Isla Gordon lies in between northern and southern arms of the Beagle Channel, and it’s a wonderland. Tall peaks reach to the sky, glaciers slide sedately down the valleys, and waterfalls tumble down the sheer cliffs.
The island is indented by a number of bays and estuaries, all of which feature anchorages with good protection from the strong winds. One of the best is Caleta Cinco Estrellas, which translates to Five Star Cove.
A small inlet leads west from a larger bay, with the caleta at the head. Squeezing Madrone through a very narrow opening with submerged rocks visible under the crystal clear water on either side, we emerge into a tiny pool. There’s definitely not enough room to swing at anchor here, so we drop the anchor in the shallow edge of one side of the pool, back to the other side and then tie Madrone’s stern to the trees.
Our own private waterfall graces on corner of the pool, and a hike up the tundra-covered hill leads to our own private lake. We only share the surroundings with a family of local mink.
This is a well-named anchorage – Cinco Estrellas (Five Stars) for sure.
