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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictResenär
    Cambourne; Morrisons supermarket and flight themed sculpture
    Cambourne; The Monkfield Arms / Cambourne ChurchCambourne Nature Reserve; Great Cambourne / Lower CambourneCambourne Nature Reserve; Lake EwartLower Cambourne; Whomping Willow Lake (for Harry Potter fans)Bourn MillEltisleyEltisley, Church of St Pandionia and St John the Baptist; Lychgate / ChurchCaxton; Church of St AndrewCaxton Gibbet

    Cambourne and neighbouring villages

    20 mars 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Cambourne is the largest town within the South Cambridgeshire district, comprising the villages of Lower, Great, Upper, and West Cambourne.  It is a new town, and construction began in June 1998 on what was previously the land of Monkfield Farm, with Upper Cambourne completed in 2016. In January 2017, outline planning consent was granted for a further 2,350 homes to the west of Lower Cambourne.  The name of the community was created from the names of Cambridge, the nearest city, and Bourn, a nearby village; the local area is interesting, with some good walks - this post is a compilation from two of them.

    We start off from Cambourne, up to the local nature reserve and pass by couple of small lakes (see picture captions) enroute towards Bourn, but not into the village itself; we visit the local landmark that is Bourn Mill, which dates from 1636 and has been recently restored (thanks to the Cambridge Past, Present and Future organisation).  Another nearby village is Eltisley, which has a large village green and an interesting church with a lychgate (a covered gateway found at the entrance to a traditional English or English-style churchyard).  We then walk to Cambourne via the village of Caxton; note that Caxton Gibbet (now a replica of the original) is a long way outside of Caxton itself, on small knoll on Ermine Street (now the A1198) - the original was reputed to be a gruesome example of the cage variation of the gibbet, into which live victims were allegedly placed until they died from starvation, dehydration or exposure!

    It has been an interesting couple of walks, and there is more to the Cambourne area than I originally thought.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkResenär
    1Blickling Hall; Front of Hall / View from Parterre Garden
    The Great HallThe Brown Drawing Room; general view / the ceilingThe Dining RoomThe West Turret Bedroom / The South Drawing RoomThe top of the stairs of The Great HallThe Long Gallery (now the library) / The State BedroomBlickling Estate Walk; views over the lakeBlickling Estate Walk; The Mausoleum / The TowerBlickling Estate Walk; View of Blickling Hall / Church of St Andrew

    Blickling Hall, Gardens, and Estate

    27 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    After a visit to Cromer yesterday, as part of a circular walk from the hotel, we are now on our way home and visit Blickling Hall en-route (this is also a National Trust property).

    Blickling Hall is a Jacobean stately home built on the ruins of a Tudor house; this is believed to have been the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, one of the future six wives of King Henry VIII.  During the Second World War, RAF air crew were billeted here while its owner, Lord Lothian, influenced Winston Churchill’s actions; the Hall was the Officer's mess, whereas service men where in Nissen huts. Blickling Hall is very large and really beautiful, a jewel in the NT crown; we are able to walk round parts of the ground and first floors (see captions on photos) - the Long Gallery, now the library, has 12,500 books and is the largest book collection cared for by the NT.  

    We visit the Gardens - seeing the parterre garden, the Doric Temple and the Orangery - before setting off on an Estate Walk (excellent maps are provided by the NT).  We walk up past the lake behind Blickling Hall and across to the Great Wood, seeing The Mausoleum; this large pyramid was built in 1794 for John Hobart, the second Earl of Buckinghamshire.  Then it's across to The Tower; this was built in the 18th century as a grandstand for the steeplechase racecourse that occupied what is now Tower Park (now a grazing area).  Then it is through Plantation Wood and via Pond Meadow to Blickling to pass the Church of St Andrew on our way back to Blickling Hall. It has been another excellent walk; this is followed by a quick lunch and the journey back home to reality!    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsNorfolkResenär
    Felbrigg Hall
    The Great HallDrawing Room / Cabinet Room, showing pictures and exhibits from the European Grand TourLibrary; Secret cupboard with chamber pot / Servants library (the small cabinet!)Library; Celestial Globe (1799) and Terrestrial Globe (1814)Victorian slipper bath / Rose BedroomChinese Bedroom / KitchenWalled Garden; octagonal dovecoteWalled Garden / Felbrigg LakeFelbrigg Church; St Margaret's

    Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

    25 februari 2024, England ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    We're off to Cromer in Norfolk for a couple of nights and stop off at Felbrigg Hall en-route (to make full use of our National Trust Membership!).

