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Almost there
We headed out of the mountains down some steep stretches. And suddenly we were on the great paved road thru lush valleys.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/1...e1a71c85_o.png http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...a2433fda_c.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/1...03242627_c.jpg http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...eeb64bde_c.jpg http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/1...fc3bab6d_c.jpg http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...b727b6c8_c.jpg There were still no cars on this back road thru the desert and at times you worried the road was closed. We did however drive thru a Chinchilla sanctuary. It’s not to often you see a sign saying slow down for chinchillas. No cars means no towns, or crappy towns with by the hours motels, so we opted to head back to the Pan Americana at Los Vilos at 310 km to find a place to sleep. |
Cool stuff guys!!!
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TMK
Hey you guys thanks. Finally made it 5500 km from Quito to just under 150 km to Santiago in 20 days. Not that impressive actually I guess since the record from Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia is 21 days. We will be in Vina del Mar for Christmas if your lonely. Also considering the Dakar with Trevor Jan 5. It is a 2000 km detour, but whose counting.
Just got a tip from Nomadic one Route 40 info. [url=http://www.ruta40.gov.ar] |
Limache
Now we were very close to our goal of Santiago with a day to kill. We opted to stay a night in Limache about 130 km from the city. We toured along the coast and found out where all the rich Chileans live in style.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/1...55b5e033_o.png http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/1...fbd51b18_c.jpg http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/1...20cd9420_c.jpg http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/1...b4306189_c.jpg http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/1...75be4658_c.jpg We did a little living in style ourselves since Dan found this place on line at 70% off! Finally a deal in Chile! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/1...8efc8be4_c.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/1...96647f0a_c.jpg |
Sarah and Daniel,,,,,,,great pics.....Antonio and I arrived in Santiago on the 9th.
We purchased 2 Chinese Euromots and should have all papers in order by Wednesday. We are holed up in a nice smaller Hotel called Piso 3 at 027 Luis Thayer Ojeda..District of Providencia. It is not far from the tallest building in Santiago in the upscale area of the City. If you want to get together for a drink or dinner email me......haysandy@gmail.com Bob:scooter::scooter::scooter::scooter: |
hey
Quote:
SP |
Happy Holidays
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Moto 1 year on the road overhaul in Santago
After another all night flight we arrived in Santiago at 715 am and we took a taxi to drop off our Christmas gifts from Santa (our parts ordered and shipped to Miami) to Ruben at Johnny Motos and then another taxi ride to BMW to get the bikes. We finally arrived back tired at the Johnny Motos shop at 1030.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/1...5e18819a_c.jpg DSC09575 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Ruben’s shop is very clean and organized. He is a very efficient, competent, and careful mechanic. We have 4 riding friends who have had work here and we were very happy with the job he did for us. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/1...f85e91ed_c.jpg DSC09566 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/1...571e7590_c.jpg DSC09568 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/1...44da66c3_c.jpg DSC09570 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/1...5d8d6709_c.jpg DSC09585 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/1...761ee676_c.jpg DSC09584 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/1...a8128f98_c.jpg DSC09604 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...d6ff6255_c.jpg DSC09583 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/1...788d9c91_c.jpg DSC09592 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr He managed all the work in 2 days and let Daniel use his shop and tools to do the work he needed to do. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/1...31045804_c.jpg DSC09563 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/1...48aeab5f_c.jpg DSC09573 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...b504e724_c.jpg DSC09574 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/1...9aeab3d8_c.jpg DSC09589 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/1...fcc4d07b_c.jpg DSC09588 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr WORK LIST F800GS Ruben Replace swing arm bushings Install new Touratech expedition rear shock Install new DID chain and new sprocket Install new BMW chain guide New wheel bearings Brake pads New heated handgrip Oil change Daniel Rewire entire bike with PDM 60 and installation of Ridged Dually lights (bought from Amazon for 10$ less and with free shipping) F650 GS Ruben Swing arm bushings New Touratech rear explorer shock which was modified by Alex Martin at Konflict morotsports New DID chain and new sprocket New BMW chain guide New wheel bearings Oil change http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...ba17c640_o.jpg photo by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Daniel Rewire entire bike with PDM 60 and installation of ridgid dually lights On top of this he ordered us Sushi on day 1 and made a BBQ for us on day 2. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/1...afc7d293_c.jpg DSC09581 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/1...e25aa0d7_c.jpg DSC09582 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/1...25b36ed2_c.jpg DSC09600 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/1...8a793e61_c.jpg DSC09606 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Vina del Mar and Valapriso
Now to race to the coast on Christmas Eve before dark and more important before the liquor store closes. We did have to settle for empanadas, a bag of chips, and a coke from the corner store for Dinner, but at least the botteleria was open for some wine.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...6e078ecc_b.jpg Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 1.58.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Christmas day it was dead quiet in town and we walked to the seashore and past the famous flower clock. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...5237b9e4_c.jpg DSC09619 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...20d9d17f_c.jpg DSC09618 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/1...0faa2074_c.jpg DSC09620 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr For Christmas dinner we had planned to meet up with fellow rider Orvar (Kingdom of Sweden) and his wife Anne who flew in to meet him. They will have a great view for the fireworks. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/1...01394922_c.jpg DSC09622 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...9e8817d5_c.jpg DSC09631 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/1...efdcd3dc_c.jpg DSC09632 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The gang hopped the Metro to Valparaiso nearby. It is a very hilly and colorful city, famous for it’s graffiti. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/1...d87dcb96_c.jpg DSC09635 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/1...c6973692_c.jpg DSC09636 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/1...306860d8_c.jpg DSC09638 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/1...0e355769_c.jpg DSC09640 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/1...9178d047_c.jpg DSC09644 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...91a8620b_c.jpg DSC09645 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/1...8fe2cba0_c.jpg DSC09647 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...e1990456_c.jpg DSC09646 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/1...0202d2d8_c.jpg DSC09652 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/1...af6092ae_c.jpg DSC09671 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/1...981508a0_c.jpg DSC09709 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...ae9c872a_c.jpg DSC09654 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is a church at the TOP of the hill. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/1...68b500cb_c.jpg DSC09656 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...e1964184_c.jpg DSC09660 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We thought this was seasonally funny. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/1...8a40cd31_c.jpg DSC09667 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We stumbled upon a nice restaurant with great food and a view over the city. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/1...8948e6ce_c.jpg DSC09698 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/1...55e9cd5b_c.jpg DSC09674 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...69d77647_c.jpg DSC09678 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The trolley busses here look like they are from the 50’s. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/1...91c5022f_c.jpg DSC09715 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was a lot of action in the main square with various bands and a fair. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/1...63d64627_c.jpg DSC09717 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/1...66b0151c_c.jpg DSC09746 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...a1f41f8a_c.jpg DSC09728 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/1...6e74f2d6_c.jpg DSC09732 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Vina del Mar and Valapriso
The Cathedral was a nice refuge from the heat and humidity.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/1...21e30d6e_c.jpg DSC09724 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/1...24105486_c.jpg DSC09757 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/1...4cfbfbce_c.jpg DSC09763 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/1...5982ba10_c.jpg DSC09759 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Stopping for a beer in the local market we had great people watching opportunities. We also came upon a Christmas concert in another square. I never expected to meet Captain Jack Sparrow and Frank Sinatra today either. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/1...afc810f1_c.jpg DSC09766 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/1...64e18bfa_c.jpg DSC09767 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/1...f4bb65d5_c.jpg DSC09642 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...3e08c99c_c.jpg Image by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/1...166a0705_c.jpg DSC09773 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/1...50601b66_c.jpg DSC09775 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...4c2170e9_c.jpg DSC09780 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/1...16303e6e_c.jpg DSC09786 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/1...81986023_c.jpg DSC09807 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
New tires after 26,000 km
Now it’s time for a day trip to Santiago to get some tires for Sara’s 650. We last put tires on her bike in Huston 26,000 km ago. They do still have some life, but since we are headed to Ushuaia now is the opportune time.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/1...6084e7ee_b.jpg Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 2.02.33 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had ordered Heidenau K60’s from Motoaventura for Dec 10, but they can not keep them in stock and they were waiting for an air cargo shipment, which arrived last week. They have moved to a new location in Dehesa just 3 blocks down from the new BMW dealership. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/1...86e4382b_z.jpg Screen Shot 2013-12-30 at 1.57.37 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Moto Aventura has a nice shop here, but I hear the one in Orsorno is huge. They have a full range of gear if you are in need. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/1...4464ecaf_c.jpg DSC09819 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/1...f7948850_c.jpg DSC09818 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/1...80de35fb_c.jpg DSC09820 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...8687cb0c_c.jpg DSC09826 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr These are the tires old and new. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/1...c1cb5b09_c.jpg DSC09828 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/1...1ec56fec_c.jpg DSC09832 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They were super flexible for us and fit us in and mounted the tires for us during the holidays. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/1...43d45b62_c.jpg DSC09823 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have a Heidenau display with a new tire and one with 18,000 km from a 1200. They said they are going to add mine now too! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/1...678a066d_c.jpg DSC09825 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/1...b0c7aa31_c.jpg DSC09836 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
New Years 2013
Well it is finally the last day of 2013. We started it off with a trip to the ice cream shop of course.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5524/1...2aa9ea3c_c.jpg New Years 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr For lunch we went to an empanada shop with pitchers that list how much more friendly you get as you drink more of it. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/1...f7f4df33_c.jpg New Years 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...20bd205f_c.jpg New Years 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The rest of the day was shopping for a New Years Eve celebration. The streets were mobbed with people doing the same thing. We got a whole fish filleted for 6$ and then stocked up on liquids. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/1...6b375f38_c.jpg New Years 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/1...94a3c6f0_c.jpg New Years 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/1...8afc612e_c.jpg New Years 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/1...6c07cdfc_c.jpg New Years 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The meal was a group effort. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/1...3f6e5c66_c.jpg New Years 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/1...470de035_c.jpg New Years 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/1...605e1d4c_c.jpg New Years 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then we got on our costumes and headed to the beach. People were streaming there by the thousands. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/1...825fcf22_c.jpg New Years 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/1...3269fd66_c.jpg New Years 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/1...c119fa70_c.jpg New Years 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/1...3e624b1a_c.jpg New Years 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...20ef0095_c.jpg New Years 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were lucky enough to get a spot with a family from Santiago. They had staked out a parking spot that morning and they were kind enough to share with us. The fire works show was epic and lasted 30 minutes from barges all along the coast as far as you could see in both directions. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/1...7036f829_c.jpg New Years 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...6320ccf3_c.jpg New Years 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/1...7693e9de_c.jpg New Years 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...9f309f6e_c.jpg New Years 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/1...27670e89_c.jpg New Years 79 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/1...343f15fa_c.jpg New Years 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/1...37505144_c.jpg New Years 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/1...b07347a1_c.jpg New Years 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Argentina Country 15
