Chile

 Punta Arenas, Chile was our port-of-call today.  Patagonia was again our land destination as we visited a working sheep farm.  It took ninety minutes in a bus to reach the ranch of 700,000 acres.  The terrain along the way was flat, treeless and seemed like a barren wasteland except it was full of green grass and shrubs for the sheep, which is the largest industry in Chile.  We also saw many rheas which are a smaller relation to the ostrich.  

Trees are quite different here and many are leaning in the direction the fierce and relentless wind has driven them.  Trees are planted in clusters to protect each other from the wind.  In the city, the clustered trees also help catch the wind blown branches to keep them from falling on pedestrians.


22,000 sheep inhabit this farm and each dog is responsible for 2,000 sheep.  This shepherd controlled his dog with a variety of whistle commands.  It was an entertaining display of skills and connection between the shepherd and his dog.


The wind was furious and constant but was unable to conceal the natural beauty of this wild and wonderful landscape.


One of their horses took a liking to me and I seemed to connect with her.


Seals and Crofts sang:

Like Columbus in the olden daysWe must gather all our courageSail our ships out on the open seasCast away our fearsAnd all the years will come and goTake us upAlways up

I wanna laugh while the laughin' is easyI wanna cry if makes it worthwhileI may never pass this way againThat's why I want it with you

We may never pass this way again



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