    Felbrigg Hall is a 17th-century English country house noted for its Jacobean architecture and fine Georgian interior.  We visit the house interior (see captions on photos); it is very attractive and interesting.  We look round the Walled Garden (not the ideal time of year to do so, unfortunately) and then head off from the Hall on a circular walk via the Estate (seeing St Margaret's Church and Felbrigg Lake) and through the nearby villages of Metton and Sustead; it is 6.2 miles and a good walk.

    After that, it's off the Cromer Country Club, where I enjoy a swim, hot jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna before dinner!  A good day.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsHertfordshireResenär
    Ashwell; War Memorial / Church of St Mary
    Ashwell; Church of St Mary / Medieval graffiti showing St. Paul's before the Great Fire of LondonAshwell Church of St Mary; Resurrection Cross / Banner of Christ in MajestyAshwell; Museum /St John's Guildhall on the High Street / Ashwell BuryAshwell; former Fordham Brewery Maltings / former WatermillAshwell Springs; this is one of the sources for the River CamHinxworth; Church of St NicholasHinxworth Place; a medieval Manor House now owned by the sculptor John W MillsCaldecote; Church of St Mary MagdaleneNewnham Hill; view of Ashwell on the walk back

    Ashwell, Hinxworth, and Caldecote

    21 februari 2024, England ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    This walk was done with the Cambridge Rambling Club, taking in 3 villages off the beaten track on the border of Hertfordshire with Cambridgeshire.

    Ashwell is 4 miles north-east of Baldock; it is a pretty town that I explore over the lunch break, with some of the sites being seen on the walk back.  It is well preserved, with many listed and other buildings of note (see captions on photographs); these include a the 16th-century town house (now a local museum) and the Maltings (now converted into flats).  Ashwell Bury, a large Victorian house, was remodelled by Edwin Lutyens in the 1920s; Lutyens also designed the Grade 2 listed Ashwell War Memorial, unveiled in 1922.  

    The village is noted for Ashwell Springs, a site of Special Scientific Interest; the site consists of a series of freshwater springs, which form the start of the river Rhee, one of the main sources of the River Cam.
    The Cam flows through the centre of Cambridge, then to Ely, where it joins the Great Ouse and eventually reaches the Wash 65 miles away.

    We leave Ashwell via the Church and follow footpaths, including part of the 12th century Ridgeway, to Hinxworth; we stop at the Church of St Nicholas and pass the home of John W Mills, a British Sculptor.  We continue on to Caldecote; this tiny village consists of a cluster of cottages around the redundant Church of St. Mary Magdalene, which dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is currently in the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches charity.  From here, we walk back to Ashwell via Newnham Hill; it has been an enjoyable 7.1 mile walk (although the conditions were rather muddy).    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesResenär
    The Gate House; main entrance along King's Parade
    King's College Chapel viewed from King's ParadeFront Court; Gibb's Building / Wilkins BuildingFront Court; the fountain, with a statue of King Henry VI above figures of Religion and LearningKings College Chapel; interior, showing rood screen, organ, and fan vaultKing's College Chapel; Great East WindowKing's College Chapel; Rubens's Adoration of the Magi, behind the chapel altarKing's College Chapel; Losen's "The Madonna in the Rosary" on the altar within St. Edward's ChapelView from the bridge over the River Cam / Xu Zhimo memorial stoneClassic view of King's College Chapel and the Gibbs Building from the backs

    3; King's College

    17 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    The King's College of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas in Cambridge, known as simply King's College, was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI soon after he had founded its sister institution at Eton College.  King's College Chapel is regarded as one of the finest examples of late English Gothic architecture and has the world's largest fan vault ceiling, while its stained-glass windows and wooden chancel screen are considered some of the finest from their era; the building is an emblem of Cambridge.

