Another day, another new country !

After a 5 hour bus journey from El Calafate, Argentina, we arrived in Puerto Natales, Chile - Southern Patagonia.

Stunning scenery on the journey, which made it seem much shorter.

As usual, John was very excited before the border crossing and warned Charlotte repeatedly to take it seriously - and to definitely dispose of her uneaten apple, as the Chilean authorities have strict rules regarding the import of fruits and vegetables...

After lauging his worries off but still obliging and throwing the apple in the nearest bin, we were stopped at customs, our bags were x-rayed and the border policeman asked about something suspicious seen in Charlotte's rucksack. When he specifically asked whether we attempted to smuggle an apple into the country, John's already grim face grew even sterner. Charlotte rushed to search her bag, but quickly realized what might have caused the confusion: the snowscene she bought for her brother Frido's collection. Luckily, Chilean border guards have a good sense of humour !

We took it easy for the rest of the day and simply enjoyed a most delicious lunch and the spectacular views of the Patagonian landscape from our beautiful hotel room in a converted meat processing factory (!)...

The next day we set off on our first hike to the caves of the Milodon.

The Milodon is a now extinct giant sloth which roamed these parts of Patagonia a few thousand years ago. Remains of which have been found in these now famous caves...

Can you spot the sloth in our pictures ?