Getting up at 8 after 5 hours sleep was not easy, but we only have 3 days to get the 1300 km to Rosario for the start of the Dakar 2014. Today it’s just the border and 400 km to Mendoza Argentina.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/1...ed354c4e_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 3.42.12 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is a gas stop in the mountains before the border to which we added our sticker to their large collection. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/1...2986e9b1_c.jpg mendoza 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then you head UP hill including the 21 switchbacks to the snow sheds and the ski resort. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/1...dc2f1c96_z.jpg mendoza 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...89dc92e1_c.jpg mendoza 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/1...1295c308_c.jpg mendoza 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2880/1...7ab354f8_c.jpg mendoza 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr After this you will see a “thanks for visiting Chile sign” and then a border control building on the left. Don’t stop here (everyone does) this is the Chile Immigration. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5543/1...96e3e7ba_c.jpg mendoza 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/1...0268950f_c.jpg mendoza 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Just keep going thru the mega long snow shed and then the Cristo Redenor Tunnel. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/1...5749c278_c.jpg mendoza 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/1...89272821_c.jpg mendoza 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr After this there is a small control building in the middle of the road. Stop here and give your plate number to the police officer and receive a very official scrap of paper with an aduana stamp on it. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...cc29b748_c.jpg mendoza 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then proceed to the Argentina customs on the left about 15 km up the road. This guy in the truck stopped us to make sure we were going to Argentina, and not Chile, because there is no signage to tell you when to stop and everyone gets confused. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/1...8dc09380_c.jpg mendoza 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/1...f11be18f_c.jpg mendoza 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/1...1470f2de_c.jpg mendoza 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Enter the metal roofed building and get in line with the cars. When you get to the first booth give them your passport, tourist card (that you got when you entered Chile), and your Reciprocity Fee receipt. This must be paid on line and PRINTED before you come to the border. You can NOT buy it at the border. For Canadians it is currently 75$ for 3 months multiple entry from bordering countries or 150$ for 5 years unlimited entry from all countries. They will give you a new tourist card to fill out for Argentina. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/1...42a1ef68_c.jpg mendoza 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/1...60bbfb94_c.jpg mendoza 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Insurance is mandatory for Argentina, but you cannot buy it at the border. We tried 3 companies in Santiago and none would sell it to foreigners. There is 1 small shack on the way to the border that says “Seguros” or Insurance, but it did not look functional. We were not asked for ours. Others have been recently and turned away. They returned the next day with a photo shopped document, but were not asked for it. We purchased ours online from an agent in La Falda. It is 12$ per month and covers Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay. Next you are directed to the aduana. They want your title and Temporary import papers for Chile. The agent did all the work for us. The entry and exit stamps for us and the new temporary import permits. Unlike our 4 hours to get into Chile with the strike here we were out of Chile and into Argentina with the bikes in 45 minutes. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...1b7a537e_c.jpg mendoza 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...8d0e4d93_c.jpg mendoza 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then we had some great scenery to enjoy on the way to Mendoza. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/1...c2563fb4_c.jpg mendoza 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7314/1...db3c6c78_c.jpg mendoza 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/1...6926089d_c.jpg DSC05268 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Road to the Dakar
We had a night here and then we were on our way 483 km to Rio Cuarto mostly using the secondary roads.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/1...b7ea2fd9_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 3.44.03 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Getting up a bit late today our first order of business was getting Argentinean Pesos. The guys headed to the Cambio office to try and find some black market moneychangers. The official rate here is 6.48 Pesos to 1 USD. The unofficial rate varies from 8-9.5. Asking the rate just for fun at the cambio office the staff openly told us that we should go see the guys on the corner for a much better rate. We did and were offered 9.5 with out question. Now we can stop for a coffee and a toasted sandwich for breakfast. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/1...0d075dc8_c.jpg road to Dakar 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/1...c6d3b7a7_c.jpg road to Dakar 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Driving thru the wine country on the 7 we arrived at out fist toll and were thrilled to find motos are free in Argentina! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/1...193d01d4_c.jpg road to Dakar 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/1...d59c6691_c.jpg road to Dakar 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/1...7a17dcc0_c.jpg road to Dakar 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/1...abff6ae2_c.jpg road to Dakar 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/1...6c8b9a7b_c.jpg road to Dakar 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were these crazy rainbow clouds in the sky today. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/1...27a0a46d_c.jpg road to Dakar 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Rio Cuarto is a nice town with a good hotel on the square and with a view of the church. We created quite a crown out front. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/1...0bc25120_c.jpg road to Dakar 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/1...a4073d65_c.jpg road to Dakar 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/1...b3375db8_c.jpg road to Dakar 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The “tree” in the fountain was made of plastic bags filled with water and was light up at night. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/1...814ffc4e_c.jpg road to Dakar 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/1...c0db0c3d_c.jpg road to Dakar 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...434b887d_c.jpg road to Dakar 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We enjoyed our first Argentinean beer, but did not enjoy another local favorite Fernet Branca, which the Swedes drink straight, but the locals mix with coke. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...a957c97a_c.jpg road to Dakar 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...aa72de47_c.jpg road to Dakar 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/1...a2c34483_c.jpg road to Dakar 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...b1bc5bfe_c.jpg road to Dakar 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/1...dc46d64c_c.jpg road to Dakar 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/1...da5b7592_c.jpg road to Dakar 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Road to the Dakar
Heading out from here we stayed on the back roads the 392 km to Rosario and stopped in a few of the small towns.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/1...3a4231bc_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-05 at 5.55.18 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/1...4e1fbfe5_c.jpg road to Dakar 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...aa152379_c.jpg road to Dakar 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/1...e1e41514_c.jpg road to Dakar 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We met some very friendly locals. Juan Pablo in the white spoke perfect English and all his friends wanted pictures of the bikes. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...a66318a9_c.jpg road to Dakar 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/1...7df4904e_c.jpg road to Dakar 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/1...592e8e27_c.jpg road to Dakar 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr At 4 we were starved, but could not find a restaurant until the coyote bar where we had “tostadas” again. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/1...97d9b6f0_c.jpg road to Dakar 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/1...6eeb15a2_c.jpg road to Dakar 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/1...cfcb74cf_c.jpg road to Dakar 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were also a big hit when we stopped for gas. Dan had this same bike when he was a kid. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/1...76bb9808_c.jpg road to Dakar 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had finally arrived to Rosario late at 5 pm, and decided on the local place for dinner with fellow travellers Trevor and Nick (driveoverland.com). |
Dakar 2014
In the morning we walked the 3.5 km to the Dakar Village.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/1...eb202bda_c.jpg Dakar 2014 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/1...20321cef_c.jpg Dakar 2014 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/1...c52ace75_c.jpg Dakar 2014 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/1...f44fa88f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/1...7e712a6b_c.jpg Dakar 2014 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was a photo exhibit at the command center. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/1...7f9f1328_c.jpg Dakar 2014 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/1...5c97b793_c.jpg Dakar 2014 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/1...9654beac_c.jpg Dakar 2014 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...81be6d25_c.jpg Dakar 2014 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/1...6bd558c2_c.jpg Dakar 2014 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/1...c194d503_c.jpg Dakar 2014 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We then got in the huge line for entry tickets. The end of the line was about 2 blocks from the monument entry. Orvar had disappeared, but then came back with 4 tickets. He had pulled the “I speak Swedish and where do I get tickets” which got him directed to the front of the line. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/1...5a499c79_c.jpg Dakar 2014 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/1...1be06451_c.jpg Dakar 2014 76 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7426/1...465cca3f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed for the village. The first person I met was a volunteer Mirella, who is a friend of Alicia Sornosa! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/1...bf17b15a_c.jpg Dakar 2014 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/1...157d9ef5_c.jpg Dakar 2014 79 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/1...bdd9c183_c.jpg Dakar 2014 110 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/1...1402fcf8_c.jpg Dakar 2014 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/1...535765a3_c.jpg Dakar 2014 109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...80e5940a_c.jpg Dakar 2014 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Dakar 2014
Next we checked out the vehicles of all types.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/1...6c73c7cd_c.jpg Dakar 2014 84 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/1...b1b27aa8_c.jpg DSC00087 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...a5a6f7ab_c.jpg Dakar 2014 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/1...49ed7c9b_c.jpg Dakar 2014 107 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...537720d2_c.jpg Dakar 2014 97 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/1...6fd9b8d9_c.jpg Dakar 2014 104 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were some other distractions for the guys besides the cars and bikes. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...c70461f9_c.jpg Dakar 2014 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/1...58e59f95_c.jpg Dakar 2014 91 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/1...9e2ebb57_c.jpg Dakar 2014 120 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/1...3d36ebcb_c.jpg Dakar 2014 121 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Heading out again we stocked up on Dakar goodies and refreshments and staked out a spot on the fence for the parade from the ceremonial start. It started at 3 and ended after we left at 930, just after the motorbike leaders passed and the big trucks had started. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/1...2d96896e_c.jpg Dakar 2014 78 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...41a475de_c.jpg Dakar 2014 123 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/1...bf6b8e3d_c.jpg Dakar 2014 124 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Quads were the first group out, then bikes, cars, and BIG trucks http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/1...ef5b99d1_c.jpg Dakar 2014 128 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...9ff573b3_c.jpg Dakar 2014 156 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/1...d5702010_c.jpg Dakar 2014 178 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr A very few of the riders put on a show for the crowd and a couple worked the fans with autographs. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/1...8fbff0a9_c.jpg Dakar 2014 137 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/1...7fa32e42_c.jpg Dakar 2014 130 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/1...5e316009_c.jpg Dakar 2014 132 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/1...2cb0f79b_c.jpg Dakar 2014 142 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/1...f1b8a552_c.jpg Dakar 2014 149 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...8c9cc2eb_c.jpg Dakar 2014 145 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr One of the crowd favourites, who spent a very long time talking to fans, taking photos, and giving autographs was 11 time Dakar competitor Belgian rider Eric Palante, who tragically dies in the race in the 5 th stage. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/1...236ca8a8_c.jpg Dakar 2014 141 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were only 3 female drivers that we could see. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...b4ab9a34_c.jpg Dakar 2014 129 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/1...8d016f61_c.jpg Dakar 2014 138 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/1...b03505a6_c.jpg IMG_1518 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr One of the highlights was meeting Anni Seel the Swedish 6 time Dakar rider, who is a copilot this year in a buggy. She saw us waving a Swedish flag and made a beeline for us! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/1...fb5fcc44_c.jpg Dakar 2014 166 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/1...e4b7c367_c.jpg Dakar 2014 160 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The leaders and Dakar greats came out just before it got dark! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/1...93e83426_c.jpg Dakar 2014 170 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/1...bd41e7ca_c.jpg Dakar 2014 174 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Dakar 2014
