Ashore in Punta Arenas - A Very Nice Visit

    Today was a full day in the city that will be the last of the stops in Chile. It also was probably the best weather day of the trip so far. As you will see in the photos, it was sunny and warm(?) the entire day. We had selected as a tour a trek up a ski hill

Ski Hill Walk

(1000 meters). We thought that it would be a good chance to see the entire area and it was. After a short bus ride, we were taken to the ski club and then up the ski lift to the top. From there we walked down the 2.2 kilometers back to the bottom of the lift. It has rained the night before and the trail was very muddy in places but we were able to see the different types of trees that grow in this area. We also passed some old ventilation shafts from the coal mines that were in the area. The walk ended with a cup of hot chocolate and a dessert.

      We were dropped in town not far from the tenders and from there we were able to explore the city of 140,000. The central square had was filled with the local craft sellers, all selling the same woven good and souvenirs. We had been told that the main cemetery was a real place to

Overlooking The Town

visit. We walked for awhile as we saw a cross at the top of a hill. When we got there the views of the city in the sunshine was worth the effort. Problem was it was not the cemetery. After asking directions we headed back down the hill. After following another road for blocks we asked directions again just to be sure. We found that we were headed in the opposite direction. So the third time we started out, we finally got to the place we were looking for.

   

Cemetery

Cemetery Trees

Interesting Flowers

  It was an extremely interesting place. All the tombs were above ground and reminded us of what you would see in New Orleans. Some of the crypts were well maintained, others were in disrepair. The photo might do justice. From there we trekked back to town and back to the ship, about 7 hours after we started out the day.

    The show this evening was called “The British Invasion” and featured the music of the Beatles, Queen, some Who and the Rolling Stones. Diner saw us still at the table after 2 hours, a regular occurrence. Again we all agreed that the food has been excellent this cruise. We also attended a demonstration put on by the world champion Tango couple. They certainly did not teach us those moves in the class. All in all a very good day!

The posted photos shows the ski hill walk as well as the cemetery!