And the adventure has started – the first official southern river otter Expedition, led by Alejandro Valenzuela in Isla de los Estados. This expedition has also been awarded an Explorers Club flag – which we are super excited to take on this expedition.
Ale has two main objectives – the South Coast, where he has never looked for otters and the North coast, where he has cameras that he hasn’t been able to reach since COVID. We´re a full boat – with Ale, his student, plus another student taking advantage of the chance to collect EDNA samples from Isla de los Estados. Plus along the way we have picked up Sergio in Puerto Espanol. Sergio has hiked the entire island and has seen otters here, so he will help Ale as well. It was special to pick him up, as he has been living in a remote cabin for the last 4 years. When we landed Livia was the first baby he´d seen in 4 years. The joy on his face and the smiles that were returned were pretty special.
With the goal of the south coast, we had to watch the weather closely, as the south coast is open and exposed to the Southern Ocean. So watching the weather we timed our sailing from Ushuaia, with an overnight in Cambaceres, then an overnight in Puerto Espanol, so that we would hit a period of good weather to explore the south coast first.
In addition to the excitement of otters, its special to have Sergio onboard and a baby onboard. Small things are special – Sergio commented that it was the first time in 4 years that others would cook for him. He is very humble and gracious. Meanwhile Livia has 11 sailors and scientists wrapped around her little fingers – she knows how and when to smile to melt their hearts….
next post a few photos
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