Estancia Harberton

12 February 2014

Predicted strong northerly winds prevented us from seeing Cape Horn, so as a bonus we visited Estancia Harberton, a fine consolation prize for not travelling close by the Cape. Harberton, a grazing property of 20,000 ha on the Beagle Channel dates back to 1863.
Established by the Reverend Thomas Bridges, the property ran sheep and was a refuge for Yamana Indians, of which only one is still alive today. Thomas’ life’s work was the creation of the Yahgan dictionary, but he was much more, missionary, explorer, amateur scientist, writer, lecturer, linguist and settler.  His descendants still run the property, which now runs a large herd of cattle.
Also at the Estancia is the Acatushun Museum and Laboratory for the Study of Southernmost Marine Mammals and Birds established by Natalie Goodall (a descendant of Thomas Bridges). Over 4000 beautifully preserved skeletons made by collecting dead animals found in Tierra del Fuego. In the morning we walked for several hours along the shoreline with snow capped mountains in the background and wonderful blue sky and sun.  We were privileged to see seven Ashy-headed geese, two adults and five chicks, and many other bird species.
Back on board, the Pilot joined the ship at 12:00 for the last (sadly) leg of the voyage back to Ushuaia, we make slow progress into 40 knots headwinds gusting 60 knots giving us time to reflect on a perfect Antarctica II voyage.