Angelmó

Angelmó is a small community at the west end of Puerto Montt where there is a lot of activity relating to boats and ships and where fish and shellfish are delivered from surrounding areas. It has always been a colorful place that draws many tourists. I often enjoy taking a walk around the market and waterfront. Here are people coming and going across the narrow channel to Tenglo Island. Calbuco volcano is in the background, less than 20 miles to the east. In 1893 there were several prolonged eruptions that caused the volcano to collapse, changing the course of rivers. The most recent eruption was in 1996.

The Navimag ship arrived from the south today. It travels through the spectacular Patagonia channels to Puerto Natales, near the Straits of Magellan, carrying trucks, cars, and people.

Several Monicas are lashed together, having completed their day of tourist excursions to nearby islands. To the left is the two-tiered "cocinerías," tiny dining rooms that serve fresh fish and shellfish. The market is nearby. Navimag is in the background

At about 6pm there was a flurry of activity as people await the daily delivery of products from the area. These boats have sacks of mussels and clams. The people on shore are haggling for their share to sell in the market. There is a lot of joking, laughter, and arguments. Most have cash in hand, vying for the next sack of clams off the boat.

The delivery draws quite a crowd of onlookers. The products are delivered to the market below and one can order them at the tables in the dining rooms above, each one with a different owner. I couldn't resist, so took a seat at the window on the far right for a big plate of clams with onion, parsley and lemon juice. A glass of house wine helps with digestion.

There is only one way to offload the sacks, on people's backs.