Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego, which mean 'The Land of Fire'. Not hard to translate but where does it come from? When for the first time exploresers reached that land they saw flames and fires and smoke of natives. This mystical setting brought the name upon this part of the continent. It is shared between two countries west and South belong to Chile and East to Argentina. And that part is the one we visited. Flying from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia-furthest city south. Not the settlement as there is few more down south-on the Chilean side Puerto Williams and in Argentina, Estancia Herberton. Ushuaia once a quiet fishing village now developed into the big port and touristic hub linking to other destinations among which a possibility to visit Antarctica. i have to admit that it isn't a cheap one, but definitely worth it. Best deal you will get once there in Ushuaia, as a week before the schedule departure of the ship, the prices drop nearly 50%! It is worth it, and there is always a place.

Park is easily accessible by bus from Usuaia. They have them on regular basis every 30min. There is a choice on where you can be dropped off. Before the first bridge on the right there is the biggest campsite with canteen and showers. But if you are looking for a piece of fresh and quiet land this is not place to be. We camped by Laguna Verde, exactly where the red tent is and it was magical. People seem to stick to more crowded and more convenient spots. But if you dont mind avoiding shower for few days, washing in a river (there is a toilet with a sink), cooking on fire (you should have your own wood, but many collect from forest, old and rotten pieces), listening to wind and birds instead of the radio then you found the right place to be.

And off to the wildness...

Here we are. Arrived and setting up the camp.

 After setting up the camp, we decided to go for an evening walk.
As if doesn't get dark till about 11.30pm, we had plenty of time.

Wild geese. And sun slowly setting down.

One of the walks in the park. Along the Lago Roca leading to the border with Chile,

called 'Hito XXIV trail' no idea why.

 Trail

Beyond this point is Chile.

Laguna Negra-Black Lake, water indeed looks black. Why?

Optical illusion, as bottom of the lake is very dark.

And if you are lucky

Our first fire here and on this trip.

Believe it or not but it is well past 10pm and the sun didnt seem to want to go away..

Our kitchen-livingroom and cosy bedroom for next few days.

Another day and another challenge. According to Dee, this is just a little bit more challenging walk.

On the way to some spectacular views, apparently. Let's hope it is worth it!

Yup, starting to understand why we bother climbing up the mountains, if that's your prize.

Nearly there but not quite. The tough part...

You said it will be easy..?!

So we went for a 'walk' to see if we can reach the top of the Guanaco mountain. Dee was certain it will be very pleasant and maybe at times little hard. I have to say that at times it was challening indeed, especially if you have problems with knees! Some really steep part there. But if you do manage to squeeze last sweets out of you and climb to the top you are rewarded with a stunning view... About 4h to the summit.

The long awaited view.

View from the top of the Cerro Guanaco (973m).

Looking out onto the Beagle Channel.