Our second day in Ushuaia (January 7), we went to book our activities for the rest of our stay. Our original intention was to book a hike to Laguna Esmeralda for January 8 and then a trip to Lake Fagnano in a 4x4 on January 9 so that we could rest on January 10 before leaving for Santiago on January 11. But, when we went to Ushuaia Outdoors, one of a few tour companies in town, they were only able to book us for January 9 and 10, which left us wondering what we would do on January 8. It was coincidence (or fate) that we happen to stroll into a cafe with a tour desk that operated helicopter tours. We really didn't plan or intend to book another helicopter tour after splurging in New Zealand. But, in the spirit of checking out our options, we asked how much a flight would cost.
The different options were all crazy expensive but there was one package that caught my eye...flying along the coast and then meeting up with the company that takes you to an island where a colony of penguins live so you can spend an hour with them - up close and personal! There were a couple other options to get to this island (Isla Martillo) - a minibus or boat - but it would be so much more efficient flying there...especially since we already took a boat ride and Paul's back wouldn't survive a long car ride, right? Well, at least that's what we told ourselves before handing over the credit card. And hey, it's more miles, right? And...it was a lot less than going to Antarctica (I know, all that talk about budgeting in my last post went out the door). Trying not to regret the purchase, we strolled around town for the rest of the day...
On January 8, we were picked up by Heli Ushuaia and brought to the hangar.
We then walked over to the boat for a short ride to Isla Martillo to see some cute (and a bit dirty) penguins. I hope you're prepared for an overload on penguin photos.
We then headed back to Harberton ranch to check out the museum.
We then headed back to Ushuaia.
The different options were all crazy expensive but there was one package that caught my eye...flying along the coast and then meeting up with the company that takes you to an island where a colony of penguins live so you can spend an hour with them - up close and personal! There were a couple other options to get to this island (Isla Martillo) - a minibus or boat - but it would be so much more efficient flying there...especially since we already took a boat ride and Paul's back wouldn't survive a long car ride, right? Well, at least that's what we told ourselves before handing over the credit card. And hey, it's more miles, right? And...it was a lot less than going to Antarctica (I know, all that talk about budgeting in my last post went out the door). Trying not to regret the purchase, we strolled around town for the rest of the day...
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| Hey, Penguin, what are you looking at? |
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| Said Paul before he punched the innocent bird |
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| But he danced with this other penguin |
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| And made friends with the local postal carrier |
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| "Hi Steve!" |
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| I'm not sure the shop appreciated our type of humor |
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| Walking around town |
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| The air was crisp and fresh! |
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| Tierra del Fuego graffiti |
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| More of Paul's new friends |
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| Steve looked thirsty after a long day of delivering mail |
On January 8, we were picked up by Heli Ushuaia and brought to the hangar.
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| Nice reflections and not too cloudy of a day, we got lucky! |
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| Waiting for them to pull the heli out |
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| There it is! |
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| Watching the safety video |
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| On board in no time |
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| Up |
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| Up |
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| And away |
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| Purple mountains |
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| Getting ready to land for some photos |
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| On top of Le Cloche Mountain |
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| A great view of the Andes |
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| It was an amazing experience to see Ushuaia this way |
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| Just beautiful |
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| So green! |
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| The helicopter looks like a toy |
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| Not sure what this moss like growth is but it's a bit silvery |
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| And we're off again |
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| Compass |
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| Amazing view |
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| Capt'n is enjoying the view from the front |
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| Glacier |
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| The glacier makes Laguna Esmerelda this pretty turquoise color |
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| We got to hike here the next day |
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| During the winter, this is a ski resort |
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| Trees from above look like broccoli |
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| Lago Escondido |
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| So many colors! |
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| Lots of twists and turns - the tree trunks laying around are the work of the beaver |
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| Pretty |
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| Harberton Ranch |
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| Landed |
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| Whale skull is about the size of the helicopter |
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| Looking back towards the ranch |
We then walked over to the boat for a short ride to Isla Martillo to see some cute (and a bit dirty) penguins. I hope you're prepared for an overload on penguin photos.
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| Getting a briefing from the guide - "don't touch them, talk loud or try to take one home" |
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| On shore waiting for our arrival |
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| The majority of the penguins are Magellanic penguins |
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| Waddling about |
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| Upland goose with goslings - I think one is named Ryan |
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| Wocka wocka |
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| Gentoo penguins (orange beak and feet) are on this island too but the King penguins usually live in Antarctica |
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| They look like they are holding flippers |
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| Another shot of the Gentoo and King penguins hanging out |
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| Holding flippers |
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| Penguin love |
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| Walking away together |
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| They like to clean themselves |
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| Penguins there |
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| Penguins everywhere |
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| In all positions |
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| Looks like they are having a meeting |
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| Kissing penguins |
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| Angry penguins |
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| Penguins with a view |
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| Baby penguins too! |
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| Kelp gull (I think) watching over her chick |
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| Baby penguin |
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| I liked how this one was laying |
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| Look how close I am to them! |
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| Digging holes |
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| Fuzzy |
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| "Aw, Mom, don't embarrass me!" |
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| Beautiful backdrop |
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| This guy was making a nest |
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| Brought the weeds over here |
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| Digging |
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| Singing? |
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| Yelling? |
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| These two baby penguins are trying to get food from their mom |
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| Pushing around |
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| And trying to get her attention |
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| This egg didn't hatch - penguins usually have two chicks |
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| Here's a chick |
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| This guy was blocking our path so we had to go the other way |
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| They have a nice home |
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| Look how lazy they are |
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| And how close we get to them |
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| Here a few of my favorite shots |
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| Looking right at me |
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| Waddling |
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| Both looking in the same direction |
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| Twice! |
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| Another gull in the grass |
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| "What? Is there something behind me?" |
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| One of my favorite things we did in Argentina! |
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| Bye Mr. Penguin |
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| One last squawk |
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| Enjoying the view |
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| More fuzzy chicks |
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| Slinky shot |
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| Ok, last picture (on this island)...for real |
We then headed back to Harberton ranch to check out the museum.
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| Look how tiny the plane looks! |
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| Explaining to us how these bones get washed ashore |
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| Skulls |
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| And more skulls |
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| Magellanic penguin |
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| And more fossils! |
We then headed back to Ushuaia.
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| Up the Beagle Channel |
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| For some more amazing views |
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| The water was so calm |
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| I only had a little bit of motion sickness |
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| More pretty scenery |
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| We hope to come back one day |
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| But probably won't splurge for a helicopter ride |
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| Unless of course, there's a good deal or something |
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| Ushuaia straight ahead |
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| Almost back |
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| I'm glad it was a nice day! |
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| Landing |
