View from the Puerto Natales ferry, rounding the base of the Peninsula Roca on the southern coast of Chile.

In contrast to their sudden rise to great height in Columbia, here the Andes slowly dwindle away to mountains of 2000m, then islands of 1000m. They finally dip, almost apologetically, below the sea south of Tierra Del Fuego to continue for a while as an underwater ridge. But not before a final blaze of glory in southern Patagonia with a series of spectacular granite towers and huge glaciers.

I've wanted to see the Andes since I was a child. I think I have now 'seen' them. And I'm not disappointed. Wonder what the Himalayas look like.........?