Merry Christmas!

I wish everyone here, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010, and thank you for keep travelling with Compass of The North...Felíz Navidad! Sigan Soñando!

Chiloé...the wooden Island

Wooden architecture has developed in Chiloé along two distinct lines. The first is associated with Spanish settlers of the 16th century. Though there are no documents of the period some have survived from the 18th century and aid our understanding of earlier periods. The second line of development is that brought by German colonists of the mid 19th century.These two strong heritages have been fused to the enrichment of both. As a result the architecture is vernacular in character and gives expression to the culture of the islands and personality of the builder."Palafitos", (picture above), The buildings are raised on poles in the water. Though it is not original to Chiloé the style has been adopted in Ancud, Quemchi, Castro, Chonchi and other ports. Their construction was stimulated by the large amount of waterborne traffic in the 19th century. Only a few remain today, primarily in Castro.

The style developed local characteristics, especially at the front where the living space was extended with balconies and characteristic window forms. With their shingled exteriors the Palafitos have a delightful appearance which has been strongly influenced by the traditional textile designs known to Chilote craftsmen.

The structural form of Chilote churches and chapels is very simple. Despite common bonds there is also a rich diversity of facades,

"Tejuela", (Shingle construction), Shingles were rarely used in the colonial period, they came into fashion with the arrival of German settlers in the areas of Llanquihue and Puerto Montt, who used them to give grace and elegance to their constructions. The shingles are cut from the timber of the alerce and are thin, wide and long, they are lapped one over another to prevent the ingress of rain leaving only a third of their length in view. The overall effect depends upon the shapes into which the shingles have been cut. Original dimensions were 90 cm long, 15 cm wide and 1 cm thick nowadays they are a little smaller.

Records from 1770 show that the houses of Castro, Chacao and the countryside all were built of weatherboard with thatched roofs (though a few were roofed with board). Thatched roofs, providing good insulation and protection from the weather, were part of the Mapuche culture. It is still possible to see a few examples in the islands of Quinchao and Lemuy.

100% natural ...100% quality products...Chiloes Wool... Chiloe is well known for the many wool items it has. From scarves to sweaters, the wool is simply amazing. Quite warm and colorful. You can't leave Chiloe without buying some "chilote" sweater or one tipical Poncho.... You won't regret it on cold days.

...keep travelling with Compass of the North... see you soon in another Chapter in this Southern Wild and cold Journey...hasta la vista!

Chiloé Ferries...the last frontier

Hello everyone!, welcome on board to another destination in this South American Journey...Chiloé Island

Travel by Ferry is the only way to go to Chiloé...this trip from mainland Chile to the Island takes about 30 minutes, 100% recomended is one amazing adventure...just make sure to bring one big jacket with you, and enjoy the wild beautiful landscapes of the end of the worldThe Isla Grande of Chiloé is South America's largest island and among its most striking cultural anomalies. Divided by the gentle peaks of the Coastal Range, Chiloé's eastern and western coasts are two worlds apart. To the west is a wilderness of endless beaches, dune habitat, and temperate rainforests, much of it protected in one of Chile's most forgotten national parks. To the east are the scattered islands of the Chiloé archipelago, sheltered from Pacific storms, intensely cultivated, home to a traditional culture of subsistence farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen.

The Jesuit order made this corner of the earth their special responsibility, erecting schools and over two hundred elegant wooden churches, nine of which are protected as national monuments. A rich mythology - populated by strange trolls, sea monsters, and eerie ghost ships - is yet another mark of Chiloé's singular history.

Today, Chiloé balances wild, unbridled nature with one of South America's most remarkable traditional cultures. Renowned for its seafood, its woolen handicrafts, and the warmth of its people, Chiloé is still a largely unknown destination for walking and biking, fishing, paddling and birding.

The town of Castro, characterized by its fleets of yellow fishing boats and distinctive palafito houses built on stilts above the tides, is easily accessible and provides a full range of tourist services. The charming islands of the archipelago, meanwhile, can only be visited by boat or kayak.

travel tip: Make sure to bring one Camera handy, you´ll see (if you are lucky) Black Dolphins, or "tuninas", tipical Dolphins from the South of Chile. They follow your trip and welcome you to the Island