We were up at 330 and on the bikes at 4 am to ride the route. The Dakar course is open. You can chase the leaders like us for 150 km! The throngs of fans all think we are in the race and take pictures of us when we stop. This was absolutely thrilling to race along with the leaders.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/1...394f42df_c.jpg Dakar 2014 185 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/1...5c62b421_c.jpg Dakar 2014 191 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/1...d39d5291_c.jpg Dakar 2014 188 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/1...928eef72_c.jpg Dakar 2014 198 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Highlights were pulling in to gas up with the leaders, and then running the toll at 80 km per hour in the dark. After the gas stop we hit traffic and the crowd was very hard to navigate. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/1...0eb8b1b9_c.jpg Dakar 2014 194 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/1...4fd6893f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 193 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...2766f1f9_c.jpg Dakar 2014 196 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/1...d8b5c3f4_c.jpg IMG_1598 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr After the sunrise we saw some of the big trucks and stopped to let the race pass by us for a while. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/1...e8ec2b78_c.jpg IMG_1614 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/1...48435cd2_c.jpg Dakar 2014 211 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/1...cb1172ac_c.jpg Dakar 2014 201 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...237fe103_c.jpg Dakar 2014 203 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7369/1...a59e90f7_c.jpg Dakar 2014 205 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/1...1ee25de1_c.jpg Dakar 2014 221 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/1...0f417ec5_c.jpg Dakar 2014 218 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We saw a few more big trucks leaving town when we got back and one stopped for gas so we pulled in. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/1...e7d1ea0a_c.jpg Dakar 2014 223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/1...8476d860_c.jpg Dakar 2014 225 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/1...302b8442_c.jpg Dakar 2014 231 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were mobbed with people who wanted our picture. We kept explaining that we were not in the race but just tourists. They still wanted autographs, since we had driven here from Alaska! The funny part is on Facebook I see that Trevor and Nick were given the same star treatment n the same spot. Daniel, Orvar, and Trevor all signed this kids shirt. His mom said she knew we were just tourists, but could we sign it anyway please! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/1...91a10c8f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 236 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/1...012c149f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 227 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/1...c194c7e3_c.jpg Dakar 2014 228 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/1...cea13557_c.jpg Dakar 2014 238 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/1...e9a2c3d5_c.jpg Dakar 2014 234 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/1...50eb0f0f_c.jpg Dakar 2014 242 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Finally south again, but first there is the fuel pump issue
Daniels bike on the way to Rosario cut out a few times. Now this is very disconcerting on our way south to isolated territory. Well on the way in from the race it was worse in the heat. He diagnosed the fuel pump as the issue, which is a known problem with the 800 GS. Well today we are to leave Rosario and since yesterday was Sunday we still have no fuel pump. We really did not want to go to BMW and pay a fortune if they had the part at all. We stopped at the Fussetti Honda dealership 2 blocks from our hotel to ask advice. Daniel knew a Bosh pump would work. Germán was super helpful and even programmed the GPS with the intersection of the auto parts dealership for us. He also offered to install the pump for us if we could get it.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/1...706956ba_c.jpg DSC00358 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Today it is hot and in the 15 blocks to the parts place Dan’s bike died 6 times, so now we were really desperate. Arriving at 1230 at Bolita auto supply, but they were closed for siesta, but luckily George was still inside. He came out to ask us what we needed. Dan explained we needed a Bosh pump or bomba. By just looking at the part number we had he said he had just what we needed a Delphe universal pump with all the extra bits and for a very reasonable price. What a nice family! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/1...107f20b6_c.jpg DSC00339 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/1...7f5d7fbb_c.jpg DSC00340 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/1...c9baeb61_c.jpg DSC00345 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/1...7a434a1b_c.jpg DSC00341 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3696/1...93cf145e_c.jpg DSC00344 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now back to HONDA!!! Germán quickly and very carefully repaired the bike. The screen had come off the pump so it was sucking in dirt. He did this on his lunch hour and then felt bad he had to charge us for the 1- hour service minimum (380 Pesos) . We were so thankful to him!!! These are honest guys here who are really willing to help you out. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/1...e58d761f_c.jpg DSC00347 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...c2ef2c5a_c.jpg DSC00350 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/1...9439f6fc_c.jpg DSC00355 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/1...d420dc5a_c.jpg DSC00361 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/1...1956c033_c.jpg DSC00364 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr By 2 pm we were done, but it was now 37 degrees and we were sweating in our suits. We drove on the secondary roads to the south and west and ended up in at 126 km in Melincue for the night and opted for a casino hotel with good air con, secure parking and a restaurant. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/1...5ab7a85a7b.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.12.18 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/1...75bdd8d260.jpg FILE0391 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The morning was 35 already when we left and headed south towards San Raphael. We made our way to the half waypoint at 470 km at Villa Mercedes where we found a small hotel near the highway exit. We had stopped at a truck stop for a huge grilled lunch so ended up with just a sandwich at the gas station for dinner. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...2097a22987.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.13.40 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/1...2651a6b1_c.jpg malangue mercedes 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/1...77eaf269b6.jpg FILE0383 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/1...925531e4_c.jpg DSC00371 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...48abfc90_c.jpg DSC00370 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Pesos
On the way to San Raphael we took the 144 to the south of San Luis, but turned back after the sign said no gas for 250 km. This was lucky as we met Enrique and Paulina from Brazil and Sophie from Germany at the gas station.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/1...2929744ef3.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.17.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/1...3162ea31_c.jpg san raphael 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...84d7f571_c.jpg san raphael 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Arriving in SR after 371 km we found a hotel just off the main park with a great parking lot and very quiet rooms. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/1...88595bb4_c.jpg san raphael 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is also a great hot dog place on the corner with VERY cold beer. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...51096659_c.jpg san raphael 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...5f317795_c.jpg san raphael 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We did a bit of a walk around town to see if we could find a cambio office with guys outside making blackmarket exchange. We found the office, but no “hombres”. Asking the manager of the hotel was the best idea. He directed us just around the corner to the “Doctor’s office” and he called ahead to say we were coming. This guy is doing big business in buying USD$. He gave us 10.3 to 1! We were very happy and like the IKEA ad Dan came out and said, “Start the car”. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...b33a6138_c.jpg san raphael 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Leaving town there was evidence of the recent Dakar visit. We headed south to find the famed Ruta 40. But with the late start today we ended up just going 187 km in Malargue and finding a small hotel just off the highway exit. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...8dc0241d_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.19.11 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/1...50e834d3_c.jpg chol malal 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...1792f0ac_c.jpg chol malal 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Ruta 40 starts
Now the challenge begins for the RUTA 40. We just had 333km to get to Chol Malal right….
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/1...5a3dca2cf3.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.20.58 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The wind here is legendary and there were some pretty strong gusts at times. In typical new to the 40 fashion Dan stopped at the sign to get a photo, I stopped behind him and was promptly blow over by a gust of wind. Dan got off his bike to help me get mine up and while doing that his bike was blow off the stand. Ahh lesson learned. No stopping on the roadside. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/1...b16c51a5_z.jpg chol malal 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The road south from here has a bit of construction, but there are two large sections that are not yet paved or maintained. Most of this is good dirt or gravel road, but there are a few parts with deep gravel and sand. For Daniel this is no challenge, but for me it was a mental and physical one. I managed with “more gas and speed”, but was glad to finally see pavement again. Luckily in the worst parts of the road we had little wind. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/1...0e3bc4b7_c.jpg chol malal 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...b0871d2031.jpg chol malal 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...a5af98e3_c.jpg chol malal 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/1...e66418a0_c.jpg chol malal 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/1...2d4637a9_c.jpg chol malal 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/1...5882c676_c.jpg chol malal 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...e505a3e1_c.jpg chol malal 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The wind did finally break enough for a photo op. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/1...c64b59dc_c.jpg chol malal 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr I stopped feeling sorry for myself when we saw a ton of these guys! The one pushing his bike in the deep gravel was my hero. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/1...579eb88c_c.jpg junin de los andes 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We finally pulled into Chol Malal after only 333 km at 730 pm tired and sore. There is one restaurant in town and it was not open today. Luckily the grocery store was still open. Lining up for gas in the morning we noted the sign that says they don’t sell you gas unless you re wearing a helmet. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...fbaaffae_z.jpg chol malal 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr What a difference a day makes. Today it was 420 km of good paved road and almost no wind. The scenery was much nicer and we could stop for pictures. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/1...81112d8020.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-11 at 6.28.46 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/1...7f681e3e_c.jpg junin de los andes 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...4b5b97a8_c.jpg junin de los andes 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/1...ebb38e41_c.jpg junin de los andes 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/1...71dee66f_c.jpg junin de los andes 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/1...60ca7831_c.jpg junin de los andes 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/1...526d1382_c.jpg junin de los andes 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr just joking! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...30c501cf_c.jpg junin de los andes 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Ruta 40
Arriving in Zapala at the half way mark we found the great La Imperial bakery café next the gas station.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/1...9b78c8ce_c.jpg junin de los andes 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/1...7756383e_c.jpg junin de los andes 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/1...8d3860b6_c.jpg junin de los andes 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/1...3ff9b01d_c.jpg junin de los andes 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were some police checks, but only 1 stopped us to record our passport numbers. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/1...3eeb6284_c.jpg junin de los andes 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Driving into Junin de los Andes we see gas and got gas which is the rule down here and added our sticker to the collection. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/1...02630a1f_c.jpg junin de los andes 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Ruta 40
The drive on the 7 lakes route is a must do! They have actually renamed the old highway 231 going from Junin de los Andes to Bariloche via Villa la Angostura the ruta 40 to make it look like more of the 40 is paved (signs say ruta 40 ex ruta 231).
