I always have a bucket list. It drives my husband crazy. I've been many places around the world, from Iceland, to most of mainland Europe, to Russia, with Canada; many provinces, Mexico, and most of the United States. New York City is one of my favorite hangouts and hiking is one of my passions. So, whether it's Switzerland's Alps, Berlin's Wall, or the cheap pharmacies of Los Algodones, Mexico; I enjoy an adventure.
So, what I would like my readers to do is to contact me with your bucket list items. I have mine, and I will regularly discuss them here. But, I would like to look into some of your bucket list items, so don't be shy. Where would you like to go?
Lately, I've been hearing a lot about South America. Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor took it upon themselves to make a third installment of the Long Way series and ride electric motorcycles from Ushuaia, Argentina to Los Angeles, California. They call it Long Way Up, and it's airing on Apple TV. Every time I see something amazing on TV, it tends to go right on my bucket list. This time, Ushuaia was already there. So, let's discuss the end of the world. That's where Ushuaia is.
The bottom of Argentina is home to many interesting places. Patagonia for instance. Some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Some of the clearest waters. The only expanding glaciers. Amazing wildlife. People come to Patagonia to get away from it all. And there's plenty of wide open spaces for that. There are lots of eco friendly establishments that are in the middle of absolutely nowhere and are completely self reliant. That's very attractive these days. It's great for city dwellers. I mean, if you live in a city of millions of people, you probably want to get away. Just saying.
The end of the world is a unique place. There are many day trips to take. You can go around the Beagle Channel and look at the wildlife. If you get lucky, you can even play with penguins. You can do all kinds of activities in Patagonia from hiking, to camping, canoeing and so on. But, one different thing you can do is ride the train. It's the Southern Fuegian Railway, or The Train to the End of the World. Not many trains can lay that claim. So, If you like a relaxing train ride, this one comes with comfortable seats and some of the most amazing scenery you'll ever see on a train. Enjoy that one.
Now, it's true that summer is winter and winter is summer when it comes to the southernmost city in the world. But, all you really have to do it pick your season wisely. And, pick your activities wisely. There are so many places you can go to with Ushuaia as your hopping off point. There are excursions to the widely disputed Falkland or Malvinas Islands where you can see some truly unique settlements. You can arrange a trip to or from Antarctica at key points during the year. Once again, choose your seasons wisely. But, there is one unforgettable excursion that makes this location land right on my bucket list. I always wanted to see the end of the world.
Cape Horn is by and large referred to as The End of the World. People from all around this globe call it that. Cape Horn is actually, by definition, not even a true cape. It is an island. Isla Hornos. It's part of Chile, which shares southern South America with Argentina. It sits on the Strait of Magellan, and some of the roughest waters in the world. Antarctica is only accessible during a few weeks of the year for tourists, and it's not accessible all year to anyone. There are many hazards in the southern waters, and that makes traveling there a true adventure.
Taking the trip to Cape Horn is fraught with potential issues. One of the biggest, other than angry seas that routinely try to kill people, is that those waters may stop you from being able to land on the Cape Horn island. That's right, the cruises that take you there do not promise that you will be able to walk on the island. It is weather permitting. So, not only could it be extremely dangerous, it could be a waste of money. But, I would gladly give it a try. I mean, the scenery has got to be pretty good, even if you don't get to make landfall.
I love a good adventure. The southernmost city in the world sounds like a real adventure. A scenic train where there shouldn't be people? Sounds awesome. Glaciers that still grow? Cool. Beautiful landscapes? Wouldn't miss it. An inaccessible island at the end of the world? Just another challenge in a life full of them. I'm all in. I would love to spend some time at the end of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina and the area.
Now, why don't you tell me somewhere that you would like to go, and I'll try and find out a bit about it. Just remember, if your bucket list isn't ready, then when Covid-19 is finally over and we can travel; you won't have a clue where to go. Get ready for that just like you would for anything else. Enjoy.
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