From the Strait of Magellan to the Chilean Fijord

From the Strait of Magellan to the Chilean Fijords--

We left Punta Arenas at 9:30 AM. and headed north  to Puerto Natales.  The day was very windy (think the windiest March day you can remember). Temperature was in the 40's but felt much colder.  It alternated between sunny, five minutes later there was a very dark cloud and rain, then a rainbow, then clouds, etc.  I think that is the norm.  . The terrain was rolling hills with short grass --think Wyoming and western Nebraska.  Many sheep are grown in this area. As we drove through the countryside, we were on the lookout for different birds and animals.  We spotted several Rhea (a small ostrich).  The bus driver spotted a condor flying overhead riding the thermals (larger than the California condor).  Chuck saw guanaco (relative of llama and camel, but size of small doe)..  By lunch time we arrived at the Estancia Rio Patagonian Ranch., established in 1895.  First we toured the farm house and met the grandmother ,  Then saw a cowboy and his dogs herd the sheep. We then met the grandson and   went to the barn and saw a sheep being sheared.and saw the wool bundled.  All of this was followed by a meal of meat barbecued over a wood fire --lamb, sausage, beef, chicken--,  potatoes, rice, sliced beets, buns, salad of corn, peas, and carrots, chicken consomme, red wine, coffee, and Mousse.  We were served just as the crowd from the Celebrity cruise ship arrived.  Good timing.  Soon we were back on the bus.  Arrived at the Skorpios III at 3:30 PM.  If you have ever boarded a cruise ship, you would appreciate the boarding process we experienced. The bus drove on the dock and stopped 10 feet from the boat.  A crew person got on the bus and handed out keys while the bus driver unloaded our suitcases.  We got off the bus and went directly to our rooms where our luggage was waiting.  This boat has 40 cabins and 5 suites, on four decks ----so just the right size to navigate the fijords.  We had orientation in the dining room and were served tea before the boat embarked.  We are now on our journey.  I can see snow on top the moutains.  Dinner is at 9:00 PM.  Tomorrow is a full day of glacier exploration.