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/1...3bd8ef75d3.jpg Screen%20Shot%202014-01-12%20at%201.21.14%20PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The 235 km is paved except about 25 km of very good gravel road in the middle, but with all the stops (and Saturday summer traffic) it takes about 5 hours. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/1...49930e16_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/1...8f3399eb_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/1...8c82a96a_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/1...ed381673_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...758ee071_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/1...fa83a88d_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/1...bea0f31f_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/1...3b80bf5e_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/1...5a4aaa1a_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr On the way to Bariloche there are a couple of towns that make you think you are in Sun Valley, Idaho. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/1...116a137d_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The drive around the lake into San Carlos de Bariloche is stunning. This is a tourist town, where there is a chocolate shop in every block. We had a couple of down days here to rest up on the way south. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/1...85d999cd_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/1...a71d72ea_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/1...f4a8f92a_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...c15863f4_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/1...13e8907f_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/1...58da067e_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Ruta 40
Walking along the lakeshore we came across the teleferico so took a ride up.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/1...71afd137_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/1...0125edf2_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/1...33c159c5_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/1...28124a75_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/1...cc498f53_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/1...ab833ac3_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/1...6ae9face_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3694/1...891a8f55_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...3c19af6e_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/1...c8ec0167_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/1...903e28b6_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had the best ice cream we have ever eaten here in Rapanui in Bariloche. This is the line up at midnight. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/1...faf68bb4_c.jpg DSC00438 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The day started with almost no line at the gas station unlike yesterday, a bit cool at 13 degrees, but sunny. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...593e241b_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/1...f66df569_c.jpg san carlos de bariloche 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was almost no wind today and when there was it was 80% at our back!!! We kept south until Esquel and got gas again with almost no line. The old ruta 40 goes south from here but reports of very bad road conditions there kept us south on the “ruta 40” to Gobernador Costa, Chubut Province at 444 km where there was finally a hotel and a very long line for gas. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/1...3212ee6fdc.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.29.26 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/1...26b0979e_c.jpg FILE1006 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...e919506a_c.jpg FILE1013 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Setting out early we were braced for wind and gravel today. About 100 km south there is about 5 km of gravel that is a bit deeper in spots, but no real issue. The Desvio near Rio Mayo is good road but can be tricky when the wind is gusting, the gravel is deeper, and there is oncoming traffic. We were glad to see it was only about 40 km and not the entire 135 we had left to get to Perito Moreno. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/1...d73e847719.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.35.25 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...56dbca6c_c.jpg FILE1021 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We met these three Argentinean guys on the gravel driving with street tires! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/1...f96c0753_c.jpg DSC00442 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The last 60 km the wind was WOW strong. It was pressing our helmets so hard on one side it was painful. The shelter at the gas station was just enough to keep the bikes from being blown over on the stands. Luckily the hotel had 1 room left and a courtyard to store the bikes. Walking down the street to the laundry was even a challenge. |
Detour to meet a friend
We have had a 2 -year friendship with Clive from Toronto, but we have yet to meet outside of skype. He is one of those guys who knows everyone. He has been very helpful with places to stay and his friend in Argentina brokered the almost impossible to get mandatory bike insurance for us. He of course has a connection in Ushuaia who is a biker who will store our bikes for 2 weeks. He is headed north to la Falda from Ushuaia so the only place we can meet him before he heads out of South America is to go east to the 3 on a bit of a detour.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/1...3ce9364c_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-15 at 4.39.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr On the way to Fitz Roy we had a nice sunny day with the wind at our backs. We spotted several herds of Vicuna (a wild relative of the llama) and several flocks of flightless Rhea. We also came across a few gauchos out on the range. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/1...816367d5_c.jpg FILE1033 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/1...71d225e8_c.jpg DSC00448 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/1...98b13631_c.jpg DSC00453 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...c57d99c5_c.jpg DSC00458 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/1...a845e0fa_c.jpg DSC00460 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/1...05902957_c.jpg FILE1136 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Dan trying to get the picture involves some off roading. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...8f4c9276_c.jpg FILE1072 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/1...f03519db_c.jpg FILE1109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have the funniest sign here stating the obvious. At the bottom of every hill the sign says hill and at the top “you guessed it” it says down hill! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...30a3910f_c.jpg FILE1150 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Since we left on our adventure on June 22, 2012 everyday people have been asking us where we are going. When we say Ushuaia the reply is always “ Wow that is a very long way”’ but today at the YPF when I answered the gas attendants question his reply was “ you are almost there!” http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...80b9253e_c.jpg DSC00461 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Arriving in Fitz Roy after 310 km we did find the 2 places to stay listed on base camp and opted for the one on the north side of town as it looked better and was a block from the only restaurant in town. Clive had a lot longer ride from El Califate and finally showed up at 7 pm. After a good dinner, lots of great stories, and 3 bottles of wine we did not get and early start in the morning. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/1...4563a4ef_c.jpg DSC00465 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/1...df601a42_c.jpg DSC00466 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Peurto Julian
Heading south on the 3 we again had almost no gusting wind issues. There were more problems with drivers passing too close on our left so you get sucked over towards them when the wind is blocked. There were again tons of Vicuna and Rhea on the side of the road. It’s funny on the isolated parts of the 40 we saw no wildlife, but here they are everywhere.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/1...dd262b33_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.25.24 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The next town south is Puerto San Julian, which has been visited by Magellan in 1520, Drake in 1578, and Darwin on the Beagle with Captain Fit Roy in 1834. It is a huge natural harbor. It was strategic in the 1982 Falkland’s war as it is one of the nearest points of land to the islands and was used as a base by the Argentine Air Force. On the waterfront there is a replica of Magellan’s ship the Victoria, which was the first to circumnavigate the earth. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/1...22cdf8c1_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.27.51 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/1...4b7d1fca_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-16 at 5.28.10 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...694d522a_c.jpg DSC00471 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/1...3aa31402_c.jpg DSC00468 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now for a good Argentinean steak for lunch. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/1...dc7fee39_c.jpg DSC00472 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Having a siesta late in the afternoon we heard a bike start up outside. Dan says “ that’s an 800!” He looked out and sure enough it was a bike from Ontario. Daniel went outside to say hi. As he walked up to the guy he said “ Hi Dan”! Daniel was looking very confused when Wei replied, “ I know Sara”. It is so funny how you meet people by pure chance. Wei had been to two places already where there were no rooms, and he drove further into town and ended up meeting us! If you want great advice on where to eat and what to order check out his blog. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...93bdcefd_c.jpg DSC00473 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
El Calafate
We were making for El Calafate and decided with the wind getting stronger today we would go on the paved road and not the 230 km of gravel of the highway 9. The first stage was to go south to Rio Gallegos.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/1...9e92f3de_z.jpg rio gellagos 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There are several spots on the way where you can see flamingos and other birds. The wind was again not too bad today, strong but not gusting. There were a few sprinkles of rain as well. We were very thankful for our heated jackets today, as the temperature was 10 degrees. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/1...c4f69baa_c.jpg rio gellagos 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...a6694417_c.jpg rio gellagos 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The big thing of the day however was seeing the first road sign to Ushuaia! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/1...fd405294_c.jpg rio gellagos 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We saw a ton of bikes today, but not as many as at the first gas station in town. The rain really started by 4, but we were tucked into a small hotel by then. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...9cd616d7_c.jpg rio gellagos 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Getting up the next morning the wind was already stronger than yesterday. The first 80 km west it was strong, but not gusting. Most of the way it was manageable. There was only the last 45 km to El Calafate where it vas very strong, but with minimal gusting. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/1...8c049f3b83.jpg el calafate 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/1...f9a5db77_c.jpg el calefate 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have these silly wind blown palm tree signs here. Like Wei said, “ There are not even trees here let alone palm trees!” http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/1...6daa85cd_c.jpg el calefate 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Stopping halfway at the only gas station where there was a pretty long line, but at least there was gas unlike when Trevor was here. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/1...6d05a85a_c.jpg el calafate 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was again a lot of bike today heading east and south to Ushuaia. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...c2ddc0e1_c.jpg el calafate 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is an amazing view spot of the glacial Lake Argentinio on the way into the city. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/1...26bebffa_c.jpg el calafate 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/1...a3ba661d_c.jpg el calafate 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We have a great view from our place as well. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/1...3b69ea36_c.jpg el calafate 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr On the way into town for lunch we stopped for gas and I spotted a KTM with a British Colombia plate. It was actually Roberto and his friend Mateo from Italy. I have actually followed their blog as well. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/1...8c2c739e_c.jpg el calafate 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had diner at a place recommended by Wei and enjoyed some great lamb and steak Daniel’s favorite Argentinean wine. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/1...fe225e0f_c.jpg el calafate 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/1...d43232cc_c.jpg el calafate 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Glacier Perito Moreno
One of the things we have been looking forward to since we left home was seeing the glacier at Perito Moreno. It is a 80 km drive from town along several lakes and snow topped mountains.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/1...7986f1b0_c.jpg el calafate 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/1...91c8bfce_c.jpg el calafate 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr You hit the gate to the national park about 30 km before the glacier. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/1...ba30b9ff_c.jpg el calafate 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There are several view spots along the way, but save your battery in the cold for the viewing decks. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...1ae5ff3e_c.jpg el calafate 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...470a0b9b_c.jpg el calafate 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/1...a2c1e371_c.jpg el calafate 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The glacier is 5 km wide at the end and 14 km long. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/1...0d88a02c_c.jpg el calafate 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We did not have a great day with clouds and some rain, but it was still spectacular. The cracking of the ice preceded large pieces falling off. With huge booms when they hit the water. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/1...21b83040_c.jpg el calafate 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/1...e5bb8649_c.jpg el calafate 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/1...2e0689ce_c.jpg el calafate 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/1...26fc0c14_c.jpg el calafate 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/1...f985bf53_c.jpg el calafate 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr On the way back we headed to the port at Punta Bandera to check it out. WOW was there some wind there! You could barely stand up. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/1...38c625b9_c.jpg el calafate 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/1...b136b045_c.jpg el calafate 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
El Chalten
Another day starts with a gas line, but thankfully they are pretty fast. The road heads back east and then north on the Ruta 40 to El Chalten, which is the town at the entrance to the northern part of the Glaciers National Park and with access to Mount Fitz Roy.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...6266d5857a.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-18 at 5.37.45 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had the wind at our backs for a while, but that did not last. The wind was pretty strong, but not gusting much. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/1...69c40ab6_c.jpg el chelten 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We felt really bad for the people on bikes it must be hellish at times. We even saw a couple riding their fully loaded bikes in the ditch to try to get out of the wind. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...488afc6d_c.jpg el chelten 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The only issue was stopping for photos at a Mirador because the wind picked up and it was very hard to get a photo and hold onto the bike. Riding into the town the views are really something and photos just can’t do it justice. We did a bit of a walk about the town, which is packed with hikers. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/1...4d306611_c.jpg el chelten 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...3b3e5a9f_c.jpg el chelten 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/1...fbf09f30_c.jpg el chelten 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/1...5268e2d3_c.jpg el chelten 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/1...33c2c616_c.jpg el chelten 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...b2850b30_c.jpg el chelten 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We opted to take the shuttle around to El Pillar and walk back over the mountain pass to El Chalten, which is about 5 hours. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/1...407d906a_c.jpg el chelten 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/1...d3f57d54_c.jpg fitz roy hike 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr You don’t have an up and back route this way and there are more views of the glacier. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/1...476bf5e0_c.jpg fitz roy hike 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/1...7e1c8222_c.jpg fitz roy hike 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...43313d64_c.jpg fitz roy hike 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/1...a55ebbab_c.jpg fitz roy hike 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/1...2dedafac_c.jpg fitz roy hike 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is as much of Fitz Roy (spire on the far right) that we ever say in this bad weather. It was really cold and even snowing for part of the day. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/1...cb885c6d_c.jpg fitz roy hike 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...6a6bc555_c.jpg fitz roy hike 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The last 2 hours is downhill and got warmer finally. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/1...bdf21f43_c.jpg fitz roy hike 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/1...d01af69a_c.jpg fitz roy hike 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/1...be27b462_c.jpg fitz roy hike 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/1...757365c4_c.jpg fitz roy hike 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/1...6e300808_c.jpg fitz roy hike 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr A well deserved treat after a long hike! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/1...7d6cb36a_c.jpg IMG_2500 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Looking good guys, jealous as he'll now, all my favourite places and I'm not there ! If you stop in Rio Grande check out ruta 40 b&b run by willie, on Facebook if you look. Another must stop is the Panaderia in Tolhuin and if your camping stop at Roberto's campsite there!
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rio grande
shoot just got your message, but we have a good place. I note many of the hotels are shut down. We are headed to Tolhuin Tomorrrow!! We are in striking distance now for sure! We will have a drink for you two when we get to Ushuaia!
Sara |
Rio Gallegos part 2
We had a 455 km ride for today back to Rio Gallegos with only one gas station between there and El Chalten at Esperanza at 315 km we got in line and gassed up before we left. We really needed the wind with us and we were lucky. It was however a cool 5 degrees. We did have a few bouts of rain too, but not much.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/1...5264bd4084.jpg rio gallegos again 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/1...ae6e2148_c.jpg rio gallegos again 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Arriving near Rio Gallegos we saw the sign for Ushuaia at 597 km to go. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/1...cecd6ed1_c.jpg rio gallegos again 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We walked along the waterfront and to the nice central park. We noted here that unlike most places the park is almost all trees, which are to break the wind. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...d92bd3d9_c.jpg rio gallegos again 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/1...21c7c066_c.jpg rio gallegos again 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/1...e7e2763f_c.jpg rio gallegos again 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/1...648c2be3_c.jpg rio gallegos again 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Eating in this country can be a bit of a challenge. They don’t have “street” food and restaurants are open for lunch till 2 then open for dinner at 8-9 pm! In general they don’t have the same sense of customer service we are used to. The custom here of a cover charge in most restaurants is also something we as non-Europeans are not used to. |
To Tierra del Fuego
A big day today we are headed to Tierra del Fuego finally! Starting out from Rio Gallegos there was a fair wind blowing on our way to Rio Grande 365 km away. There are 2 border crossings and 100 km of gravel to get thru as well. Credit to Wei for the map!
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...d1eefff993.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-22 at 11.00.10 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We decided for the first time in the trip to fill our folding gas container “ just in case”. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/1...713b9626_c.jpg rio grande 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr First we went down the 3 to the Chile border crossing at Austral. On the way you will pass by the entry to Argentina buildings. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...a89093b3_c.jpg rio grande 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We saw several of the resident foxes here at the crossing. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...c7fa0a90_c.jpg rio grande 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/1...517845b8_z.jpg rio grande 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It says Pare or stop here, but just continue on about 2 km to the next set of buildings. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/1...d726239e_c.jpg rio grande 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/1...b4ec3aa2_c.jpg rio grande 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is a 2 in 1 border control where you just go from one counter to the next in order to complete all the steps to exit yourself and your bike from Argentina and into Chile. They are very efficient here despite a fairly long line. Now to get to TDF our first ferry ride in a long time. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/1...b3387c6d_c.jpg rio grande 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/1...6825e6f4_c.jpg rio grande 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/1...60af07cf_c.jpg rio grande 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was a huge line, but of course we went to the front and got on the boat that arrived about 15 minutes later for the 20 minute crossing. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/1...2538837f_c.jpg rio grande 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/1...05d28387_c.jpg rio grande 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/1...ed354955_c.jpg rio grande 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...19cac92c_c.jpg rio grande 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...4fc19b9e_c.jpg rio grande 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/1...f8c2a831_c.jpg rio grande 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have to unload all the bus passengers because otherwise the bus couldn’t clear the deck on loading. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/1...2285068c_c.jpg rio grande 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Our first glimpse of TDF! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/1...902ce7fe_c.jpg rio grande 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/1...1757cf82_c.jpg rio grande 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Next we continued south and east to Cerro Sombrero on Wei’s advice. The gravel road this way to the San Sebastian border is much cleaner and there is and 20 km paved section in the middle. Get gas at Cerro Sombrero and have Chilean pesos if you can. Of note the pumps are off from 12-1 and 3-330 everyday. We arrived luckily at 5 to 1. The road is pretty hard pack with little gravel except in a few short sections. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/1...74dd173a_c.jpg rio grande 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Stop at the Chile exit control to get a passport exit stamp and hand in your temporary permit at the aduana. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/1...b478f481_c.jpg rio grande 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/1...07d3f189_c.jpg rio grande 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then drive another 10 km on the gravel to the Argentina border control buildings. Again they are very efficient and you just go from windows 1-3 and give them the papers they ask for. We were again asked for our reciprocity fee receipt, but no one asked us for proof of the mandatory insurance. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...6364210c_c.jpg rio grande 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/1...32d62e0a_c.jpg rio grande 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now for a further paved 80 km to Rio Grande with strong, but not gusting winds. We had our worst wind the first day on the Ruta 40 when the bikes blew over and it has been pretty ok since then. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/1...d29dd5bc_c.jpg rio grande 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
only 100 km to go now
We got up in the morning both expecting the bike covers to be ripped to shreds by the wind, but all was ok. The wind prediction for today is 25 km/h with gusts to 50. We are still dawdling a bit because our hard to get reservation at the “best hostel” in Ushuaia is on the 26 th. So it’s a scant 107 km to Tolhuin on the lake recommended by both Gino & Fiona and Clive.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/1...bf7bd5b997.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-25 at 4.19.56 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr That said the worst of it was the first 5 km after that it just got nicer and the scenery finally improved too. The wind was almost still when we got to the famous bakery in Tolhuin. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/1...e8ac8ab5_c.jpg tolhuin 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Just around the lake from there we found a great spot with a great view (thank’s Clive). http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...9752f095_c.jpg tolhuin 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...d6117be6_c.jpg tolhuin 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5493/1...ef17a085_c.jpg tolhuin 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...bd98cc65_c.jpg tolhuin 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/1...f25e5fac_c.jpg tolhuin 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The end of the road but not the end
The day has finally come after just over 14 months on the road and just shy of 70,000 we have 120 km (75 as the crow flies) to the end of the highway 3 and the famous sign in Tierra del Fuego national park.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/1...f3fa442d_c.jpg the end of the road 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/1...c90425d871.jpg Screen Shot 2014-01-25 at 4.21.11 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Setting out from Tolhuin it was a nice day, but we could see the rain coming. Luckily it was just light and for only part of the way. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...7a67bc9c_c.jpg the end of the road 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/1...d782d8d3_c.jpg the end of the road 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The drive into Ushuaia is very scenic, with snow capped mountains, lakes, and fjords. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...2b600361_c.jpg the end of the road 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/1...19fe4893_c.jpg the end of the road 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/1...a641fcb6_c.jpg the end of the road 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/1...e5608436_c.jpg the end of the road 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/1...286ce12a_c.jpg the end of the road 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/1...1475e48a_c.jpg the end of the road 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Passing thru the city gates we saw the Pacific Ocean again in Ushuaia bay and then the town itself. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/1...dcb6aebf_c.jpg the end of the road 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...ef56e134_c.jpg the end of the road 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The national park gate where you pay your 11$ to get in is 12 km west of the city on a good dirt/sand road. The “end of the road” is a further 10 km down this road. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...affbd916_c.jpg the end of the road 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...bff77649_c.jpg the end of the road 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We arrived just after 5 busses unloaded and were mobbed by people wanting photos of us. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...787b4c18_c.jpg the end of the road 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/1...b5194d91_c.jpg the end of the road 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/1...ed21fa72_c.jpg the end of the road 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The end of the road! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/1...917d759c_c.jpg the end of the road 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/1...a9ac4cc6_c.jpg the end of the road 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...c846e1e1_c.jpg the end of the road 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It was quite a feat to try to get the bikes in front of the sign and get a photo before the warden kicked us out. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/1...a3f1935c_c.jpg the end of the road 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/1...8fb064f4_c.jpg the end of the road 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/1...d910e8c5_c.jpg the end of the road 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is me hugging the sign! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...e50c0ce2_c.jpg the end of the road 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/1...e4ae7767_c.jpg the end of the road 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/1...fa83cbc2_c.jpg the end of the road 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We met this couple from Paraguay who arrived just as we did! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/1...042551e0_c.jpg the end of the road 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/1...52008522_c.jpg the end of the road 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The end of the road but not the end
Then we went for the short walk to see the view of Lapataia Bay.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...662e61f3_c.jpg the end of the road 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/1...1968571b_c.jpg the end of the road 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/1...a229834d_c.jpg the end of the road 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Leaving the park we saw 5 bikes and one had a huge Canadian flag on it so we had to stop and meet our fellow Canadians and Motogringos Peter, Anne, Kevin, Dieter, and Bill!! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/1...3b334cd0_c.jpg the end of the road 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/1...c580cde1_c.jpg DSC00737 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
congratulations!!!
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hi
Turk 34
Thanks so much! S&D |
Well done Dan & Sara, another milestone! Looking forward to seeing the Antartica photos :D
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Congrats guys!
~Mark |
I enjoyed your story.
So, what next? Regards |
Congratulations guys, a great achievement!!
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GiNO
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sara |
HI
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S&D |
hey
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Sara |
Hi
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MS Expedition
Staying in La Posta Hostel is a dream. It was recommended to us by lots of riders including Annaleen and Uli who we hosted in Vancouver on their way from Ushuia to Alaska.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/1...24b112bd_c.jpg DSC00770 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...d4c83979_c.jpg DSC00791 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We have a few days here before we leave for Antarctica to tour around. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/1...87e03ec1_c.jpg DSC00747 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...2e2fc44a_c.jpg DSC00744 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/1...2f56f452_c.jpg DSC00779 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/1...c989501b_c.jpg DSC00739 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/1...5afebd64_c.jpg DSC00740 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/1...b2490322_c.jpg DSC00773 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/1...c1c9cefa_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/1...c1786030_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It gave us time to try out all the places Wei suggested to eat. One of our favorites was Ramos Generales el Almacen, which is run by a French guy. The food and breads are amazing. We went there everyday! This is a submerino, which is hot liquor and hot milk that you drop the chocolate into. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...62d5314b_c.jpg DSC00790 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/1...11663619_c.jpg DSC00789 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...99d4e4be_c.jpg DSC00761 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/1...2d6752eb_c.jpg DSC00757 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr That is why we met Blaine and Irene here 2 days in a row. We first met Blaine in Banos Ecuador in November. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...29d71fd1_c.jpg DSC00794 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had to stop for photo ops at all the end of the world and Ushuaia signs. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/1...8aa834a0_c.jpg DSC00742 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/1...c259f8b1_c.jpg DSC00751 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/1...898777ef_c.jpg DSC00787 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/1...1649c9f7_c.jpg DSC00756 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/1...0a3ca097_c.jpg DSC00796 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/1...cc8b3efb_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr One day we took the bike up to the base of the ski hill and then out to the airport for some nice views of the city. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/1...90bfaae2_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/1...01c98db4_c.jpg DSC00781 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/1...43124ede_c.jpg DSC00783 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Dan had lost his side stand extension on the ripio and so had a piece welded on. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/1...ba8d9cc2_c.jpg DSC00768 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/1...0f8d6b74_c.jpg DSC00772 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Hope the Carratera is good for you both, looking forward to the ride report :thumbup1:
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Gino
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Well we have been looking so forward to it after your glowing recommendation!!! Currently drinking heavily with 11 other riders from Sweden, Canada, Holland, Spain, Malaysia, and Argentina in Puerto Natalis. SP |
Antarctica
The MS expedition was docked the night before we sailed.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...4c6c3c54_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We met up with our friends from Edmonton who were going on the cruise with us. We all stocked up on wine. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/1...7bf8ccc2_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We finally boarded at 4 pm and had great views of the city. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/1...b8e009fb_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/1...73a831e8_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/1...2d30cf80_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/1...afa47ce0_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/1...12798207_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The first order of business was the safety drill including life jacket and muster station drills. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/1...75bfb282_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/1...14bd0a52_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/1...5676165d_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr I’m not sure I’d want to spend much time in the lifeboats. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/1...a1e9c8eb_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/1...f22e4a59_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/1...c88a46b6_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...0ff2ec18_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had booked a “steerage class” cabin, but were pleasantly surprised to find it was very nice. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...4b01ba6d_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We ate all our meals here with our favorite waiter Louis. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/1...7307d1f9_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/1...c9d39292_c.jpg DSC01663 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Garnet took very good care of us and always had our wine glasses set out. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/1...918c89f0_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/1...14383bf7_c.jpg DSC01073 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The sickness bags every 5 feet were a bit worrisome. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/1...e26772d5_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had a tour of the mudroom where we would gear up every day. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/1...09728ea8_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The captain invited us for a tour of the bridge. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/1...c71cc782_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/1...3247a54f_c.jpg antarctic 1 & 2 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The route to Antarctica!! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...6ec8a483_c.jpg DSC01646 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/1...26211ff8_c.jpg DSC01649 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/1...d972a289_c.jpg DSC01661 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/1...d9f48af7_c.jpg DSC01660 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...67e5d49e_c.jpg deception island 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Aitcho Islands
After 2 easy days at sea we awoke to almost flat calm water.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/1...571e3dfc_c.jpg DSC00889 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr After breakfast we had the first sighting of land! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/1...1239ab3a_c.jpg DSC01071 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/1...49a6003b_c.jpg DSC00905 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/1...9273c702_c.jpg DSC00913 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had made such good time we got a bonus landing in the Aitch islands. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...a170b376_c.jpg DSC00891 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/1...635f234d_c.jpg DSC05398 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...85e17ef3_c.jpg DSC00919 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...449751ab_c.jpg DSC00917 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr So excited to make landfall in Antarctica! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/1...6124d0dc_c.jpg DSC05417 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We got to explore 2 islands. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/1...e35696f2_c.jpg DSC00922 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/1...ef94c29d_c.jpg DSC01049 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/1...fd268dfb_c.jpg DSC00926 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/1...a5581072_c.jpg DSC00943 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/1...65d48f00_c.jpg DSC00947 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...b33c1c6d_c.jpg DSC00982 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/1...6e67a77f_c.jpg DSC00986 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/1...c2f45527_c.jpg DSC01000 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...510e63d8_c.jpg DSC01015 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/1...212f061b_c.jpg DSC01035 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/1...a66f18a4_c.jpg DSC01039 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/1...02d48128_c.jpg DSC01063 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/1...f74aa6ce_c.jpg DSC05413 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...8873cb4b_c.jpg DSC05414 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/1...39f41d4b_c.jpg DSC05430 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/1...4c94b560_c.jpg DSC05437 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/1...9bf00731_c.jpg DSC05448 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/1...0183beca_c.jpg DSC05456 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/1...482f4288_c.jpg DSC05503 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/1...4436e7ea_c.jpg DSC05538 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Aitcho Islands
The views from the deck where amazing!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/1...5c57a257_c.jpg DSC05371 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...ae65c6c9_c.jpg DSC05370 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/1...26fa452e_c.jpg DSC05375 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/1...0ea334a6_c.jpg DSC05380 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/1...22a7294a_c.jpg DSC05382 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...6153692a_c.jpg DSC05389 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Base Brown
Today we spent the morning at Paradise Bay and the Argentinean Base Brown.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/1...9f237633_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/1...3e2a0daf_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/1...61062876_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/1...e79532ac_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/1...c654a7c3_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...346f0fc2_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/1...7f2d369f_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We passed a Chilean Base located of course near the Argentinean base. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/1...0186678f_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/1...2a39d567_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr At Base Brown we hiked up for an amazing vista. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/1...e8ce6f20_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...2dd308ff_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/1...1a647df1_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/1...beab1152_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/1...1d304ff8_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/1...1dbf51ac_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/1...e7983c23_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5546/1...52d67713_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/1...533bfa9a_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/1...3093bb41_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/1...3a327c15_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/1...23008511_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/1...c28fdc42_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They had a luge track to slide back down. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/1...dbf76214_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 82 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The reflections were amazing. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/1...8c9de1e4_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 85 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/1...9ae880db_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 86 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/1...a7f6a49c_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 135 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Port Lockroy
There were lots of seals to see on our zodiac tour.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/1...c8ae74f7_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 98 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/1...ed9033dc_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 104 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/1...f7e415b5_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/1...95cb3312_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 115 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/1...d3b6d233_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 120 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We heard a massive boom and then the roof of this ice cave collapsed to create a tunnel. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/1...aa200274_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 108 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/1...149267f3_c.jpg antarctic 3 base brown 111 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It was a bit late for this guy to be building a nest. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/1...53d5d773_c.jpg DSC01174 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/1...5a696c34_c.jpg DSC01186 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/1...3e508e42_c.jpg DSC06041 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/1...0cb7e9c6_c.jpg DSC06056 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...8212fc2e_c.jpg DSC06084 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/1...0a61c98d_c.jpg DSC06091 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is lots of evidence of the old whaling industry here. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...554b5084_c.jpg DSC01180 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We then went to visit the British museum site at Port Lockroy. This is s great place to mail your postcards home. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/1...35ae4c15_c.jpg DSC01194 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/1...1ea3c346_c.jpg DSC01202 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/1...950fd4e5_c.jpg DSC01204 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/1...3fcbe517_c.jpg DSC01205 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/1...c2b6c709_c.jpg DSC01209 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/1...18bac728_c.jpg DSC01212 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/1...b8eae426_c.jpg DSC01217 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/1...a93d08f7_c.jpg DSC01218 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/1...44738094_c.jpg DSC01223 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had a pod of killer whales showing off for us today too. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/1...d2674e35_c.jpg DSC05923 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/1...aca475f1_c.jpg DSC05992 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/1...05ba1e2d_c.jpg DSC06009 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Antarctica
