Glacier Alley and Ushuaia

December 27 – Glacier Alley and Ushuaia

We were up at 0500, along with most of the passengers, as we entered Glacier Alley.  The proper name is Darwin Pass and it leads to the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia. Almost all of the glaciers were on the port side, so we had a good view from our stateroom, as well as the bow. There were about six glaciers, many named after countries. The transit took only about one hour and then we joined the Beagle Channel.

Entering Glacier Alley near dawn

The wind really increased from behind us as we followed another cruise ship down the channel and made the turn around the Fin El Mundo lighthouse and into Ushuaia harbor. The docking was interesting since the captain used the other cruise ship as a lee from the wind and turned the ship around and docked stern first. We were off the ship shortly after 1100 and walked the few blocks to the main street. The local people are still militant about the Falkland Islands war and you are greeted right on the dock with signs.  Since it was Sunday, most of the shops were closed until later in the day.

Approaching Usuaia

Political statements on the dock

We have entered Argentina

Irish Pubs are everywhere

Since it was Sunday, the bells were ringing

Ushuaia is a pretty rough town, with an eclectic mix of architecture and graffiti. Returning to the ship we had lunch and then boarded buses for the short ride to the Prison at the end of the world, now a museum. The prison was active from 1904 to 1947. The prisoners cut wood and built streets in Ushuaia, hence the reason for the narrow gauge train into the forests. After time at the museum we then headed to the partially restored train for a ride of 7 kilometers into the National Park.  At the end of the line we boarded our buses for a visit to Ensenada Bay for scenery and then back to the ship, which departed at 2000.

Part of the prison is now a museum

Those stoves were the only source of heat

The steam train has been restored

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We are sure the prisoners did not get cars

At Ensenada Bay looking over the Beagle Channel, Chile in background,