Badlanders MCC Website

 

Whilst killing time in Punta Arenas, I went into the Comapa Touristo office to find out about some excursions. I rather fancied the idea of going to see some Magellanic Penguins! So I asked the lady behind the desk, “would it be possible to take a trip out to the isla de penguinos to see some Penguins?” “No, no possible” she said. “You can only see them when they come to the island to mate!” Interesting! I thought, whilst I am sure that would be something many would be interested to see, I explained I just wanted to see them doing what penguins do, waddling around. “They mate” she said. Well there was a clear fixation on this matter and I thought I would throw in a useless, but appropriate bit of humour. “Well. I suppose we should look on the bright side.....at least they’re monogamous! Spanish for monogamous anyone?

 

Didn’t bring a smile to her face! So, I said “is there anything else worth seeing?”. She said “I’m afraid I have to go now”. One of these ladies will help you! I did wonder whether to ask if she had some penguins to see to, but thought better of it. Even I couldn’t possibly stoop that low!

 

Fortunately,  the next lady had no fixation with mating penguins and encouraged me to take a trip to Torres del Paine. I explained that I was intending to cycle there as soon as I receive the parts for my bike. No possible. I thought, not again, do the mountains and glaciers only mate at certain times of the year also? So I asked why. No para bicicletta. Oh you are not allowed to take a bicycle into the Nacional Parque, is that it? No it is very deep snow. A trickle of snow; “No problemo” I said. There was a policemen standing behind me. He confirmed that it wouldn’t be possible.