The afternoon was spent checking out the penguins and then Zoziac touring the ice. There were so many crab eater seals on the fast ice (sea ice attached to the shore) it was amazing. We hiked to see the views of Mount Francais and viewed it thru the old observatory window.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...5ae30fb0_c.jpg GS4 pm 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/1...f1c382b9_c.jpg GS4 pm 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/1...7c92ee17_c.jpg GS4 pm 60 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3762/1...a2bb30e5_c.jpg GS4 pm 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/1...7401c1f4_c.jpg GS4 pm 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/1...90fbd02a_c.jpg GS4 pm 73 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...d1bd2020_c.jpg GS4 pm 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/1...29b4f0af_c.jpg GS4 pm 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/1...165a2893_c.jpg GS4 pm 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/1...74d77949_c.jpg GS4 pm 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/1...a5cc7960_c.jpg GS4 pm 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/1...eeacacc2_c.jpg GS4 pm 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/1...31f1b412_c.jpg GS4 pm 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/1...1c5fe69a_c.jpg GS4 pm 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/1...716e288d_c.jpg GS4 pm 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/1...0bfdffc5_c.jpg GS4 pm 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...b8f90882_c.jpg GS4 pm 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/1...b2347538_c.jpg GS4 pm 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/1...b23585f4_c.jpg GS4 pm 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/1...5976d78e_c.jpg GS4 pm 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/1...cc3b22b1_c.jpg GS4 pm 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Camping ON Antarctica
Bismark getting us prepped for camping.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/1...d80e7dfc_c.jpg DSC01074 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Heading put to the camping landing. We will spend the night in tents with the Penguins near by and an amazing view of Mount Francais. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...f33726d4_c.jpg camping night 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/1...05095f93_c.jpg camping night 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/1...878227db_c.jpg camping night 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/1...8e02aec1_c.jpg camping night 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/1...6cd315f8_c.jpg camping night 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/1...090dc665_c.jpg camping night 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Hanging out with the penguins as the sunset was so cool. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/1...3f2d9785_c.jpg camping night 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/1...4d8f900a_c.jpg camping night 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/1...404b8ea3_c.jpg camping night 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/1...f6f83169_c.jpg camping night 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/1...9b48d88b_c.jpg camping night 63 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/1...55ca0890_c.jpg camping night 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...8b209a8b_c.jpg camping night 78 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/1...b0ef1a44_c.jpg camping night 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/1...b9cf044f_c.jpg camping night 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/1...658c8ae6_c.jpg camping night 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were up with the sunrise to hear a huge boom and saw this huge ice burg split in half and then half of it flipped over in the water. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/1...4d95614e_c.jpg camping night 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/1...d1728134_c.jpg camping night 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/1...5034aafb_c.jpg camping night 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/1...aa84988b_c.jpg camping night 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/1...933d16db_c.jpg camping night 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/1...850921d0_c.jpg camping night 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Humpback whales
Today we say a ton on whales and then we visited the Ukrainian Vernadsky Base. Where they do research on the hole in the Ozone layer. They have the southernmost souvenir shop in the world and a fully functional bar. They brew their own hooch for 3$ a shot.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/1...42e6a826_c.jpg GS4 am 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Humpback whales. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/1...b43fe58a_c.jpg GS4 am 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/1...5c50db3e_c.jpg GS4 am 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/1...6d127391_c.jpg GS4 am 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/1...639ebcc2_c.jpg GS4 am 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/1...ce14f6c9_c.jpg GS4 am 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr These Penguins were floating around on this Burg. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/1...484dc498_c.jpg GS4 am 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/1...d1e289f7_c.jpg DSC01310 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The famous twin spires at the start of the Lamaire channel. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/1...2d901cf4_c.jpg GS4 am 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...6d9bfc9c_c.jpg GS4 am 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/1...db9c5011_c.jpg GS4 am 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/1...5a6e5d3e_c.jpg GS4 am 77 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/1...05ebe7fd_c.jpg GS4 am 89 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...93bf285e_c.jpg DSC01351 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Entering the bay where the ice burgs get trapped in the currents. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/1...a0840d56_c.jpg GS4 am 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/1...2e9b7325_c.jpg GS4 am 105 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/1...ea0e5b75_c.jpg GS4 am 113 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...25609f0f_c.jpg GS4 am 178 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Vernadsky Base and Wordie house
The base at Vernadsky.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/1...9ba56c21_c.jpg GS4 am 187 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/1...8b3681b5_c.jpg GS4 am 115 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/1...6c9672d2_c.jpg GS4 am 117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/1...62bc6890_c.jpg GS4 am 186 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/1...3cba39d1_c.jpg GS4 am 181 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/1...8c2e92c0_c.jpg GS4 am 183 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/1...01435f80_c.jpg GS4 am 185 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/1...aa5d181d_c.jpg GS4 am 171 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/1...3eecb505_c.jpg GS4 am 172 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/1...899f3519_c.jpg GS4 am 180 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/1...a2394fc1_c.jpg GS4 am 196 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/1...42a66da7_c.jpg GS4 am 174 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/1...1f1e89e5_c.jpg GS4 am 200 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The view from the hike from the Wordie house near the base. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/1...b17cf4aa_c.jpg GS4 am 122 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/1...fa10cd2f_c.jpg GS4 am 127 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/1...37c9d2f5_c.jpg GS4 am 129 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/1...d254524a_c.jpg GS4 am 133 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Wordie House in the Argentine Islands is a 1947 research station on the site of the hut used by the 1935 British Expedition. There are 2 scientists living there now. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3759/1...e1849410_c.jpg GS4 am 140 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/1...b4d23fca_c.jpg GS4 am 147 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/1...1fdd215b_c.jpg GS4 am 148 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/1...82e19de4_c.jpg GS4 am 149 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Antarctica
The last event of the day was a Zodiak tour with Bismark. We finally saw a Weddell seal and a fur seal.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/1...66171d18_c.jpg Bismark (our guide) by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/1...f792ff80_c.jpg GS4 am 163 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/1...471cd23c_c.jpg GS4 am 159 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/1...90b4c4aa_c.jpg GS4 am 156 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Adelie Penguins
Today we had a special treat as we had been informed that a colony of Adelie Penguins was near by. They are not normally found this far north. They also do a lot of sliding down hill on their bellies that the others don't do either.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/1...fc7d4c8e_c.jpg GS5 pm 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/1...282297d1_c.jpg GS5 pm 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/1...9ffd96de_c.jpg GS5 pm 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/1...3951cd53_c.jpg GS5 pm 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/1...0b4505d5_c.jpg GS5 pm 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/1...57356df3_c.jpg GS5 pm 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/1...3a82d320_c.jpg GS5 pm 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/1...6d740cc8_c.jpg GS5 pm 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Adelie have a black beak and a white ring around the eye and they are smaller than their Gentou and Chin strap cousins. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/1...41134240_c.jpg GS5 pm 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...860e1c5f_c.jpg GS5 pm 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...22283fb5_c.jpg GS5 pm 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3727/1...fd65be29_c.jpg GS5 pm 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...7523a690_c.jpg GS5 pm 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...7e94b973_c.jpg GS5 pm 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/1...13844805_c.jpg GS5 pm 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/1...31a545e9_c.jpg GS5 pm 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
A polar plunge and cape Horn
On our last day in the Peninsula region we headed into the volcanic crater of Deception Island. We finally had a day of bad weather. The expedition leader said finally a day of the “usual Antarctic weather”. It was so bad though we could not make the morning landing in Telefon Bay. Later we headed to Whalers Bay for a hike to Neptune’s window and then a Polar Plunge.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/1...d0f12de1_c.jpg deception island 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/1...c26ed90c_c.jpg DSC01574 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/1...a29ddb75_c.jpg deception island 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Headed thru the very narrow Neptune’s Bellows. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/1...a46103a3_c.jpg deception island 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/1...ee1ffaf6_c.jpg deception island 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr A snowy hike to the Neptune’s Window. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/1...3741cbcf_c.jpg deception island 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...f7abc12c_c.jpg deception island 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...92215ac2_c.jpg deception island 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/1...f52ec9d6_c.jpg deception island 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/1...01e96cca_c.jpg deception island 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/1...e9680886_c.jpg deception island 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/1...01ef6325_c.jpg deception island 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now for the plunge with some fur seals. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/1...80f79f8e_c.jpg deception island 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...9081b827_c.jpg deception island 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/1...9d9f3941_c.jpg deception island 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had the “best Drake crossing in 25 years” and so with some spare time the captain took us to Cape Horn. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/1...1239bf56_c.jpg DSC01650 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/1...e21a59b4_c.jpg DSC01651 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...5f565de4_c.jpg DSC01642 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/1...ba992979_c.jpg Cape Horn by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/1...8512d891_c.jpg DSC06897 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had Dolphins leading us back up the Beagle channel. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/1...ef90eedb_c.jpg DSC06958 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/1...7ab9c6d1_c.jpg DSC06965 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Spectacular doesn't even begin to cover it. Wow!
