12/24/16
After breakfast we were on our way to a Fitzroy Island estancia (sheep ranch) owned and operated by the Fernandez family. Apparently Mr. Fernandez emigrated from Scotland to Fitzroy Island and started to work as a mail carrier on a bicycle with dreams of owning and operating a fleet of buses to encourage travelers to visit the area. He saved and saved and even sacrificed his honeymoon expense (don't worry, his wife agreed) so they could use that money to buy 3 more buses. Today he owns over 60 buses, including the one that has been transporting us for many days.Paula, one of the daughters, took us to the barn and stable - which was packed with so much stuff I was surprised anyone could move inside. After watching a sheep dipping outside, we came inside to watch a shearing with just scissors not the electric clippers. When we finished all the demonstrations it was time for a BBQ of roasted lamb and assorted vegetables - fantastic lunch!
The barn/stable...talk about hoarding...
Sheep dipping...https://youtu.be/nFb1LnzXUpQ
Sheep shearing...
Sheep shearing with hand-held clippers
the old-fashioned way.
Keeping the fresh lamb nice and hot while being served.
Lunchtime entertainment...https://youtu.be/Z0LRJwsmEDg
Paula made sure that we met Sheena - previously a domesticated pet puma when she and the girls were young - but lacking in house training and now housed outside in a spacious cage. Sheena is the only puma on the island and is kept safe from predators who could take advantage of her inability to survive in the wild.
We also spotted a rhea dad with his children on our way to the estancia...
Our final stop was Punta Arenas, a bustling port of about 133,000 people overlooking the Strait of Magellan, founded in 1848 by Chilean pioneers and capital of the Magellanic and Chilean Antarctica Region. We headed to the pier to board the Expedition Cruise Ship, M/V Stella Australis. Our ship holds approximately 180 passengers from 30 countries - TRULY AMAZING!
At 8 PM, just before our Christmas Eve welcome dinner, our ship departed for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth as we crossed the strait of Magellan and entered the labyrinth of channels that define the extreme southern tip of Patagonia. We are so excited to experience everything that awaits us - weather permitting!
What wonderful memores this brings back! When I was there, I had a wonderful view of the sheep shearing. It was fascinating -- so much so that I forgot about taking pictures!
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