Strait of Magellan

Brrr. My water is very chilly, and tall, snowy mountains stand on my sides like big, friendly giants. I live at the very bottom of the world, where the wind sings a windy song. It is so much fun here. Wobbly penguins march along my shores, and big, gentle whales swim by to say hello. I am a secret path made of water, hiding between two huge oceans. It’s like I am playing peek-a-boo with the world. Do you know my name? I am the Strait of Magellan.

A very, very long time ago, in the year 1520, a brave explorer named Ferdinand Magellan sailed his big ships to find me. He and his crew were on a great big adventure. They were looking for a special path to get from one big ocean to another, and they were very brave to travel so far from their homes. On November 1st, 1520, they found me. It was so exciting. Their ships sailed through my chilly, winding waters for the very first time. I tickled the bottoms of their boats as they floated by. They were so happy that they named me after their captain. I loved my new name.

For hundreds and hundreds of years after my new friends found me, many big ships used me as a special shortcut. It was busy and fun. Before another water path, the Panama Canal, was built in 1914, I was one of the only ways for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without going all the way around the cold, icy bottom of the world. I watched so many sailors and their amazing ships pass through my waters. They carried treasures and told me wonderful stories of faraway places. I felt so important and helpful.

Today, I am still a beautiful and important place. I am a safe and happy home for my wonderful animal friends, like the playful penguins and the giant whales. People still visit me on big boats to see my snowy mountains and my blue water. They remember the brave explorers from long ago. I love connecting the world and showing everyone the wonders of the sea.