Ushuai from Punta Arenas
Backpacking Eight Months On the Road
By Bus Through South America
By David Rice  
Ushuai
Page Thirty
Going South to Ushuai     

Next I boarded a bus to Rio Gallegos and although it is to the north and I
wanted to go south, there are no roads south from Punta Arenas.
I switched buses in Rio Gallegos and then headed south to Ushuai in
Argentina, the most southerly town in South America. Here I had planned
to end my South American journey.
When I arrived in Ushuai, however, I realized that about six ships were
taking passengers to Antarctica and I found myself wanting to go along
and to reach the absolute southern-most point in the world.

Two days of research told me that I would need some equipment and
supplies. Antarctica was the topic on every travelers lips in Ushuai; the
main street was loaded with shops catering to tourists heading for
Antarctica. Early December starts the season although it was still cool
and passengers would need winter garb.
I would need rubber boots, sunglasses, parker, and I reasoned, wine,
cheese, and crackers. The local buzz was all about Antarctica and the
word was stock up, so I shopped for some items in town. I bought rubber
boots thinking that I would never find my size thirteens but was pleasantly
surprised when I did. By the middle of the second day I had collected
what I assumed was the needed equipment and now I was committed to
go to Antarctica. I went to the tour office and booked the three-thousand
dollar ticket. I would then wait three days for the ship.

Later I would find that the ship provided everything for a nominal price
including rental of parkers and boots and all the snacks we would need.  
In Ushuai, while waiting, I dined in style. Parrillas, restaurants featuring
grilled lamb on a skewer Argentina style and also roasting chicken, beef,
and sausage.

Lots of other activities keep the tourists busy including horseback riding,
trekking, bicycle riding, skiing, and boat trips to islands. Some of the
Islands in the area had penguins roosting on them and others had herds
of seals.

I realized at this point how far south towards the end of the earth I had
gone, the sun would barely set and it was soon up again.
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