Marta and Carolina were impressed with the weather, and changed our plans to go to see penguins and other fascinating birds. First, we took a ferry to Chiloé Island, where we would spend two nights.
Our bus boarded this ferry.Bridge being built to replace the ferriesChris, Renee, Clare and DougAnother ferry leaving the place we were about to dock. We walked along a beach for a while, seeing many gulls and sandpiper-like birds.
After we drove through the town of Ancud, we wandered around, exploring the island.
Where the Magic Begins, sign with Deb next to itLupines!Cannons in a small squareGiant penguin sighting near Ancud!Church on the square
After a short walk, we found the place where our tour started, to take a boat around three islands to view the birds in the nature preserve. Getting on the boat was a unique experience; we climbed onto a platform on wheels, and three guys pushed the platform out to the boat.
We boarded a boat like this one.No dock, so this wagon was used to board about 10 people at a time.Our bus drove onto the sand!
Now, we were rewarded with sightings of beautiful birds.
GullAnother boat near the first islandView back to the beachSteamer ducks don’t flyMagellanic penguinPair of kelp geesePair of red-legged cormorants and a pair of ibisPenguin encounter!CormorantsSwimming cormorantMagellanic PenguinMarching to the sea!Penguins lying downMany gullsNeotropic cormorant barely visible on the dark rocksView of a rock windowCormorants Penguin and gullRock “Bear” that appeared after a large earthquake in 2010
Lunch was at a restaurant on the beach — great food and views.
Lunch at the aqua-roofed restaurant on the beachBrian tried a new beer
The bus ride to Castro was uneventful, but then we stopped at a church that is part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site, consisting of 17 churches. The first we saw, completed in 1910, showed a melding of native people’s construction talents with European styles. This is one of the last churches built here.
Outside of the church was always painted bright colors, to be easily seen from the ocean. The ceiling is constructed like the native people’s boats, upside down. Other parts of the ceiling were more European in style. Pillars and walls all made of wood. Altar to MaryMany statues of Jesus wear purple robes, which are changed every season.St. Michael expelling the devil. Design in woodConfessionalWooden pedestalFountainHomes on stiltsBlack necked swans
Around Castro.
Our hotel adjoined a casino.View of estuary between our hotel and the main squareThe cathedral and ugly mall building from our hotelA beer with a label better than the product!
Bunch of Geeks go Traveling 