Cape Horn , bottom of the world - Feb. 9
Cape Horn (Isla Hornas) is the southernmost headland of the Tiera del Fuego archipelago of Southern Chile and South America (or the bottom of the world).Cape Horn was once a major, treacherous trade route, but the building of the Panama Canal in 1914, deemed it mostly unnecessary for commercial ships. Now it has become a recreational challenge in yachting or the first portion of expedition ship itineraries to Antarctica.
Infamous for its unpredictable storms, churning seas, large waves, icebergs, and wicked winds, Cape Horn, or Isla Hornas, marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage. More than 10,000 seamen have perished while rounding the Horn.
Because a bad storm was brewing on the west, our Captain who wanted so much to take us there, sailed through an inner channel to get us there. He took us south into Drakes Passage and all around Cape Horn. Everyone on board was very excited to be passing Cape Horn. Its not something that is a common occurrence. He then headed north on the eastern side of South America into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Cape Horn area is so absolutely remote and so windy, we were shocked to learn that a family lives in the lighthouse, with four young children. You couldn't pay us enough to live there. And of course, we had many thoughts about it. What if someone gets sick? How do they get any fresh food? What if someone wants to go out for a walk?
Near the lighthouse is a small chapel and a piece of art depicting the albatross. We couldn't see it clearly, so I took a photo from the internet.
There are many penguins, seals, and whales in the area. We only saw albatross soaring by, as there was poor visibility and it was extremely windy. By the way, albatross are one of the largest seabirds on earth, known for excellent flying skills and wing spans of over 11 feet!
Surprisingly, and perhaps because the captain had filled up the fuel tanks for ballast, our ship was not rocking and rolling at all. A little sway maybe, and later as we got into the Atlantic there was a bit more motion. We have experienced much more rocking and rolling in the Tasman Sea, between New Zealand and Australia, a few years ago.
Another lucky day, because after a successful morning crossing Cape Horn, our Trivia team won and celebrated with mimosas.
An old sailing legend says that if you are lucky enough to pass around Cape Horn, you may wear a gold earing in one ear and eat with one foot on the table!! My mah jonng friends tried it at the dinner table that night!
Also, legend says if you pass around both Cape Horn AND the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, you are entitled to wear a gold earring in each ear! For now, we only get one gold earring!!
One foot on the table and one gold earring, we earned the right!!
