Cape Horn: Where Geography Class Comes to Life

 

It's sunrise at Cape Horn.

 

We're at the north edge of the Drake Passage, the strait between South America and Antarctica. It's the place where the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean meets the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean. I'm up before 6:00 a.m. I don't have a selfie to share, though a few exist. I jumped into the clothes I put out the night before, combed my wild-looking hair and plunked on a hat. I was not missing a minute of Cape Horn. I loved Geography in elementary school, though so much that I was taught has slipped into the back recess of my mind. This trip, however, brought it all back.

The sun has risen --  happily it's a clear day -- and you can see the very faint tint of pink in the sky.  It's also a very calm day at sea. I was warned by everyone I know who had sailed the Drake Passage, that I needed to get set for rough waters. This was one of the reasons I chose to make the trip in a very large cruise ship. But the strait that is known for being especially hazardous to sailors for centuries -- strong waves, currents, winds and icebergs -- was calm the day I sailed it. It was part of the Clipper Route, where clipper ships sailed with cargo around the world. 

This is our my farewell to Cape Horn as we leave for Antarctica. 

 

There is a monument to the many sailors who were lost in the waters around Cape Horn at San Leo Cove, Isla de Hornos, Chile. The Albatross Monument, built with international cooperation,  pays tribute to their bravery and lets them know they are not forgotten. This is an excerpt from the Memorial.

It wasn't all geography during our days at sea. There were lectures -- fabulous -- shows, new friends and yes, food. Every day had a different theme and one of my favorites was pie day at the lunch buffet. The top slice is key lime and apricot is next to it. The slice at the bottom is pear and nutella and though I enjoyed the first two, the pear and nutella was my favorite.  It took every ounce of willpower not to go back for a second slice.

I'm settling back into my routine at home. I've missed my yoga classes and gym sessions because of my broken shoulder. Happily, though the bone has healed and my doctor has cleared me to return to yoga. I also start physical therapy the week after next. I'm not especially looking forward to it, but I know it's necessary to get back my range of motion and strength in my arm.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!