Latest novel from Maragaret Muir - offer of publication received
I finished the manuscript in July 2008.
It is now with my agent in London.
Hopefully I will have a positive update very soon.
Spetember - Offer of publication received.
Waiting to sign on the dotted line.
Site still under construction.
Photo: Bronze Condor on the streets of Punta Arenas on the Strait of Magellan
The Cordillera
The word Cordillera means 'knotted rope'.This is the Spanish name for the mountains.
The Andes run through Patagonia.
They are beautiful.
The Andean Condor
The condor has a wingspan of 10-12 feet (that's well over 3 meters).They live to 50 years of age.
Condor's feed mainly on carrion and when not feeding are most often seen soaring on the thermals of warm air currents high in the sky.
They are found in remote ares of the Andes from Venezuela in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south.
Photo: Tribute to Condor in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas - Sandy Point
Punta Arenas was the name given to the sandy point of land Ferdinand Magellan noted on the northern shore of the Strait of Magellan. It offered a safe place to beach the boats.The English translation 'Sandy Point' was
the name used by the British for many years.
Today the town is again known by its Spanish name.
Photo: Evidence of the Sandy point is still visible as are some of the old jetties now the home of hthouseands of seabirds (cormorants).
Criollo horses
The Criollo horses are the descendants of the Spanish War Horses brought to South America in the 1500s.A few were released in the 16th century. Now thousands run wild on the Patagonian pampas.
NOTE: the gaucho's leather belt decorated with pieces of silver and the dagger held behind it.
Guanaco in Patagonia
Guanaco are a llama-like camelid.They roam in large herds on the pampas right across patagonia.
They have traditionally been a source of meat and skin for the navite Tehuelche Indians.
Alpaca - a relative of the guanaco
Camelids are natives of South America.Llamas have been used for centuries as pack animals in the Andes.
Their hair is woven to make cloth.
The finest fibre from a camelid-type is obtained from the Vicuna.
These alpacas now live in Tasmania
Mate - the traditional South American drink
Mate is made from green leaves.It is like a green tea but is more invigorating than ordinary tea.
It also contains less caffeine than tea or coffee.
Traditionally it is drunk through a straw from a gourd and passed around as a social custom.
THE DRINK IN THE PICTURE IS NOT MATE.
This is a coca-leaf tea which is recommended for tourist in the Andes Mountains (Chile and Peru).
It is a stimulant which combats altitude sickness.
It is made from the leaves which are used to produce the drug cocaine.
Tierra del Fuego - The land of fire
details and pics coming
Tehuelche Indians
Native Patagonian Indians feature in the story
Newfoundland dogs
In 'The Condor's Feather' there are two black Newfoundlands which I have named, Byron and Bella (ater Lord Byron and his wife).The dogs play an important role in the story.
I chose Newfoundlands because of their extraordinary size and ability, especially for swimming.
Did you know that Newfoundlands have webbed feet? This beautiful 'bronze' Newfoundland is named 'Ishmael'. He lives in California with his owner Karen Mercury.
Karen is also a fiction writer - you can find a link to Karen further down this page.
The Beagle Channel
Pics coming
My other novels
Also check Amazon UK
My third novel, The Black Thread, sold out soon after publication,
It will be re-printed in LARGE PRINT format in 2009 under the Ulverscroft banner.
It will be re-printed in LARGE PRINT format in 2009 under the Ulverscroft banner.
The mountains of Patagonia
These incredible sharply pointed and angular mountains are the tail end of the Andes Mountians. Link to my other site
and some recommendations
I also have about 10 other Siquidoo sites, including sailing across the Atlantic, cruising the Med, cruising Antarctica, Tall ships, Goats,
and my novels, Sea Dust, The Black Thread and The Twisting Vine.
and my novels, Sea Dust, The Black Thread and The Twisting Vine.
- My Blog
- It's updated regularly
- My website
- Static but has a CONTACT ME page
- Karen Mercury - fiction author
- Karen has a 'bronze' Newfoundland named Ishmael
Punta Arenas/Sandy Point today
Today Punta Arenas is a busy city and port for the Antactic vessels.The ship in the picture is an expedition vessel.
Ferdinand Magellan
This statue of Ferdinand Magellan is in the town of Punta Arenas situated on the strait named after the famous explorer. Penguins at Lake Otway
There are over 10,000 penguins at the penguin rookery at Lake Otway (north of Puntas Arenas on the Strait of Magellan). 
