Punta Arenas, Chile

From the airport, we got a tour of Punta Arenas, the 2nd windiest city in the world.

Our first look at the Resolution

The electrical lines in the city amazed me. Many touched the ground. Street lights were wired from directly above.

Our tour included a walk through the city grave yard. The numerous family tombs tell of the enormous wealth gained from shipping trade between Europe and Asia and from the exploitation of the indigenous peoples. 

This man built his empire by bringing in the first sheep for farming and starting a shipping supply warehouse. He also paid a bounty for ears of "Patagao" - essentially wiping them out. 

The paths of the graveyard are lined with tall, pruned cypress trees.

While our luggage and supplies were being stowed on the Resolution, we toured the maritime museum in Punta Arenas. The "museum" consisted of several historic sailing vessels including the HMS Beagle which is famous for Darwin's voyage and a replica of Magellan's Nao Victoria, the first boat to traverse the Strait of Magellan (behind the Patagonia sign). There were no brochures so, I missed the names of the other square riggers. 

I could not resist showing the EYC colors.

I cannot imagine rounding the unknown world on one of these vessels.

Finally the dock to our ship. I can imagine, and would love to, round the world aboard the Resolution with her weird X bow.