    We enter via the Gate House along King's Parade and face the magnificent Front Court with the Chapel on our right, Gibb's Building (used for teaching, study and admin) straight ahead and the Wilkin's Building (used for dining) on our left; in the centre of the Front Court is the Fountain with a statue of Henry VI, the "boy-king", on it - he was born in 1421, the only child of Henry V, and succeeded to the English throne at the age of nine months upon his father's death!  We enter the chapel and see the dark screen from the ante-chapel area, before passing through this to the magnificent choir area with its many stalls; ahead of us is the Great East Window and the Rubens painting "The Adoration of the Magi", a gift to King's College in 1961.  We visit the Chapel of All Souls and St Edward's Chapel before passing an exhibition housed in various side chapels.  

    We exit the chapel and walk around the Back Lawn to the bridge over the River Cam; just after this is the Xu Zhimo memorial stone and Chinese Garden built in his memory. He was a student here in 1922 and his poem “Second Farewell to Cambridge” has become emblematic of modernist Chinese poetry - it has been learnt by millions of schoolchildren in China. Chinese tourists have flocked to Cambridge ever since in search of the scenes that so inspired him. 

    We exit via the backs; what a day!    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesResenär
    The Great Gate
    The Great Court; left to right, is the Clock Tower, the Chapel, the Fountain, and the Great GateThe Clock Tower, entrance to the ChapelStatues in the ante-chamberSir Isaac Newton, Lord Tennyson, Francis BaconTrinity ChapelTrinity Chapel; stained glass windowNewton's Apple Tree, situated outside near to the Porter's lodge

    2; Trinity College

    17 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Trinity College was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, by merging the existing colleges of Michaelhouse and King’s Hall; Michaelhouse had existed since 1324, whereas King’s Hall had been established by Edward II in 1317 and re-founded by Edward III in 1337.  Trinity is one of the largest Cambridge colleges, with the largest financial endowment of any college at either Cambridge or Oxford.

    We enter via The Great Gate, the main entrance to the college; a statue of the college founder, Henry VIII, stands in a niche above the doorway.  We cross the Great Court, and from the far side, we have a great overview of the Clock Tower, Trinity Chapel, the Fountain, and the rear of The Great Gate.  We enter the chapel via the clock tower and see the fine statues of notable Trinity College alumni in the ante-chapel; the chapel itself is magnificent with a fine organ and stained glass windows.

    From here, we leave to visit King's College.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridge University CollegesResenär
    The Great Gate
    View back to The Great Gate / View down to the tower of the Second CourtThe Chapel of St John's CollegeOn the Bridge of Sighs; view to Wren Bridge / the other side1On the Bridge of SighsOn Wren Bridge; view of The Bridge of SighsOn Wren BridgeView acoss St John's Meadow to The New Court

    1; St John's College

    17 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We are out with our daughter Sarah today; as an employee of one of the Colleges, we can visit them with her - even if they are not open for visitors.  First of all, we visit St John's College; St John’s is one of 31 colleges at the University of Cambridge and was founded in 1511 - it is one of the largest colleges here.  Although self-governing, colleges are all part of the university.  

    St John's entrance is via the Great Gate (1516) and features a carving of the coat of arms of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort, supported by mythical beasts called yales; above is a statue of St. John the Evangelist and at his feet is an eagle, the traditional symbol of the Saint. From here we cross the First Court and visit St John's Chapel before crossing the Second Court to have a quick lunch at the College cafe; from here we cross the Third Court and pass over the Bridge of Sighs.  Named for the famous Venice landmark, this 1831 covered arch bridge connects College buildings on the other side of the River Cam, on the Backs; the bridge is a famous Cambridge landmark, usually only visible from a punt.  We see The New Court at St. John’s College,  a significant building built in response to increased demand for housing inside the college during the 1820s; it has a Gothic Revival design.

