Puerto Montt, Chile

After another smooth overnight cruise heading north in calm South Pacific waters we are sailing into the Golfo de Ancud to the city of Puerto Montt. Founded in the 1850’s mostly by settlers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Puerto Montt and nearby Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue are beautiful. Many of the early settlers were skilled craftsman and the result is quite unusual. Most of the houses look just like those found in Bavaria, Germany. With the snow covered mountains in the background including the occasionally visible Orsorno Volcano you almost feel like you are in the Alpine region of Europe.

About a thirty minute bus ride took us to the little town of Frutiller, where we had a chance to walk through a lovely garden and take in the beauty of the landscaping. The early settlers not only brought with them their architectural style, but also their tendency to have small flower gardens in front of every home. The well cared for appearance of the homes and surroundings was much appreciated. Each year in the region there is also a classical music festival, mostly performed by the young musicians in the region.

We discovered some interesting housing developments on the way back while driving on Highway 5, which is the Pan American highway. Although the houses are small and a different style, it reminded me of what occurred in the U.S. in the 1950’s and 1960’s with the development of Levittown in New York and Pennsylvania. We were told that the homes are preferred by young married couples and professionals who are purchasing their first homes.

When we got back to the Sunset Seas we were watching the CNN news and found out about another 6.0 aftershock from the earthquake again in Concepcion. At the moment we are sailing north just off the coast this region that was hit the hardest by the tremors.

There were no new reports of fatalities, but additional structural damage did occur. We expect to be in the Port of Valparaiso Sunday morning and have been advised that our scheduled bus tour of Santiago is still expected to take place. Santiago is usually about a two hour bus ride east from the coast, it will be interesting to see how long the trip takes with the quake damage.