Our First Golden Earring, Rounding Cape Horn

Between the two southern-most cities in the world, the Viking Sun had a mission...to round Cape Horn and survive. This area is called "The Sailors' Graveyard" for all the ships that have been lost trying to make the journey although the number of ships rounding the horn was greatly reduced with the Magellan Strait and Panama Canal. The night before our perilous trip, we were instructed to batten down the hatches...all objects in our rooms were to be secured. At times there are 50-foot waves, strong currents, winds, and icebergs. We didn't have anything of value in our room to worry about, but the thought of seasickness was a slight concern.

We woke up to heavy fog thanks to no wind and therefore calm seas. The Sun sailed by the islands of the point, once on the north side, and then continued the circle on the south side from west to east, to make for a more peaceful voyage.
We could barely make out the albatross memorial to those who have died rounding the point. It stands close to the small navy station where Chilean sailors serve a month at a time in this desolate area. According to our lecturers, we have now earned a golden earring which we can wear proudly on our left ears since they faced the point as we rounded the horn.

Beautiful Albatross flying near the ship

Albatross Monument

Naval Station