Day 7 – Fiordo Pia to Bay of 1000 Waterfalls

An early start as we had a long way to go. The day to go round to the Brazo Sudoeste – the southern arm of the Beagle Canal. Missing a trip up the long narrow Seno Garibaldi. We traveled down through the Canal Darwin and behind Isla Thomson and then down Canal Barros Merino. Looking out to the Pacific Ocean, after passing yet more stunning glaciers. A little more chop while in line of sight of the Pacific. We were accompanied for quite some time by a group of Peales dolphins who seemed very keen to ride our bow wave and play under the boat. A Chilean fishing vessel came into view fishing the southern Beagle not far from the Pacific – they had lines out and we watched them land several large fish as we motored past.

The entrance to the Bay of 100 waterfalls was not immediately visible as the yacht passed a couple of islands and then turned into the safe harbour. What a interesting place with headlands and inlets to explore. The kayakers took to the water and paddled off while the trampers were dropped off by zodie and climbed to the glacier. Brett, Shelene and I explored a couple of waterfalls falling directly to the inlet and then spotting what looked like a beaver dam I climbed out to find a large dam and lodge directly across the harbour from Spirit. We paddled on further waving at the glacier walkers and meeting up with Brian and James as they kayaked back. Once back on Spirit I took a turn at the fresh water run and had the pleasure of standing in the stream while filling large water containers to top up the freshwater tanks instead of converting water into fresh water on Spirit.

I’d planned to go back and sit by the beaver dam and lodge on dusk to catch a glimpse of the little critters, but the rain set in and I didn’t get back. I got up early and was dropped over to the dam but although I saw bubbles and water ripples the elusive little critters stayed below the surface.

Two climbing parties left after breakfast – one to climb the ridge, and the other to go to the glacier lake feeding the waterfall. After a wet scramble up the hill we found that the glacier lake was actually a big beaver dam – 3m high in places and about 50ft across. Truly stunning engineering. Another big lodge with fresh wood rafted up for more dam building/reinforcing. Lots of evidence of beaver work on the trees. A lot more time than planned was invested in having a detailed look at the beaver activity. We all met back at the boat, another fresh water run and lunch while underway.