Punta Moreno

You guessed it, and another early start! Sometimes we forget we are meant to be holiday, breakfast at 615 and out on the dinghy again at 7. Today we are off for a walk on a lava field, but don't worry, this one is 20,000 years old so the lava has long since cooled down and it's now volcanic rock.

The lava field was quite interesting to see, lots of different patterns and formations in the rock from when the lava bubbled and flowed and eventually cooled and cracked. The first plants had now started to settled into the cracks and bloom. In a few areas sink holes had formed and smalls lakes were created which burst with life, like an mini, sulphurous oasis, except a little smellier. Again our luck was with us as we saw a Flamingo in one of these pools, feeding on the small shrimps that also call it home and because of these shrimps, it was very pink, not very camouflaged amongst the dark volcanic rock but then it has not predators here so it's not a problem.

After a quick change back on the boat and we're in the water again for snorkeling, the water was still a little choppy but that was the least of our problems here. This bay is fed from the depths, well below 4000m where the water comes up the currents making it extremely cold, even with our wet suits on. The cold was quickly forgotten when we spotted the first group of turtles feeding on the algae, they are so elegant under the water and look so well adapted to this environment. We also saw one of the flightless cormorants diving for fish and coming back to the surface to feed her youngling. Again, very quick under the water, using their huge feet to dart after the fish. That was about all we could manage before the cold got the better of us and we had to jump out. But again it was really amazing to see the every part of the this wonderland teeming with life.

After lunch the wind got up again and we had a long navigation on the boat to arrive at our next port. It was very choppy and most people took a sea sick tablet and stayed below deck where it was less nauseating. We did the same, only poking our heads up for dinner when we were in the calmer waters of the natural harbour of Port Villamil where we are sleeping for the night. This will be our last night on the boat as we leave the cruise tomorrow, and we're very glad to be spending it in still waters.Read more