Well another sea kayaking trip has come to an end for us. This time things went a lot smoother for us than last year. We successfully managed to kayak around the coast of Tierra Del Fuego without any real problems apart from strong winds and the cold. We changed our plan a bit and decided not to do a circumnavigation but kayak from Punta Arenes in Chile down to Ushuaia at the very bottom of Argentina travelling clockwise along the Atlantic side and then do it anti-clockwise down the Pacific side. I’m pleased we did as on the last few days we saw so many amazing sights and were able to take our time exploring some incredible places and stop to watch penguins, sealions, whales, dolphins, otters and so much more.

After having to stop the trip last year due to having a wrist injury it was very nice to complete the trip injury free. Everything was different this year. Sorting things out with both the Argentinian and Chilean authorities went so much smoother. In fact it was nice to see some familiar faces in the Argentinian Prefectura and the Chilean Armada. We had already made friends over here from last year and it was great see them again. The nordkapps were already here waiting us. Even the weather was different. Last year there were almost constantly strong winds whereas this year because of the El Nina weather system we are enjoying a wonderful summer here (wonderful weather here isn’t what most people would think of as wonderful weather though). So although it was a challenging trip in many senses it could have been a lot more difficult. I think this was the year to do a trip down here.

We have been incredibly fortunate again, being given some fantastic kit from several manufacturers which all worked out really well for us. I think the thing we have been most fortunate with is the help we have received from people we have met whilst we have been here. It never ceases to amaze me how many complete strangers insist on taking us in out of the cold and wind to feed us and sometimes give us a bed for the night.

Even now that the trip is over we are sitting in a warm cozy house in Ushuaia knowing that we have somewhere to stay until we fly home in just over a week. There are just so many people to thank including friends at home, some who sent messages of support on the sat phone. They were great to receive when spirits were down a bit. Friends who packed a few treats away for us to open whilst on the trip. Messages from people I have never met. Although the biggest thanks of all have to go to Moni and Marcelo in Argentina and Kiko and Vero in Chile. They took us in and made us feel so welcome in their homes and introduced us to friends as well as giving us an incredible amount of support throughout.

We didn’t have a vehicle driving along the coast meeting us at the end of each day so maybe that means I can say we did an unsupported trip? Not a chance! This was very much another supported trip and we both appreciate every bit of support we had from everyone before, during and after the trip. Also I owe a huge thanks to Justine for organising everything and being a great paddling partner.

Barry