Around the Horn

Day 25: Cape Horn

We had been informed by our omnipotent Captain Johnny that we would be passing near Cape Horn by 2 pm or so on Wednesday, January 28th. After a relaxing morning, lunch in the dining room and our Cruise Director's Trivia Challenge, we headed back to the Royal Family Suite in anticipation of some great scenery.

We were not disappointed. In bright sunshine and an endless sky, we sailed past magnificent mountains and lush green valleys, a bit of a surprise to those of us who did not know what to expect in this part of the world. We finally came to the lighthouse slightly north of the Cape, where we anchored for about 90 minutes. Captain Johnny and Abe Hughes the Cruise Director, along with a videographer and some able-bodied seamen, launched a Zodiac rescue boat to take them onto the shore. They then paid a visit to the home of the lighthouse keeper and his family, including 2 children, for whom the Captain had brought gifts. From all accounts they had a wonderful visit with this isolated family, while the ship made a number of 360 degree swings to allow all passengers to get full views of this beautiful landscape. We opened a bottle of champagne which we shared with our next-door neighbours and friends, and toasted this amazing adventure.

After retrieving our Skipper and setting sail once again, we continued on our way around Cape Horn. While the sky remained clear, the wind and waves picked up, sending champagen glasses flying off the balcony table and had us scurrying to pick up personal items which became airborn.
With the majestic cliffs of Cape Horn in the distance now, we headed back inland towards the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, the city at the end of the world.