Patagonia changes you. In this land at the end of the world, the clear, sharp air permeates you and is driven marrow-deep by the forever wind. A land of stark contrasts, this is the home of colorful lupines, majestic Andean condors, and crystal blue glaciers that beckon in the distance. When winter grips the northern hemisphere, the Chilean summer bursts with frenzied color, giving way to carpets of lush wildflowers, nesting birds, and melting icebergs that calve thunderously into the arms of the icy water. Thriving in this unique environment, many of the plants and animals are found nowhere else on earth. Here you can see rare birds such as the striking Magellanic Woodpeckers, dancing Chilean Flamingos, sprinting Darwin's Rheas, and effervescent Magellanic Penguins. With dramatic scenery as a background, these colorful lupines made it easy for us to share "how to" tips with our photography group, such as how to get everything in focus from a few feet away to the Andes Mountains in the background.
Ann & Rob Simpson
Patagonia | Lord Fairfax Community College
