By Irene Butler

Published in TravelLady and Travel-Wise E-Zines

In 1520 Admiral Ferdinand Megellan landed on the shores of what is now known as Patagonia and immediately encountered the Tehuelche tribe. Ranging between six and six-foot-seven they appeared gigantic to the Admiral and his crew of short-statured Spaniards. Some say naming of Patagonia (an area comprising Southern Argentina and Chile) stemmed from Megellan’s particular fascination with their enormous feet. He dubbed the tribe “Patagons” derived from “pata” – Spanish for “foot”.

As adventurers moved across this land, titans of nature were discovered throughout; with even the vast emptiness was said to be in a league all its own. “Nothingness” or “colossal” with “no in-between” is the curious description given by travellers over the centuries; and all admit succumbing to a mysterious magnetism that draws them back time and time again. Our intrigue had been sparked; my partner, Rick and I were soon on a quest to seek out the giants of Patagonia.

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