ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND

Isla Robinson Crusoe is one of three small volcanic islands about 435 miles west of Santiago, Chile. In February 2010 there was a large earthquake in Chile which caused a huge tsunami to hit the island. We were amazed at the devastation the ocean left! However, the 600 hearty residents are working hard to clean up and restore their homes and parks. In spite of all the damage, a variety of colorful flowers and fruit trees can be found blooming throughout the town.

A supply ship comes from the mainland once a month bringing supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables, gasoline, spare parts etc. They earn their living fishing for the spiny lobster, but tourism is slowly increasing. A German ship sank during WWI, and scuba divers like to explore the wreck. We met a scuba diver happily carrying his catch of the day home, an octopus!

Seven original cannons from Santa Barbara Fort, built to defend the island against pirate attacks in the 18^th century, can still be seen. Chile was fighting for independence in the 1800s, and this island was used by freedom fighters for refuge. They hid in and lived in the hills in the Patriot Caves, which we were able to explore.

In 1704 a Scottish sailor, Alexander Selkirk was left on the island after a disagreement with the captain of his ship, with only a musket, gunpowder, carpenter's tools, a knife, a Bible and some clothing. He survived in a cave on the other side of the island for four years and four months (last picture) before being rescued. The novel Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe, was based on his actual experience during those years.

Juan Fernandez National Park is home many flora and fauna, and some marine species that only survive here, and hikers like to come to this nature reserve. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977.