As we left Puerto Madryn and headed north to Peninsula Valdes the rain poured down and we could hardly see out the windows! We stopped at the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Intrepretation Center which had several picture displays of the different marine mammals in the area. Next stop, the Punta Norte Reserve where we were supposed to see elephant seals and sea lions. The rain was pouring down so hard and the wind blowing as we hurried out to a small covered area to see the sea lions and elephant seals. We could ALMOST see them! We took a few pictures and were sorry it was so miserable because there was a boardwalk that went down closer to the beach for observations. We were soaked as we got back into the van.
Sea lions and elephant seals video link: https://youtu.be/taS7vTmeHBE
We continued north to Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional sheep farm in the area that has been in the same family over 100 years. They supply much of the Morino wool exported from Argentina. Much of the road was gravel and our driver had to weave his way through deep water and ruts on the way! Instead of going out to the penguin reserve first, the guide decided we would have lunch and hope the rain would stop. Inside the building we saw a lamb on the spit, grilling for our lunch.
As we were all settling into the tables, the guide suddenly said, "Let's go!" It was the strangest thing - the rain instantly had stopped and the sun came out and the sky was blue!
Back in the van we bumped along another five miles and got to one of the largest Magellen penguin reserves in the world. We were able to walk on the rock trail and see the penguins close up. It was so fun to see them and hear them. They sound like donkeys braying!
We spent over an hour walking among them and watching their antics. The babies are about two months old right now and are molting their baby feathers and getting their "adult" feathers and oil glands which will protect them in the water. Penguin Videos https://youtube.com/shorts/TpMVq0whbjc?feature=share and https://youtube.com/shorts/2ODkF0hb784?feature=share
They make their nest in burrows in the ground, under small bushes and return to the same burrow every year. Most of the time, they couples "mate" for life. The male and female both tend the eggs and caring for the young. One will stay with the babies while the other goes to the ocean to feed. When one returns, the other will go feed. The babies are fed by regurgitated food.
Back to the Estancia, we had a great lunch which was included with our tour. Others ordered off the menu. We sat with a younger couple with a 12 year old son and an woman about our age. Turns out they all spoke SOME English so it was pleasant. Our meal was HUGE - first a plate mounded with sausages, cheese and olives. Next was empanadas, then salad. The main course was a large "grill" with different cuts of lamb. We shared with the others because there was too much food for two people!
After lunch we were on our way back to Puerto Madryn with a quick photo stop at Puerto Piramides. Between June and December they have boat tours to whale watch from there. This time of year, nothing except a photo.
We did see several herds of guancos on our way back to town.
We arrived back into Puerto Madryn around 5:30. The rain had stopped, but it was still windy. There was live music near the pier so we went to listen. It was a religous concert, but sounded like rock music to us! We listened for a while then went in search of empanadas "Fritas" and walked and walked. We finally got to the "Emapandas House" and this location only had the baked ones - and it was only take out! AHHH. Oh well, we got a couple and walked back toward the center of town. We decided we needed something else and ended up getting vegetable canoli to share. I'm not sure what the vegetable was, maybe spinach? We were full and headed back to the hotel for the night.
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