April 19,

We were up by 0630 and readied. The place is cold. The outside temperature was 37° with the high only being around 39°!!! This is just crazy. Anyway, we made our Javas and took them with us. We left by 0735. Jeff had texted the guy to let him know we’d left. By 0738, we were in line for the 0900 ferry, being fifth in line. Now we waited. We did get out and explore the port area, and used the bathroom. We saw the ferry coming in so went back to our car. This ferry was an expensive one with a vehicle, which alone cost $236.50. Yes, that’s US dollars! We as passengers cost $48 each. Jeff said this is one consequence of a monopoly.

There were semi-trucks to board with two cattle cars. It was early around 0810. We also noticed two trucks without any trailers. These trucks were directed to pull onto the ferry first. They hooked up to trailers that were still on board the ferry, and disembarked with them. Well that was fascinating to watch. The driver was able to pull on the ferry and do a U turn in one move…very professional! Then the same two trucks returned empty and hooked up to another trailer to unload them as well. Wow!

Anyway, the ferry loaded us and started out at 0915 – 15 minutes late. But what’s 15 minutes, right? We noticed they fastened in all the vehicles, which was a new thing for us. Jeff thought it might be due to being so close to the Pacific Ocean. Huh…could be.?… We went up to the cabin area, signed up to the ferry wifi and I was able to video call with my mom…that was a fun call. Then we settled in and tried to warm up. Jeff did quickly and was able to take off his parka and ski pants. I kept mine on for quite awhile. This ferry trip was a long one. So we settled into our seats that we’d picked and watched the scenery. It was a smelly ride due to all the cattle from five double trailer cattle cars, and it was loud as the poor cows were “mooing” at their displeasure of their “ride accommodations.”

Anyway, we left Chaiten and went to the Isla Grande de Chiloe. Jeff booked us here for three nights. We are still in the Patagonia region of Chile, but with a different island flare. We ate lunch – a mango and club-type crackers. We did see a couple of seals and more of what we think is fish farming. As the ferry pulled closer to the island we took turns going out to look about. Finally around 1500 we unloaded. A whole hour late. We drove right off, and went into the city of Castro. First we needed more food and went to a restaurant, Al Estilo Chef Marce. It was a Peruvian place. We were given a starter of bread with a cream sauce and a pico de galle. It was lovely, warm bread. Jeff then had a Fish Ceviche- fresh Pica fish in lime, onion, cilantro, corn, and sweet potato; and I had Salmon in Chef’s sauce- grilled salmon fillet topped with an oyster and shrimp sauce in a tarragon & rosemary cream with roasted potatoes. Great meal with a mini- half bottle of Chardonnay. We paid 44,646 CLP , or $50.45.

Then we went to our new place for three nights. We found the turn off and drove down a fairly steep road to the very steep, up, driveway! We unloaded and I did a video-call with my sister. We settled in. Jeff built a fire, but the wood seems wet, so it was a challenge. Thankfully there was a propane portable heater. We were able to talk with Jeff’s sister and her husband. Then bed by 2130.