaza Munoz Gamero is only a few blocks away from the hotel. A monument of Ferdinand Magellan and Patagonian Indians stands in the plaza. Local legend believes that if you rub the toe of the Indian you will return to Punta Arenas. We took the time to rub the foot. After purchasing some items from the vendors in the square we set out for some lunch and a walk around town. We lunched at La Luna; the king crab casserole was delish. Again, we sampled some Patagonia beer.