A quick tour of Punta Arenas, Chile, 2/8

A geocache took us up to a grand viewing spot of the town of Punta Arenas,
the most populous (pop. 100,000) southern city (lat. 46° S) in the Americas.
I believe the cruise ship is the Norwegian Star. This is a jumping-off point to Antarctica
(together most notably with Ushuaia, Argentina).

View looking the other direction.

The Antarctic Peninsula (known as O'Higgins Land in Chile,
Tierra de San Martín in Argentina, the Palmer Peninsula in the US,
and Graham Land in Britain) is currently dotted with numerous
research stations and nations have made multiple claims of sovereignty.
The peninsula is part of disputed and overlapping claims by
Argentina, Chile, and the United Kingdom. None of these claims
have international recognition and, under the Antarctic Treaty System,
the respective countries do not attempt to enforce their claims.
The British claim is recognized, though, by Australia, France, New Zealand,
and Norway. Argentina has the most bases and personnel stationed
on the peninsula. (per Wikipedia)

The Goleta Ancud monument commemorates the crew that sailed in May 1843
from Chiloé to the Strait of Magellan with the objective of taking possession
of this strategic point linking the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic.
The statue includes the ship's captain, Juan Williams Wilson, and some crew;
animals the expedition carried (two dogs, three pigs, two goats, and chickens)
to establish breeding lines; as well as mythical figures of the island of Chiloé.

The pool beneath the monument was very busy on this
beautiful warm summer's day.

Many people were out enjoying the afternoon.

Looking toward the port area.

Imperial shags (Phalacrocorax atriceps)

The Magelllan monument in the main square of Punta Arenas includes
this Native man, whose toe is rubbed to ensure a return trip to Patagonia
(or a smooth sail across the Drake Passage, depending on who you ask).
We'll see if it works (whichever one).