The Huascar . . . or not!

 On April 5th, LDS General Conference weekend, we decided to take another field trip with the other couples in the building. We went in the morning before conference started and then got back to our apartments in time to watch conference. We were on a 3 hour time difference so conference didn't start for us until 1:00.

 We decided to go out to the naval base in Talcahuano Harbor and visit the "Huascar". The "Huascar" is one of the oldest floating museum ships in the world.

 The morning was cool and misty. If you looked to your left you could see the mountains, if you looked to the right you could see the ocean. Both just a few yards away.

 We walked by this old vacant government building. It was a beautiful building but too unstable for any one to be allowed any exploration of the premises. It had a yellow tape around it warning people to keep away.

As we looked out into the harbor we saw a fleet of ships that looked like ghost ships because of the mist.

 We were happy to find out that instead of visiting the "Huascar" we were actually visiting a fleet of ships called a floating embassy. We were lucky to be able to see them and board them. There was a ship from each South American country and this was the last day to visit them because they would be setting sail on Monday.

 This is the "Esmerelda", a Chilean ship. It was built in 1952 in Cadiz, Spain. Elder L spent some time in Cadiz on his 1st mission. The ship is still used today as part of Chile's naval academy training.

 Elder Pendly looks on as we pose for a pictures. It was fun watching the naval cadets use toothbrushes to polish and shine this ship.

 We were all impressed with the large crow's nest.

 The six of us saying cheese for the camera. We are still aboard the "Esmerelda".

 This is a view of the harbor from the "Esmerelda".

 It was fun to explore the boats, they let us go up and down the stairs.

 The 3 hermanas having fun with the pirate. This ship was from Ecuador.

 This ship was covered with flags and looked very festive. It was named "Gloria" and represented Colombia.

 The ship in the background named "Cisne Branco"is from Brazil. The ship was actually built in Amsterdam. The mates on board were playing very loud music.

 The top deck of the "Cisne Branco".

 The coat of arms sported by the "Cisne Branco".

 This is an etched window in the dining room of the "Simon Bolivar" from Venzuela.

 The "Libertad" was from Argentina, I liked how the flags started at the bottom and then went way up to the top.

 The Pendley's deciding which ship to looke at next. Each ship is used and taken care of by that countries navy. The personnel aboard each ship was sharply dressed in their naval uniforms and looked very spiffy as did the ships.

 This is me on the "Libertad" looking at the people down below on the boardwalk.

 This is Elder L standing by one of the guns on the "Libertad".

 Having fun with the pirate's hook. Yo ho ho!

 Goodbye to a great morning and a special treat. You never know what you are going to find when you decide to go exploring!

We will save the Huascar for a different day.