Ushuaia Day 2 - Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Checkout time was 10:00 and that seemed quite early to us so we asked if we could have a little extra time. They agreed to our request but asked that we be out by 11:00 as it was hard for them to get the rooms clean and ready for the new arrivals.

The Hostal Del Bosque was a comfortable, nice place to stay. We were glad the Argyles recommended it. When we checked out they allowed us to leave our carry on baggage there until we left for the airport. That was nice of them.

At the end of our penguin excursion, Ana gave out some coupons from businesses around town for discounts, plus a coupon to a specialty shop that sold all kinds of homemade chocolates, syrups, jams, jellies, and pastries. They offered a free cup of hot chocolate. In cold Ushuaia that sounded very warming and good, so we decided we would stop in there and use our coupon. It was only offered until noon so we got there in time and each ordred a sweet pastry to go along with it. What a breakfast - nothing nutritious, but oh so tasty!!

Then we walked around town shopping for the grandkids, and the girls wanted to find thank you gifts to take home.

Piedras Argentinas features Argentine stones, and the clerk, Belen, who spoke English took good care of us.

We were successful in finding gifts and treasure. So much to choose from was the problem! The clerks were cute gals and are from Buenos Aires --just working in Ushuaia for a while.

Belen, the blonde, suggested we go to the mountains today and take the chair lift up to the glacier. She told us of a cute tea house/cottage that was at the base of the mountain where we could get good things to eat and purchase unique items. We were looking for something to do today to become more acquainted with the area as we waiting for our return flight home later this evening. They said we could leave our purchases there and pick them up after we come back into town. Great!

We took a taxi up the canyon to the beginning of the trail to the glacier and wandered around trying to find out if the chair lift was working or if walking was the only way to get there. Some guys were working on the chair lift so that gave us our first clue that it was out of order.

We saw some hikers coming down the trail from the glacier and they said it wasn't too far. Wrong!! We started walking up a wide trail which was steep and the view behind us became better and better with each step.

Marianne was quite a ways ahead of us and when we hit the snow line, Melissa and I decided to stop. It looked like it would be too far and too messy for us to continue. Rich went on to catch up with Marianne as she was out of sight.

As we sat along the trail waiting, Melissa pulled out some quilting pieces she was working on. No time like the present to put a few stitches in some fabric.

If only the chair lift (at the left in the picture) was working, we could have made it to the glacier too.

Rich and Marianne were troopers and made it all the way. However, the glacier was covered with snow and was not very distinguishable. . . .

but the view from the top was worth the hike. They took pictures and enjoyed the outdoors before starting down the trail.

Meanwhile, Melissa and I walked back to the Tea House and sat by the cozy fire in a delightful setting.

It was quaint, adorable, and perfectly decorated with a view from the windows of trees and a mountain stream reminding us of Utah and home.

The hikers returned to the warmth of the fire too and we purchased drinks and a treat while we rested.

Melissa was totally in her comfort zone and could have stayed all day working on her quilting projects with not a care in the world.

The display of cakes and cookies for sale made us want to sample each one. The whole cottage was artistically decorated and inviting.

We walked around outside looking at the other buildings on the site smelling a campfire, listening to the stream, and smelling the mountain air.

Now, Rich was in his comfort zone enjoying the mountain scenery and remembering how much he loves the outdoor camping environment. He was taking it all in.

This was a perfect get-a-way from the 19+ months we have spent in busy city life surrounded by buildings and cement.

It was time to go and a couple of taxis were waiting in the parking lot to take people back to Ushuaia.

Our driver pulled over at a scenic look out so we could view Ushuaia on the beautiful coastline. I hope we always remember the view. The elders who served here would come back and tell us that it was the most beautiful place on earth. We think they may be right!

We had the taxi drop us off by the water and the ship yards

The air was crisp, but the view was crystal clear and we enjoyed watching the boats and the activity that goes on at the docks.

We walked back to the shopping area, picked up our package, and found a sandwich shop to get a bite to eat before heading back to the hostal to pick up our luggage and call a taxi to take us to the airport.

By then it clouded over and a light rain had started. We were so happy we had a beautiful day to experience beautiful Ushuaia.

Our plane left at 8:30 and we arrived home via a remise from the airport at 1:00 a.m. It had been a memorable two days at the "end of the world."