Cape Horn. The waters around “the Horn” is often referred to as the "sailors graveyard” because of the dangerous conditions sailors encountered - high winds, huge waves, dangerous currents, and icebergs. You have to cross this expanse of ocean to reach Antarctica.
It’s 5:30 pm as we button up our orange life vests and wait nervously for the Captain’s announcement as to whether or not we can land on Cape Horn. Winds must be below 30 knots and ocean swell mild enough for the zodiacs to land safely. The zodiacs leave to check conditions. We wait...
Will we or won’t we? We have to be ready, as conditions can rapidly change.
Conditions were perfect and we got to go! Landing on Cape Horn
A sculpture, with the silhouette of an albatross, sits atop a slight hill honoring the sailors who have died while “rounding the Horn.”
poem written by Sara Vial, Dec 1992 found on a plaque by the sculpture
Chilean Navy maintains a station on Cape Horn. It includes a lighthouse, residence, and chapel. I believe the family is stationed there for a year and it’s an honor to be selected.
Heading back to the ship. So glad to have stepped foot on Cape Horn.
Only about 600 miles to Antarctica - one day I will cross this ocean and step foot on the 7th continent.