    From here, we leave St John's on our way to visit Trinity College, the next college along.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; Cambridge CityResenär
    Cambridge University Library
    Spitting Image; Margaret ThatcherSpitting Image; John Major / Jacob Rees-Mogg / Tony BlairSpitting Image; Mikhail GorbachevSpitting Image; Prince Charles / Princess DianaSpitting Image; The Queen MotherSpitting Image; Sting / Gary LinekerSidgwick Site; Sculpture / DAZE IV, a human form by Sir Anthony GormleyRidley Hall

    University Library; Spitting Image

    17 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Cambridge University Library is the main research library of the University of Cambridge and the largest of over 100 libraries within the university; the current building opened in 1934. The main University Library hosts exhibitions in its purpose-built Milstein Exhibition Centre; this is the reason for our visit, as there is an exhibition relating to Spitting Image, a British satirical television puppet show, created by Peter Fluck, Roger Law and Martin Lambie-Nairn in 1984.  There is a Cambridge connection as Fluck and Law both attended the Cambridge School of Art; indeed, Robert Fluck used to live in Duxford, where I live.

    The series featured puppet caricatures of contemporary celebrities and public figures, including British Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major and the British royal family.  Some of these were on display together with original drawings, letters, and notes at the small exhibition.  It was excellent and brought back many memories of the program.

    From there we walked across the University's Sidgwick site (home to several of the university's arts and humanities faculties, and where there are a couple of interesting statues and carvings) and past Ridley Hall (a theological college that trains men and women intending to take Holy Orders as deacon or priest of the Church of England - it is not a constituent college of the University of Cambridge, but the school does have ties with the university's Faculty of Divinity).    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsImperial War Museum DuxfordResenär
    Overview of the aeroplanes used
    Lockheed 12A Electra JuniorSpitfire PR Mk XIAnother Spitfire PR Mk XISpitfire FR Mk XIVESpitfire PRMk IG replica; it was painted pink for camouflage at sunrise and sunsetExamples of spy cameras on the Spitfires (with mirrors to reflect cameras underneath)Westland Lysander Mk IIIA

    Spies in the Skies

    15 februari 2024, England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    During the Second World War, Aerial Reconnaissance Units special squadrons - such as the Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) - were tasked with flying behind enemy lines to gather intelligence from the air, operating far behind enemy lines in specialised aircraft modified to carry high performance cameras.

    The Lockheed 12A Electra Junior G-AFTL was a civilian aircraft adapted for use as a reconnaissance in 1939; the Spitfire was continuously modified during the war for this purpose and a Westland Lysander V9312 served as a reconnaissance aircraft with 225 squadron, flying over 30 sorties in 1940-41.

    These were all on display at an interesting and informative exhibition in the AirSpace super hangar.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    The Nautical School of Manuel Belgrano
    Entrance to the restaurant areaViews both sides of the riverMuseum ship; The UruguayPuente de la MujerViews from Puente de la MujerBack of the Casa Rosada Presidential PalaceCelta bar / Plaza Asturias restaurant

    Buenos Aires; River Plate walk

    11 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    From Retiro, I walk to the River Plate, or as close as I can get to it, and follow the path. There are some great views, and an upmarket restaurant area along the sourh side; Puerto Madero is on the other side. I see a museum ship, The Uruguay, and the reach Puente de la Mujer and the Sarmiento Frigate (both seen from afar yesterday, from further up the river). I soon reach the area where the Casa Rosada is located and head back to the hostel.

    Combined with Avenida Florida, it has been a lovely circular walk (in the heat, unfortunately).

    Later on, we go out for beers at our favourite bar and a meal at a restaurant we have been to before - creatures of habit......

    It has been a fantastic trip to South America.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Avenida Florida
    Galleria Guemes, Avenida FloridaAvenida FloridaGalerias Pacifico, Avenida FloridaGalerias Pacifico, Avenida FloridaGaleria del Caminante, Avenida FloridaRetiro; Plaza San MartinTorre Monumentale; View from Plaza San Martin/ View from top to Plaza San MartinTorre Monumentale; View East / View NorthOther views in Retiro; Kavenagh Building / Totem Pole

    Buenos Aires; Avenida Florida to Retiro

    11 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We are able to collect our luggage from the truck and are back by 10;30am; slightly stressful waiting for the timing, but a happy ending. It is the end of the trip with Oasis now....

