Message Center

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Rounding Cape Horn

I ENJOYED reading Joanne Omang's article on her experience visiting the tip of South America ["The Uttermost Part of the Earth," Sept. 24]. My wife and I visited in a similar manner and we were struck with how well the story is written. But I have to take issue with Omang's statement that her husband "wanted to round Cape Horn, as Magellan did." I did a considerable amount of research about the Strait of Magellan (note that it is "Strait" and not "Straits") and found that while the old explorer was indeed first to traverse the strait from the Atlantic to the Pacific, taking 38 days to go through, he never rounded the Horn.

While others subsequently did "round" Cape Horn, there is one famous explorer who tried for about a month without success. He finally gave up, reversed course and set sail past the Cape of Good Hope to reach the South Pacific. His name: Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty.

Ralph Sheaffer, Rockville

Who Banned What?

A DETAIL in your Sept. 17 Travel Q&A column is not technically correct. In the answer to the question, "Since we can't carry liquids aboard planes anymore, can we ship wine from France?", you replied, "With the airlines' ban of liquids, compounded by byzantine international shipping rules, you have only a few options . . ."

This delivers the impression that it is the airlines that have imposed the ban on liquids. This is not the case: It is the government, not the airlines, that has imposed the restrictions on gels, liquids and other items.

Elizabeth Machalek

Manager, Communications

Air Transport Association, Washington

Portland, Cont'd

HOW TIMELY to see your article after we had already made plans to vacation in Portland ["Portland, Maine: It's to Dine For," Aug. 27]. With your article in hand, we visited that vibrant city two weeks ago and dined at two of your recommended restaurants, Caiola's and Vignola's, where we had two of the most memorable meals ever. Our only regret was that we did not have the time to eat at the rest of the restaurants you mentioned. Thank you.

Donna and Carl Montoya, Falls Church

Road Treep, Cont'd

REGARDING JOEL Achenbach's article ["Road Treep!," Aug. 27]: