Thursday (13-January-2011) — Chile

Gone to See Patagonia 2010/2011. Photography Workshop with Thom Hogan. Day 18: Detained as Political Prisoners in Puerto Natales.

We are still sitting in a hotel in Puerto Natales. The roads continue to be blocked, and we have no idea when we will be able to get to the airport in Punta Arenas. In essence we are being held political prisoners since we are not able to leave this small town and this country.  Does anyone remember “Missing”.

Update as of 3 PM local. We were looking at an option to return to Argentina and fly back from Calafate. A bus would bring us to the road block and we would have to walk across with our entire luggage. Another bus would pick us up on the other side. The protesters told the driver we could walk across the line, but they would then destroy the bus. So we are probably spending another night in Puerto Natales. The harbor was also closed due to the strike, so that also was not an option.

Update at 5 PM Local. We just checked back into the Hotel.

Fishing Boat in Pureto Natales Harbor. Image taken with a Leica D-Lux 5 camera (David J Mathre)
Fishing Boat in Pureto Natales Harbor. Image taken with a Leica D-Lux 5 camera (David J Mathre)
Hotel Australis in Pureto Natales overlooking the "Fjord of Last Hope." Image taken with a Leica V-Lux 20 camera (David J Mathre)
Hotel Australis in Pureto Natales overlooking the “Fjord of Last Hope.” Image taken with a Leica V-Lux 20 camera (David J Mathre)

22-January-2011 edit: Check out Thom Hogan’s blog about being held hostage in southern Chile.