    Ant and I do our own thing today for shopping reasons. I go out to Avenida Florida; down by the Casa Rosada, it is a pedestrian walkway lined with shops and posh malls (galerias). It's worth visiting in its own right, as there are some interesting sites.

    Avenida Florida ends at the Plaza San Martin in Retiro barrio, and I walk through this to reach the Torre Monumentale; it is possible to go up this and enjoy some lovely views, which I did. Retiro is where the main bus and train stations are located for Buenos Aires.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace
    President Javier Milei on the screenNational CongressCrowds around the National CongressPalacio BaroloThe lobby represents HellView down the stairs / Andrew and DanteOutside view, from 17th floor, with lighthouse at the top / The building's outside coloursHeavenly view of the National Congress from the top, representing Paradise

    Buenos Aires; Avenida de Mayo

    10 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    It is Presidential Inauguration Day and we arrive at Plaza de Mayo on Avenida de Mayo and the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace; the crowds are watching screens showing what is going on at the National Congress (at the other end of Avenida de Mayo) - it is the inauguration of President Javier Milei.

    We walk up to the National Congress, it's heaving with people en route and there; we manage to sit outside at a bar and watch the thousands of people with their Argentina flags, shirts, etc. It is an interesting experience for us both; lots of loud music and celebrations. Eventually, the crowds go down to the Plaza de Mayo and the Presidential Palace; there is breathing space, and we can cross the road to go back to the hostel for RnR.

    After dinner, we go on a guided tour of the Palacio Barolo, also on the Avenida de Mayo. The construction of this 22 storey building in 1923 was inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, a three part epic poem in 22 stanzas describing Dante's journey through the Divine realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise; the lobby represents Hell, the 4 - 14th floors represent Purgatory, and the balconies on the 20th floor represent Paradise - there is also a lighthouse two storeys up via a narrow staircase, which we visited. It was a really interesting visit; I must read the poem sometime......    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Over the river to Puerto Madero
    Fuente de las NereidasView of Puerto Madero from the Ecological ParkThe lagoonOver the bridge back to the other side of the riverSarmiento FrigatePuente de la Mujer

    Buenos Aires; Puerto Madero

    10 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    From San Telmo, we cross the River Plate and walk across to Puerto Madero; this is a revamped dockside area with fancy accommodation in new skyscrapers.

    We cross to the Ecological Park and walk along the edge of a lagoon with great views of this well developed barrio. Crossing back via another bridge adorned with large cranes, we see the Sarmiento Frigate and the Woman's Bridge (Puente de la Mujer) before walking back to the Plaza de Mayo - and the Inauguration crowds and celebrationsLäs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    The Obelisk by night

    Buenos Aires; Porteno Tango Evening

    9 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Tango Porteno is on every evening and located close to the Teatro Colon and Obelisk.

    This was 42 USD well spent! It was a fantastic evening with a 3 course dinner (empanades, steak, dessert) and all the red wine you could drink; oh, and some wonderful dancing and music as well!

    Hopefully, the pictures can do the event some credit.....    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Art deco buildings en route
    El Ateneo; formerly a theatre, now a book storeIglesia del Pilar at Recoleta cemeteryRecoleta cemetery1Recoleta cemeteryMausoleum of Eva Peron, née DuarteFaculty of Law / The Bridge leading to itFlorales GeneralisTeatro Colon1The Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio at its junction with Avenida Corrientes

    Buenos Aires; Recoleta

    9 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today, we walk to and explore the barrio of Recoleta in the north part of Buenos Aires; it is a lovely area and well known for the Recoleta Cemetery and its majestic mausoleums (see picture captions for information and our route there and back to the centre).

