Claudio easily switches between Spanish and English in his explanations as he drives us through the city. We learn that the government of Argentina wants to increase the population in Tierra del Fuego and has provided incentives to companies and individuals including reduced taxes and fuel subsidies for relocating here. Ushuaia has grown from 20,000 people to 80,000 people as a result, with an average age of 20. There are now approximately 100 electronics assembly companies in the area. We ask about the seasons and learn that the sun typically rises at 10am and sets at 5pm in the winter, while there are 17.5 hours of daylight in summer. The temperatures range from 2C (36F) in winter to 13C (55F) in summer. Some winters there is six feet of snow in the park, others just a foot.
Claudio starts us on another hike. The sun is back out and it is warm - now we are happy with our choice of jackets. The hike takes us through the brush and trees to the Beagle Channel and the end of Argentina's Route 3 - part of the Pan American Highway. There are a number of motorcyclists there celebrating their journey. The gear they have brought along is indicative of the journey, including spare tires and extra gas tanks.
For dinner we walk to the harbor and have to wait a few minutes for the restaurants which open early. We choose Volver and walk through their doors promptly at 7pm. It was established in 1896 and has an array of antiques inside. Very interesting. We enjoy excellent sea bass with crab for our entrees.