This long, relatively narrow channel runs in an east-west direction along the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. It is named after the H.M.S. Beagle which, under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy, is credited for the channel's discovery during its circumnavigation of the globe between 1826 and 1836. On board was a young naturalist called Charles Darwin.
Later in the morning Captain Skog made a diversion up a very scenic and narrow body of water called Garibaldi Fjord. Dramatic mountains towered thousands of feet above us on both sides. An Andean condor flew low over the ship and circled a few times before rising high once more and disappearing over the mountains. This was a real treat. At the head of the fjord, the Captain stopped the ship in front of the Garibaldi Glacier, and slowly made a u-turn before heading back out and on our way to Punta Arenas.
The photo shows our guests watching from the Bridge. Our "open bridge" policy means that guests are welcome to see for themselves how navigation takes place -- in Antarctica, sometimes under extraordinary conditions.
Our final night on the Caledonian Star will be spent celebrating and reflecting on a truly remarkable journey at Captain Leif Skog's farewell cocktail party and dinner.
