1/20-Pinguinos!!!

Today we drove to Cabo Virgenes, which is the end of mainland Argentina (Tierra Del Fuego is an island). It was a 130km drive, most of which was over rough gravel. We picked up Mathias and Carmilla at 9:00. C. Virgenes is the end of Ruta 40, and home to a large Megallanic Penguin rookery. There’s also a couple of lighthouses, one at the Argentinian side on the Atlantic, and another on the Chilean side at the beginning of the Strait of Magellan. First we went to the end of Ruta 40 and the lighthouse. 

The Cape. 

KM 0 of Ruta 40.



It was very windy. 

There was a small museum in the building next to the lighthouse. 

The “Golden Hind”. 

The door to go up in the lighthouse. It was locked. 

There was also a cafe which, of course, we went to. After beverages and pie, we drove downtown the rookery. 

There’s even one by the sign!

Yeah, I’m just hiding out here!

What you looking’ at?

Chillaxin 

Penguins on the road. 

Penguins and humans. 

Penguin selfie. 

It’s a rookery, so there are lots of chicks. 

This is a game of “Spot the Penguins” (there are quite a few).

We drove a little further. Then walked to the beach. 

The penguin highway. 







The lighthouse in the background. 

We just sat down and watched them. 

Alex. 





“Oh, that’s hilarious, Pete!”





Stretch to the side!



Penguin tracks. 

Eventually, we headed back for the long bumpy ride. It was a great day! I’ve never gotten to see penguins in the wild! Now I’ve seen more than I could even count!