Day 1,019: Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.

Laetitia led a tour that began with several days in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and then moved on to the Chilean Fjords. Near a calving glacier in Garibaldi Fjord, the Zodiacs had to cruise to their destinations through brash ice. On their return they were met by the Ship’s steward, who is Swedish, and one of the galley staff, clad in faux Viking helmets who served fortified hot drinks.

Once stern Vikings with helmet and sword
Swedes are also known for smorgasbord
Though one seldom can choose
Hot drinks laced with booze
Like we had down in Garibaldi Fjord.

Day 1,018: Andean Condor. Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.

Laetitia led a tour that began with several days in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and then moved on to the Chilean Fjords. Andean Condors can be seen both inland and over the fjords. They’re majestic birds that are really a pleasure to watch in flight.

A majestic bird in black and white
As it soars in magnificent flight
The Andean Condor
Spawns a sense of wonder
As iconic as Queen of the Night.

Day 1,017: Kelp Gull. Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.

Laetitia led a tour that began with several days in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and then moved on to the Chilean Fjords.

The largest of the Laridae
The Kelp Gull is something to see
Its numbers are legion
In the Austral region
Near kelp forests in the sea.

Day 1,016: King Penguin. Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.

Laetitia led a tour that began with several days in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia and then moved on to the Chilean Fjords. Like the Rockhoppers, King Penguins are found in subantarctic regions. They are similar in appearance to the elegant Emperor Penguins from Antarctica, but they are smaller. Some bird species mate for life, but King Penguins tent to be promiscuous.

That subantarctic penguin, the King
Tends to have a new mate every spring
Just like musical chairs
For it seems that he cares
To each fall start a new courting fling.