    Afterwards, we stop off for a well-deserved beer or two and chill out during the afternoon; tonight, it is the Tango show at Porteno, close to the Obelisk....    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Boca Juniors FCCaminitoTango dancersThe far end of La Boca

    Buenos Aires; La Boca

    8 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    The neighbourhood (barrio) of La Boca is one of the most colourful and popular areas to visit in Buenos Aires because it has the Caminito, a recently developed area which has been brought to life by a local artist. La Boca is mostly known, however, for being home to the Boca Juniors, one of the two largest football teams in Argentina.

    Our walk brings us the football stadium first and then on to Caminito, where we "see the sites" before reaching the river. It is an incredible place to visit.

    Then it is the long walk back to the hostel and some RnR before dinner.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Milhouse Hostel
    National Congress is at one end of Avenida de MayoPalacio Barolo / Eva Peron is on the side of a building on Lima StreetCabildo Museum / Metropolitan CathedralPlaza de MayoPlaza de Mayo; Casa Rosada Presidential Palace at the other end of Avenida de MayoMinistry of Defence area (Puerto Madero barrio)San TelmoStreet art / The smallest house in Buenos AiresLazema Park

    Buenos Aires; Monserrat to La Boca

    8 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We're staying at the Milhouse Hostel, and it is rather nice, as well as being central (G-Adventures are staying here). Monserrat is the barrio that is effectively the centre of the city.

    We walk along Avenida de Mayo from one end to the other and see many interesting buildings along it (see picture captions) before heading off to La Boca via San Telmo.

    We walk through the barrio of San Telmo; it is the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires and has many interesting buildings; it is well known for its Sunday market (see separate post). We walk via Lazema Park to reach La Boca.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Our bus
    Scrubland en route north from Puerto MadrynResto lo de Jose; the interesting wall decoration5 am at Bahia Blanca bus stationRural scenery in Buenos Aires provinceRural scenery in Buenos Aires provinceViews; approaching Las Flores / scenery back to normalBeersAnd a meal..... far too much

    En route to Buenos Aires

    7–8 dec. 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    The El Condor bus leaves on time, and we have big single seats at the back of the top of the bus (downstairs is premium). It is National Route 3 for most of the way.

    It's scrubland again as we head north and to Rio Negro province; here, armed police check our passports. A little later, just as we have eaten our rolls, the bus stops at a small town, at Resto lo de Jose for food!

    It's a long night, and we are all herded off the bus at 4:30 am at Bahia Blanca bus station while the bus goes somewhere; to refuel and/or change crew. We are in Buenos Aires province now, heading north east, and the scenery is more rural. It is very misty and foggy at 6 am, but this clears as the sun rises. From 7am onwards, it is like driving in the English countryside in Springtime - trees, cows, and fields. Similar scenery continues up to Azul and beyond, but it starts to get a bit waterlogged and marshy as we head towards Las Flores and beyond. Work is happening on parts of Route 3, which means diversions onto other roads - and a later arrival in BA?

    Small towns and factories appear as we reach the outskirts of the capital of Argentina. Not surprisingly, there is lots of traffic as we get over the ring road and approach the first bus station the bus stops at (not ours). It's a big city, and it takes us ages to get to our destination, the third bus station in the Retiro district of the city centre, due to heavy traffic; then we set off to find our hostel for the next 5 nights!

    We find it and go out for beers and a meal... The restaurant is empty because it is early, but the food is excellent (recommended by the hostel).    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Puerto Madryn; view as we enter / the pier
    Along the promenade in Puerto MadrynPuerto Madryn bus station, formerly railway stationPuerto Piramides; Village symbol / Bottazzi Whale Watching OfficePuerto Piramides; The "water circuit" part of the village tourWhale watching; Off we go...My best efforts of the mother and baby whales...Official trip photo1Official trip photoOfficial trip photo

    Puerto Madryn; town and whale watching

    6 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Our walk round Puerto Madryn yesterday afternoon shows it to be a large town with a beach, pier, promenade, and all the trimmings. It is very pleasant.

    We've booked onto a Bottazzi whale watching tour for 10 am; all tours depart from Puerto Piramides on Peninsula Valdes, which means the 6:30 am bus! It is a 1.5 hours, 100 km journey into the National Park to get there. Puerto Piramides is a village and interesting; we enjoy something to eat and coffee before the trip. It is the end of the whale watching season, and the sea's a little rough, but we are hopeful... Other options on Peninsula Valdes include visiting a penguin colony, swimming with seals, seeing sea lions: maybe next time.....

