Wild On Patagonia

Sepi and I are currently in Puerto Madryn, a small beach town in coastal Patagonia famous for its wildlife. Last Friday we broke our pact to avoid tours at all cost and signed up to be transported down the coast several hundred kilometers to a little spit of land called Punta Tombo. Punta Tombo is home the worlds largest colony of Magellenic Penguins, a smaller if just as entertaining cousin of the Emperor Penguins of March of the Penguins fame. Despite the large crowds of tour groups just like ours It was a highly enjoyable outing. We were able to walk through the area where the penguins have come ashore to build their nests. We were within feet of the lovable (despite the fish breath) little Penguinos and their freshly hatched young ones. Although we were warned not to get to close as they aparently can give a nasty bite if provoked. Fortuntaly it was a peaceful and amusing episode as they seemed more concerned about the state of their plumage and shaking their tales than the hoards of tourists stalking amongst them. Sepi insists that they actualy enjoyed the cameras, and even posed for her when she asked.

This morning we moved a step up the food chain and went diving with los lobos marinos. Sea lions I guess you´d call them. An amazing experiance and worth the gov´t taxed price for a glimpse into the world of the sea dogs. And they really were alot like puppies. Wonderfully playfull, coming up to us and resting there snouts on our hands, allowing us a quick whisker rub, or in the case of the littlest ones, sneaking up behind us for a little nip on the top of the head. Fortunatly the water here is cold enough that we needed the full 7mm wet suites complete with hoods and gloves which gave some protection from the "play bites".

All in all a fantastic few days spent with Patagonian creatures.