From Santiago our next destination was the island of Chiloe. However, because Chile’s prices are comparable to those found in the United States, we decided to travel there as quickly as possible (less nights in hotels). We made the trip in just three days, arriving at the ferry; tired but excited. To get from the mainland to the island you have to take a ferry, thankfully the crossing was on calm waters and we even saw some frolicking sea lions.
Our first stop on the island was to do a tour of several nearby islets; where colonies of Humboldt penguins can be found. There were lots of other sea birds present, but the penguins definitely stole the show (and our hearts:). This was the first time we had ever seen penguins in the wild!
The island of Chiloe is most famous for the Jesuit Mission churches that were built here over 200 years ago. One very unique characteristic of these churches compared to others found all over the American continents is that they were all constructed from wood. The decision to follow this design type rather than the more traditional adobe style was based on the livelihood and experience of the people living there. The ocean provided for all their needs and consequently they were accomplished boat builders – so they designed churches the same way. If you look carefully at the churches you will see that the interior ceilings are basically upside down boat hulls! Also fascinating is the fact that when they were constructed not a single nail was used! All connections between boards and beams were done using ingenious wooden joints (see pictures for examples). Of the 100 churches originally constructed, 16 are World Heritage Sites and still being used for religious services today. We were able to visit 14 of them. In order to maintain and protect their cultural heritage, the community volunteers at “Mingas,” which are large work projects that bring restoration specialists together with lots of manpower to accomplish the herculean task of caring for these architectural treasures.
When we weren’t driving all over the island to see different churches we were back at our campsite. Due to island prices, camping was our only option in this area. Overall, we had a great setup; we even had hot showers! The biggest difficulty was the amount of wind, especially when trying to cook meals. While here I also got a chance to do some bike maintenance and small repairs. We ended up here for an additional five days when Sharon sprained her ankle badly while walking off a small curb – true story. It was very swollen for a while and months later it is still not fully healed. What made it truly sad was that the next three months of our travel plans would put us on some of the best hiking trails of our entire trip, many of which Sharon would not be able to attempt due to her injury!
Two other milestones during this time: Sharon’s bike passed 50,000 miles on the odometer; she didn’t rack that all up on this trip (just most of it). And we reached the official end of the Panamerican Highway! Although we often traveled a more circuitous route, we had spent many days driving on this highway over the past 20 months and we were sad to see its termination point.
Chris & Sharon
Stunning photos, great narrative and Chris got a haircut!
Stay safe stay well. Uncle Jim & Aunt Joey
So great to hear from you both! We are glad that you liked the photos and stories. Unfortunately, since this update is from January, my hair is already grown back out again :). But since we are quarantine, only Sharon has to see it. Hope you are safe and sane in your home. Love, Chris (and Sharon)
You guys are going to have a hard time figuring out which pictures to put in your book that you are going to write about your travels!!!! Every time i look at the new pics i say to myself these are the best pictures so far. And of course they aren’t. But these might have been in some ways. Loved the churches the birds the little tiny chairs along the sides of the churches i think. The penguins were so wonderful. AND yes that pic of you guys trying to look like penguins. So funny. Thanks
Love june
Hi June! Still not sure about writing an actual book…writing the blogs is challenging enough for me. However, Sharon has started working on our first trip scrapbook (she estimates she will need to make 20+ books to do our entire trip)!!! We share your feeling of continual amazement as we experience each new wonder in our travels – the world was beautifully created 🙂 Those ‘little tiny chairs’ are called “kneelers” and the congregation uses them for prayer. Many of them well over a hundred years old! Love, Chris & Sharon