Tuesday, 14 February 2012

February 14, 2012


The seas were calm this morning as we sailed into the Gulf of Ancud to Peurto Montt.  We watched the ship approach the harbor as we walked around the track for 35 minutes. The city was established by German immigrants from Bavaria in 1843. The German influence is still apparent in the area. We got our tour sticker around 9. Since the ship was anchored in the harbor, we waited to get into a life boat to be taken to the dock where we went through Chilean Customs then proceeded to our bus. The tour drove 80 minutes from Peurto Montt to Petrohue Rapids where we viewed the rapids and took a 20 minute hike along the Rio Petrohue’s forest paths. At the rapids there were stalls of goods for sale.  I found a lovely alpaca cardigan for $24US. Along the way, we had photo opportunities for views of the inactive Osorna Volcano and snow- capped  Calbuco Volcano.  Then we retraced our route and stopped at a German restaurant for lunch which started with a glass of the Chilean aperitif, Pisco Sour.  We were first introduced to this drink at lunch in Vino del Mar. There were Chilean country dancers to entertain us during lunch.  We returned to Peurto Vargas, for an hour of shopping and exploring the city.  We found a supermarket where they sold beer and wine one side of an aisle. They even had English speaking clerks near the entrance who advised you they would help you if needed.  There was another artisan market to browse while listening to Chilean music. We were tendered back to the ship by 5:30, in time to get ready for dinner and dancing.  Wednesday we will be cruising the fjords.



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