    We saw a couple of seals and watched a whale or two briefly on the trip; it had to finish slightly earlier than expected due to the wind and the small port closing, calling the boat back. It's hard to get good pictures on a moving boat, so we purchase the trip image pack from the official photographer (sent by email). It's been a great experience, and we're glad we did it.

    Back in Puerto Madryn before 3 pm, we do some food shopping and chill out in the eating area of our hostel from last night (La Tosca). Then it's off to catch the 6:35 pm overnight bus to Buenos Aires.....    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Dinner on Sunday evening at Freddy's Restaurant; Centolla a la Cantina
    On the bus to Rio GallegosTypical views en route from Austral Broom to Rio GallegosOn the bus to Caleta OliviaHeading north from Rio GallegosSunset over the steppe as we head westOur bus from Rio Gallegos / Dawn in Caleta OliviaAlong the coast from Caleta Olivia/ Into Chubut provinceScrubland all the way to Puerto MadrynDinner on Tuesday evening; Abadejo en papillote

    En route to Puerto Madryn

    5–6 dec. 2023, Argentina ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    We're going rogue and leaving the Oasis truck for a few days; why? The truck leaves Monday morning at 8am and has 3 nights bush camps, 2 nights camp site, and then 1 more bush camp to reach Buenos Aires next Sunday. By going independently on overnight buses, we can visit Puerto Madryn (the only place worth a visit on the long stretch between Ushuaia and BA, due to whale watching and exploring the Valdes peninsula) and then get to BA a couple of days earlier to do some sightseeing. Most people are flying between the two - only 5 are left on the truck journey to BA (the young girls, the old girls, and Nick)!

    After a nice meal at La Cantina Fueguina de Freddy last night, we set off a few hours later on our first bus at 3 am on Monday morning; the route we travel is from Ushuaia to Rio Gallegos, change bus for Caleta Olivia, then change again for Puerto Madryn due to srrive at 13:20 on Tuesday!

    Ftom Ushuaia, it's the same journey down here in reverse as far as the Austral Broom ferry crossing point over the Magellan Strait into Santa Cruz province, then it's northeast to Rio Gallegos; it's steppe and pampas to, and after the border crossing back into Argentina. We arrive in Rio Gallegos before 3 pm and do some shopping at the Carrefour next door for food, and chill out at the bus station, waiting for the 6 pm departure to Caleta Olivia. Ant does an excellent job of organising tickets for the Puerto Madryn to BA bus and hostel accommodation in the former.

    The flat steppe landscape continues as we head north through SantaCruz province; this is how it is for most of the journey. We're upstairs, and the screens show a bad movie and some episodes of "Heart of Stone" with poor sound (help!). There is a beautiful sunset as we drive west from Puerta Santa Cruz; then it's dark both outside and inside the bus, lights out. We arrive in Caleta Olivia at 4:30 am, and it is soon dawn - it's been a long day!

    We drive along the coast, but it gets more hilly for a while as we enter Chubut province, but then it's flat scrubland again, pretty much all the way. There were a couple of stops close to Puerto Madryn, where we arrived at 1:30 pm. Then it's to the hostel and out to investigate whale watching tours for tomorrow. It's all sorted, so it's time to eat and drink at Nautico Bistro de Mer Fish Restaurant; I had Abadejo en papillote (a fish stew served in silver foil).

    If you've got this far you'll realise we've spent almost 36 hours travelling! Shades of 1978 when Anthony and I travelled in North America together (45 years ago)!    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Ushuaia
    Imperial CormorantsUshuaia lighthouseUshuaia lighthouseCormorants / South American Sea LionsSouth American Sea LionsSouth American Sea LionsMagellanic penguins

    The Beagle Channel

    3 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    We are on the Eduardo B catamaran long tour (6 hours) of the Beagle Channel from the port area of Ushuaia and hope to find penguins!

    Our first "stop" is to see Imperial Cormorants on a small island. A little later, it's the famous Ushuaia lighthouse; on the small islands nearby are Rock and Imperial Cormorants - and South American Sea Lions! Then, it is a 1.5 hour journey eastwards along the Beagle Channel to visit a penguin colony on a small island (Isla Martillo) close to Harberton.... En route, we pass Puerta Williams on our right (south), which is in Chile; the Beagle Channel is a border between Argentina and Chile. At one point, we pass through the narrowest part of the Beagle Channel (1 km wide), where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet.

    Then, we find penguins! They are only found in the southern hemisphere, and seeing them in real life, in their natural habitat, was a wonderful experience.

    We are back in Ushuaia at 3 pm and have a walk round again before stopping off for beers and, later, something to eat; it's an early start tomorrow.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Map of the accessible area of the National Park
    The Beagle ChannelPost Office at the end of the worldCoastal viewFungal growths / The footpathViews of Bahia LapatnaViews of Bahia LapatnaThe Ushuaia Dublin Irish pub

    Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

    2 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    From the train stop, we walk down to the coastal path, where the Post Office at the End of the World is situated; many people send post cards from here, all over the world.

    Once again, there are beautiful views as we walk the 7km coastal path trail, up and down, to access the road and walk back. We are lucky with the weather and get back to the station in good time for the return journey at 4 pm - which is in the rain! Back in Ushuaia, the weather is good, and we stop for a beer - why not? We hook up with the youngsters at the Dublin Irish pub.......... It's been a great day out!

    Then it's back for eggs and toast (with red wine) at the hostel.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Main station
    The trains usedViews en routeMacarena stationViews en route (Rio Pipo)The end of the road

    El Tren del Fin del Mundo

    2 december 2023, Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Ushuaia was originally founded as a prison town, with staff in the town and convicts in a prison outside of town; convicts were used to construct the railway from town to the prison. When the prison was closed, the railway went into disrepair, but it was repurposed as a major tourist attraction in 1994 - The Train to the End of the World.

    There are 3 trains per day and we are on the 9:30am departure. The station is really interesting and the trains are authentic. It is very slow, and there are beautiful views, with one stop en route (Macarena). At the end of the line, one hour later, we get off to have a walk in the National Park.    Läs mer

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  • Andrew's TravelsPatagonia AdventuresResenär
    Views en route to cross the Magellan Strait
    Austral Broom ferry crossing pointBoarding the ferrySalt flat on Tierra del FuegoThe windy campsiteSkirting the South Pacific Ocean in Argentine Tierra del FuegoThe Valley Road to UshuaiaThe Valley Road to UshuaiaArrival in Ushuaia

    En route to Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego

    1–2 dec. 2023, Chile ⋅ 🌬 9 °C

    We set off after 8 a.m., only 15 people on the truck now as 5 have diverted to Antarctica for 10 days, and others have left to ensure more time in Ushuaia to catch flights. Sun shining at times as we head south on the Ruta del Fin del Mundo ( "Route to the end of the World") towards Tierra del Fuego ("Land of Fire").

    There is steppe on both sides of the road for most of the journey, but as we bypass Punta Arenas, we see the inlet that is connected to the South Pacific Ocean. There is a short ferry crossing at Austral Broom across the Magellan Strait to reach the Chilean part of the province of the island of Tierra del Fuego; a lot of traffic, and we had to wait an hour to board a ferry.

    It is mainly scrubland as we enter Tierra del Fuego, but there is the occasional salt flat here. We have a quick and late (2:45 pm) lunch stop at the small town of Cerro Sombrero before continuing south. We stop off at a small refugio near the coast for our wild/bush camp. It is very windy as we set up camp and prepare food (pasta). It was an early night, but not much sleep due to wind (outside) and cold. On our way before 7:30 to the border crossing at San Sebastian into Argentine Tierra del Fuego. More scrubland as we head south to Ushuaia, skirting the edge of the South Pacific Ocean, where there is the occasional settlement, before cutting across to Ushuaia - hills, trees and mountains in the background. There are valleys and more mountain views as we take the pass to Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world.    Läs mer

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