Ushuaia, Argentina
 
Ushuaia and Puerto Williams (pop <2000) both claim to be the "southernmost city" on the planet. Ushuaia wins, being a "real city" of more than 60,000 year-around inhabitants
 

   


Tierra del Fuego National Park is just amazing for its natural beauty.
With blue skies over head, the early morning hours are very cold.
AT least there was no wind to generate a windchill.
Our tour stopped first at Ensenada Bay.
The mountains of the southern Andes are tall and snow capped year-around.
Walking along the bay, we make our way back to our bus.
The famous sign inside marking the end of the Pan-American road
The walk to the dock where we board our catamaran for our Beagle Cannel ....
... cruise is long and, at points, difficult. Those with mobility issues ...
... should take note. The boat itself is nice, and the cruise is worth it.
The views along the Beagle Channel are very nice, indeed.
 
 
The tall mountains lining the channel are snow capped year around.
The birds gave our boat an escort along the way.
 
Ah, yes ... the Sea Lions ...
... they could be seen playing, and sleeping, and attending to duties ...
... while we watched and photographed them ...
... on La Isla de Los Lobos, a rock outcropping in the middle of the Channel
 
We weren't the only two-legged critters taking photographs!
The Sea lions seemed to enjoy being the center of attention!
Ushuaia is visible in the distance from this vantage point. It's a big city ...
... with 60,000 year-around inhabitants, nestled along the shore at the foot ...
... of the mountains on Tierra del Fuego.
Meanwhile, the sea lions continued to pose for pictures.
I wonder if they get paid for doing this?
La Isla de Los Lobos isn't the only rock island in the middle of Beagle channel.
There are several others, all covered with ...
... birds ... and ...
... bird poop.
 
 
This photo, and the next ...
... are among my favorite photos from here.
The Rotterdam sits at the dock, awaiting our return.
"The Lighthouse at the End of the World," on the north shore of Beagle Channel.
 
Ushuaia may be isolated, but it's not a wilderness. It's a real city, with ...
... schools, a University, many churches, several industries, public transit ...
... and airport, TV and radio stations, and 60,000 people. It's also the HQ ...
... for many Antarctica Expeditionary Cruises. Here's the ms Discovery.
The Rotterdam, at dock, looks lovely anywhere!