Straits of Le Maire for Staten Island

Upside down tides to work out, falling Pacific rushed out and on the other side of the Straits the Atlantic push was a half tide forward. Cleared into the Straits of Le Maire proper for a very good run. Slowing down by afternoon on approach to Staten Island, Isla de los Estados we sighted a single handed sloop crashing and bashing back in. VHF to say hello to single hander Bob on Sylph VI, he had been travelling down the Argentinean coast and was heading for the very Fjords and adventures we had left behind. 

Weather turning, Staten Island stood before us, four mighty bare white rock mountains sat in the sky like humps of camels. As the magnificent panorama grew close the end of those Ocean tides saw our ground speed collapse, we saw a low of two point three knots. San Antonio a little lee and around the headland.

Puerto Hoppner ship anchorage, wide and well sheltered. We traversed the tiny gorge entrance to an inner lagoon at the back of the outer anchorage.  

The smooth waters went mirror like and we found ourselves amidst wild mountains touching the sky with their snow, green waterfall lagoon water at our feet. A multi rope tie in a southern paradise of wilderness proportions fit for any Antarctic destination.

54.46.90 S    64.24.55 W

Outside the turning weather fuelled those clouds to dash past the mountain tops, we slept silent and safe tucked up in Jurassic Park bliss. Winds grew and presure fell, a fine bolt hole of safety.