As you know, we have had perfect weather, just a fine mist of rain one single day; today we left Puerto Varas under gray, overcast skies. Passing through Puerto Montt, we headed toward Chiloe Island and stopped 5 minutes before the ferry to visit a very small school: 18 students in grades 1 through 6. Though it is summer vacation and also a Sunday, six students and several mothers were there to greet us with several sweet treats and folkloric dance performed in full costume by three pairs of children. The school is currently receiving support from the Grand Circle Foundation; Overseas Adventure Travel is affiliated with Grand Circle. Through our guide, we learned about the challenges and accomplishments of the school as we toured the facility. It was an excellent opportunity to meet local people.
The overcast sky had evolved into brilliant, clear blue--hooray! The final five minutes to the ferry went quickly and we were suddenly aboard and moving across the bay. The protected waters were smooth and the wind was calm. On Chiloe, after wandering around the plaza of a small town, we headed to the beach--our first ocean beach of the trip, with gentle waves lapping the shore in graceful lines, and fine, packed sand. We ate lunch right away--hake this time and quite tasty. Then a walk down the beach and back before boarding small open boats to seek the elusive penguin! Actually they are not elusive at all--we saw dozens of them! It was so exciting that we almost shrieked with delight! Also seen: a black vulture (!), flightless ducks, kelp geese (father, mother, immature female,) oystercatchers, different varieties of cormorant, one large sea lion and a slick, swift otter! Also lots and lots of seagulls, naturally. Oh, I almost forgot--to reach the boats, which were simply pushed onto the sand, we avoided stepping into the surf by riding tall, open 'wagons' from which we simply stepped aboard! Clever, very clever.
Do you recall that yesterday we shopped for smoked seaweed? Today we saw harvested seaweed drying on the beach--amazing to see, so unusual for us Nevadans! As we headed toward our hotel in Ancud, we stopped at several viewpoints; it's a beautiful island with miles of beach.
We have now had our evening meal: first course a huge mound of crabmeat, at least 3/4 cup--yum! Second course: salmon--moist and flavorful, with a sauce that included ham! Dessert--the best we've had on the trip: A cream puff with ice cream and dulce de leche and raspberries. We are sated now, resting as I write, soon to seek the Southern Cross in a night sky
We are privileged to be here, especially with another day of perfect weather.
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