February 2, 2025

PUERTO NATALES, CHILE

Along the road on the way to Puerto Natalie's, we stopped at the Natural Monument, Milodon Cave or Cueva del Milodon. The cave treasures the stories and experiences of the first human groups on the continent. Men and women came here seeking refuge from the unpredictable weather and on the lookout for wild animals. When the cave was discovered in 1895, by Hermann Eberhard, a German pioneer, he found the remains of a an animal skin later identified as a prehistoric Milodon more than 14,000 years old.


A wooden path leads to the entrance of the imposing and majestic cave.

Friends who were at cave earlier in the day had told me there was a family of 4 baby foxes playing in the rocky center of the cave. We scanned the whole area looking for them and I thought I saw one sleeping, lying amongst the rocks. However, when I saw their photos later, I realized that we were out of luck.


After the stop at the cave, we headed into the town of Puerto Natales. We did a walk around after checking into our hotel and had some time for shopping and strolling, before our dinner reservation.

By Pat Patrick • October 11, 2026
During our two years of sailing we have had several Shipmates come and go for a variety of reasons. Their health, has sadly been the reason for many departures. Cindy Harvey , would have loved to have lived out her days here on the Odyssey and even bought a second cabin and had an adjoining door added, to have a care provider, stay with her full time. However, Cindy's limited mobility, pain and confinement got to be too much - so she left us a few months ago. She went to an assisted living facility, on the coast of Oregon, to be near her family. Tragically she fell, was trying to recover, slipped into a coma and sadly passed away this week.
By Pat Patrick • October 8, 2026
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum is the world's largest hand carved wooden castle, located on the coast of Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand . Conceived in 1981 by Thai visionary Khun Lek Viriyaphun the structure is built entirely from 4 types of wood - Teak, Mai Daeng, Mai Takien & Mai Panchaat and put together using Thai nailless wood joinery - mainly dovetails, carrying poles and tongue & groove. We started the tour in the workshop where the artisan, mainly woman, were hard at work. Since conception, the Museum has been an active construction site, thus we all wore hardhats! The artisans continue handcarving sculptures and columns, daily and will most likely continue for years to come.
By Pat Patrick • October 7, 2026
We just had 5 days in the Port of Laem Chabang , Thailand. When we were here in mid-July, we spent that time exploring Bangkok, which is about a 2 hour drive NW of Port. This time we went to explore Pattaya which is south of Port on coast just about 45 minutes drive. Our fellow shipmate, party planner Eddie put together a fun Friday night touring the Pattaya walking street drag shows. He even recommended a hotel he had stayed at before that was right in the same area and a great location for the beach, bars and restaurants. All we had to do was book a room, show up & have fun!