Day 27 – Glacier Agostini, Chile

I suppose our amazing streak of luck with the weather had to come to an end sometime, and that sometime was today. When I opened the blinds, I could barely see through the raindrops on the window. Viking Octantis had already anchored in front of Agostini Glacier, but the glacier and surrounding mountains were partially shrouded in fog and mist, and it was a mostly black and white scene.

Is That a Glacier Behind the Raindrops? (top) and Yes, That Is Agostini Glacier (bottom)

A Black and White Day

We are now in Alberto Agostini National Park, the third largest park in Chile and will remain here through tomorrow. It was interesting to learn that the mountains here are not the Andes. They are the Cordillera Darwin, an extensive mountain range mantled by an ice field.

During the morning, Seabourn Pursuit sailed by and left, and MV Ventus Australis anchored in front of the glacier, deployed its toys for a short while, departed, and later returned. We remained until our departure at 6:00 pm.

I accepted the fact that I would not be venturing out in this weather, but Tim has a heartier constitution than I. He suited up with all his cold and wet weather gear, including his heavy waterproof boots, and headed out for his zodiac landing excursion at Agostini Glacier. It appeared, however, that many passengers, like me, had cancelled their excursions.

Tim at Agostini Glacier

Tim returned an hour later, wet but happy, and once again he shared his photos with me. Each cabin has a drying closet for wet gear, and we tested it out today. I was surprised at how quickly the items dried.

Tim Was Able to Capture the Glacial Blue Color Since He Was So Close to the Glacier

The Zodiac Landing and Hike to the Glacier Viewing Spot

Executive Chef Beni brought us another Wine and Cheese station for dinner this evening, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. Although both the wine and cheese selections were excellent, what I appreciated just as much was the bread that was paired with the cheese. The various breads on Viking Octantis are to die for, and I believe I could live on just the bread alone!

Wine and Cheese Station

This evening, Viking Octantis presented a guest entertainer, Viviana Guzman in “Sonic Silk Road, A Musical Journey Across Time and Cultures.” This Chilean-born instrumentalist played a wonderful selection of songs on a variety of flutes, from classical to Native American. It was enchanting.

Entertainer Viviana Guzman