_________________Sailing LandFall

20:00 Saturday , march 2, 2013

41 30.012 S 72 59.262 W

https://maps.google.com/maps?z=7&t=k&q=loc:41+30.004S+72+59.271W

Just outside the marina gates we found Blackberries growing in abundance! We can pick a $5 Costco container in 5 minutes. We filled a bowl with 1/2 Blackberries and 1/2 Vanilla yogurt and we both agreed it is one of the best desserts we have had in a while! The simplicity of this delicious dessert is a symbol of what life is for us now. We maneuver around our 36 x 12 foot living space that holds everything we own and need. No deadlines, no hustle or bustle and the sound of water surrounds us. Our backyard is always changing without the need to mow, weed or seed. We leave the boat with our backpacks and cameras and not a second thought of going out without a cell phone or a Blackberry.

15:35    Thursday  2/28/2013
41 30.012 S
72 59.262 W

https://maps.google.com/maps?z=7&t=k&q=loc:41+30.004S+72+59.271W

After settling in our boat we finally got a chance to visit the city of Puerto Montt. I did not realize how magnificent the landscape was until the clouds cleared and revealed the breathtaking backdrop, a volcano no less. Modernization is inevitable as Puerto Montt is boasting to have the largest salmon aquaculture industry in the world. The view is of the shopping mall in Puerto Montt.  But for the most part the city is filled with old and colorful houses and buildings.

The city suburbs consists of houses that seem to be constructed with no evidence of boundaries. The history of the city reveals that squatters decided to settle on otherwise unoccupied farmland. The houses seem to be built out of any available material that people could find or get their hands on.

Houses nestled on the shore line where the only demonstration of aesthetics is colour! These houses are on an island accessible via 5 minute ferry ride from Puerto Montt.

I spent $350 for the extra luggage, got on a direct flight from Toronto to Santiago-Chile and arrived 10 hours later. No trouble getting through Customs as they are not concerned about BBQ grills, bilge pumps and other miscellaneous boat parts. They only look for food, dried or fresh.  Dennis had already made the overnight trip to Santiago to meet me and help with the luggage. We made our way to the bus station for the 6 hour wait to get on the 13 hour bus ride to Puerto Montt.  So after 2 days of travel I am finally here!!