Islands at the End of the World

Edged out north of Herschel Island for six soft miles to Oriental Passage, three knots of tide against us on water mirror flat. First view of Cabo de Hornos Island, two sharp conical horn rock hills to its west.

Made for Isla Hermite and the tiny anchorage of Puerto Maxwell. A small cove with a crescent of rocks and kelp to enclose the ocean for more mirror water. Are we really fifty five south. Dug the anchor in and reversed up to take two shore lines fit for a tornado.  55.49.50S 67.30.70W

Afternoon sunshine, a wild turquoise blue sky the like we have never seen so clear. With kindness of the weather privileged with the opportunity to walk ashore, mulch and squelch on a ground of moss, lichen and bracken, soft on the feet, half a path marked by bleached white rock. The view from above was breathtaking. Volcano like teeth from ocean to sky fifty five five south.