03.03.08 - To Navimag

Consolidation and Friendship

Just what is a Navimag anyway? Actually, it is the name of the company that services the inner waterways of Chilean Patagonia. During the territorial wars between Chile and Argentina, the Chilean government enlisted the help of a private shipping company to insure that provisions would be available for the distant towns of Patagonia. If the population was well supplied and healthy, then this would help to solidify territorial claims.  So Navimag was born with a single freight ferry. Since that time it has grown to support several truck ferries, while having expanded service to carry about 300 additional passengers.



The Navimag dock is located at the north end of Puerto Montt. The streets are lined with shops to support the tourist trade, as cruise ships also use the same berths.



In fact, the Navimag offices are hardly visible from the street, lined with “trinkets and trash” shops.



Last night I got to know my hostel roommates a little more. They are an energetic and very welcoming Dutch couple, Lotte (red backpack) and Marijn (to her right). They are the epitome of Dutch stereotypes, in that each speaks multiple languages and Marijn is over 2 meters, while Lotte stands around 1.8 meters. I can’t wait to see their offspring, probably very intelligent, personable, and about 3 meters tall.



The weather couldn’t be any better. The sun washed the old port in warmth and light.



While upstream, hull work seems to have taken a respite.



Looking straight ahead to the cruise ship dock and city beyond, with volcano vista, the day was crystalline.





A blast of black diesel smoke from the engines signaled the passengers that we were finally ready to head out to sea. (We would have to get used to that smell during the duration of the trip, as there was a prevailing stern breeze.)



The greatest joy of the Navimag experience was meeting new people from all over the world. I had actually met Linda (far right) and Lipika (second from the left), briefly, on the bus to Puerto Varas, so it was nice to regroup. Jane (far left) was a cabin mate, with the Dutchies and me. I had actually seen Birget in line for the bus, from Santiago to Pucon, and finally got the chance to meet her here, hundreds of kilometers and almost a week later. In a matter moments the German contingent was formed and we would end up spending weeks together.



The first few hours on the ship make everything appear interesting, from the com-tower…



… to the life boat system. After experiencing the near freezing waters of Mt. Aconcagua, spending any time in the sea didn’t appeal. Interestingly enough, there was enough room for about a quarter of the passengers and crew in two of these hardened orange boats. In a time of need, the rest would have to make due with semi-exposed “wet rafts”.



The good news was that the likelihood of needing the safety equipment was minimal, so we could all relax, enjoy the sunset, dinner, wine, and each other.