|
Hey
Quote:
What is ever more crazy is that it looks ten times better in real life than the photos. Truly epic. Sp |
To Porvenir
Well what an epic trip so far! Now north again to the Carretera Austral! But first lets get out of Ushuaia! Today we headed back 215 km to Rio Grande for the night.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/1...82c1ff1c_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-14 at 12.48.47 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/1...ae276a37_c.jpg FILE3769 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/1...078f01b5_c.jpg FILE3777 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...3569e4a6_c.jpg FILE3827 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The next day we went the very windy 80 km to the border at San Sebastian. Here we gassed up on the cheap Argentine gas and met up with Dave (Prairies to Penguins). http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/1...ca3b6e7a_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-14 at 12.50.37 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/1...ea203e16_c.jpg DSC01672 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed over the first 14 km of dirt to the Chile border. No one maintains this section so it is full of Potholes. Dave said “ I don’t remember it being that rough.” We were lucky this time at both crossings as we were the only people there. When we were just about to leave Dan noticed Dave had a completely flat rear tire. Since we had just 140 km to go to Porvenir we stayed to help him. The funny or not so funny part was after 45 minutes of trying to set the bead on the Heidenau the woman watching us from the food truck says she has a compressor. We had already asked the border guys who denied there was any air available here!!! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/1...9d350b40_c.jpg DSC01673 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/1...7b024070_c.jpg DSC01675 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/1...41109aa6_c.jpg DSC01680 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/1...e3c7a916_c.jpg DSC01682 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3746/1...dd9f2e15_c.jpg DSC01686 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were entertained by the fruit sniffer dogs for sure. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/1...346ec360_c.jpg DSC01678 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now off road to the ferry dock at Porvenir. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/1...cd5fac17_z.jpg FILE3897 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/1...e0bf8835_c.jpg FILE3959 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is a wind swept little town. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/1...aa950ae3_c.jpg DSC01689 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/1...c536a7ed_c.jpg DSC01692 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/1...cc14ee90_c.jpg DSC01691 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
To Punta Arenas
In the morning we headed to the dock at 1130 for the 2 pm sailing and were of course first in line, except for those with reservations. “You can make reservations!!??” We all said since this is not listed anywhere online.
https://ycpi-farm4.staticflickr.com/...64b55028_m.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-14 at 12.52.30 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...759d6b41_c.jpg DSC01696 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/1...aeec112c_c.jpg DSC01699 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr In the end there were 12 bikes… Us, Orvar from Sweden, Trevor from Calgary, Tony from Spain, Bart and Renata from Holland, Eran from Isreal, Faizel, Madie, and Zamri from Malaysia, and Argentinean couple. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...07506110_c.jpg FILE3986 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/1...b3db5d10_c.jpg DSC01700 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/1...d52f047c_c.jpg DSC01711 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The 90 min crossing took over 3 hours with salt spray and waves crashing over the bikes and us at times. https://v4s.yimg.com/so/7380/1252073...39b626fb_c.jpg DSC01713 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/1...e71e0439_c.jpg DSC01714 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s.yimg.com/so/7302/1252070...d52ea0ed_c.jpg DSC01717 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Arriving in Punta Arenas we headed first to the shop of Alejandro, who is a great mechanic at Alelago Workshop! We needed oil changes and he did a one over and adjusted and fixed several things on both bikes. Thanks so much! I don’t think our bikes have been this clean since new. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/1...9ffdb02d_c.jpg DSC01747 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/1...f34d885b_c.jpg DSC01749 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/1...ed9cc859_c.jpg DSC01752 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...4fa0a9d8_c.jpg DSC01751 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/1...7268c791_c.jpg DSC01750 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/1...d7afaecb_c.jpg DSC01768 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is a very impressive cemetery here and a nice waterfront as well. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/1...6172808a_c.jpg DSC01718 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/1...8cd24dd3_c.jpg DSC01722 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/1...934fedb7_c.jpg DSC01726 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/1...edd1009c_c.jpg DSC01729 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/1...2ca21cf3_c.jpg DSC01719 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/1...e5f317c5_c.jpg DSC01745 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/1...b7901a09_c.jpg DSC01743 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/1...bef3eb79_c.jpg DSC01753 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/1...8314038d_c.jpg DSC01763 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
To Puerto Natales
Now an easy ride 247 km to Puerto Nateles.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/1...5bc898b580.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-14 at 1.04.20 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We ran in to the Malaysian team again on the road. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/1...aabe6c98_c.jpg puerto natales 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/1...389a6572_c.jpg puerto natales 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It’s a small town so we eventually met up with 10 of the 12 riders from the ferry ride for a Parilla dinner. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...3ae7bcca_c.jpg puerto natales 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...835d7940_c.jpg puerto natales 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/1...424f3b7e_c.jpg puerto natales 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/1...ebcb9f21_c.jpg puerto natales 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We did a bit of riding around town. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/1...796f480d_c.jpg puerto natales 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/1...e832ec5c_c.jpg puerto natales 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/1...85871b6b_c.jpg puerto natales 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/1...8ab378c0_c.jpg puerto natales 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s.yimg.com/sk/3808/1256470...115288a9_c.jpg puerto natales 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/1...cf028a66_c.jpg puerto natales 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Torres del Paines
The big attraction here is the Torres del Paines National Park, where people come from all over the world to hike the 5 -day “W” route. Initially “we” entertained similar loft plans, but luckily I reminded Daniel, “we really don’t like backpacking trips remember”. That said we opted for the 1- day hike to the towers. This is 9 km each way. Somehow we convinced Orvar and Trevor that this was a great plan.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/1...3f56f64933.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-16 at 4.15.17 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr So we all got up early to drive the 150 km to the Park gate, with the last 90 km ripio. Driving along we had the view of the mountain range and the towers that were our target for the day. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2882/1...5c8aa5c6_c.jpg torres del pines 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://ycpi-farm4.staticflickr.com/...7101a00a_c.jpg torres del pines 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The entrance fee is a steep 18 CP or about 40$. We set off with water and a lunch to walk the 4 hours up to the towers in 3 ½. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/1...d0bec491_c.jpg torres del pines 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/...828541d6_c.jpg torres del pines 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/1...f6fac5e8_c.jpg torres del pines 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...1e104f45_c.jpg torres del pines 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The middle section is less steep as we walked up the French Valley headed by the spires of Cerro Cota and Cerro Cathedral. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...04174661_c.jpg torres del pines 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/1...e9656112_c.jpg torres del pines 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...25da2142_c.jpg torres del pines 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/1...fc71bc38_c.jpg torres del pines 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The last 45 minutes is switchbacks and then scrambling over boulders. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/1...587e6d7c_c.jpg torres del pines 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/1...da5489de_c.jpg torres del pines 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The view of the spires for our picnic was amazing. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/1...335bb984_c.jpg torres del pines 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/1...fb4789fe_c.jpg torres del pines 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/1...ecf43bf9_c.jpg torres del pines 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/1...3173b475_c.jpg torres del pines 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/1...941643f5_c.jpg torres del pines 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Laying on a hot flat rock we all had a 45- minute nap to recover for the 3 hours walk down. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/1...f3316df7_c.jpg torres del pines 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/1...1e9c5226_c.jpg torres del pines 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Torres del Paines
The back road thru the park is all ripio for 110 km back to Natales, but the views are stunning along Lakes Nordenskjöd, Pehoe, del Toro, and Sarmiento. (red on the map)
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/1...8ab0c49b_c.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-16 at 4.11.46 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...d5c13067_c.jpg torres del pines 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/1...ec00fbd8_c.jpg torres del pines 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...3a222406_c.jpg torres del pines 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/1...2512db33_c.jpg torres del pines 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The lakes are all a vivid turquoise color because of rock flour or glacial flour, which consists of fine silt sized grains of rock generated by glacial erosion that are suspended in the water and make it look cloudy. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/1...15b32616_c.jpg torres del pines 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/1...5306ce19_c.jpg torres del pines 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...78543663_c.jpg torres del pines 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/1...e5159af1_c.jpg torres del pines 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/1...5586247b_c.jpg torres del pines 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The last section of the road at this end of the park is closed 10 am to 930 pm for construction. ( yellow road from where the red and green roads meet on the map) Luckily they opened the road just as we arrived at 745 for a very dusty ride back to Natales on the south side of Lago del Toro. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...740dd5bd_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-16 at 4.11.08 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Wow, I know what I'm doing for 5 days when I get down there...
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Hike
Quote:
If you love hiking you can enjoy the whole circuit for ten then! :taz: Sp |
To Baja Caracoles on the Ruta 40
We had to have an extra days rest in Natales after our big hike and the other guys had a day to see the glacier at Perito Moreno, which we had already seen and so we were a day behind them. Time to catch up. We had a 280 km drive to El Calafate, with a bypass on the Ruta 40 between the 5 and the 7, which is a 115 km gravel road.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/1...10954c9a48.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 7.45.58 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/1...939b7cdc29.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 7.46.58 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed out of town towards the border crossing at Rio Turbio. This was an easy 2. We handed our import papers to the agent and he just said thanks. We were done so fast we said “is there not anything else?” He laughed and jokingly said no “ get out!” Then there is a 3 km drive to the next control. Here we had a 10 minute entry to Argentina. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3672/1...5216ac13_c.jpg to calafate 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We stopped for cheap gas in town of Rio Turbo and then headed to the turn off to the Ruta 40 (where the gravel started) to add our sticker to the collection. It was nice to arrive to find a room booked for us and a great restaurant picked out by Trevor ad Orvar. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/1...788f71da_c.jpg to calafate 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/1...6ee9ef5d_c.jpg to calafate 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/1...423d7b69_c.jpg to calafate 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/1...7b6e326d_c.jpg IMG_2510 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed out of Calafate in very heavy winds on the pavement to Tres Lagos in 163 km. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/1...3e4c8bf970.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 7.53.26 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/1...db50a19d_c.jpg to baja caracoles 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/1...bbbe5662_c.jpg to baja caracoles 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The worst part of the day actually was the desvio or detour into the town with high winds and very deep gravel. The gas station is past the town so there was no need to do the detour!!! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...eecdbc8f_c.jpg to baja caracoles 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr All we had heard from people in the last week or so is how horrible the road is north of Tres Lagos. Heading up the Ruta 40 with some trepidation the first 20 km were shit with deeper gravel, but it was pretty good for the most part after that. All the nay sayers failed to mention the paved sections in the south part and that the last 180 is paved. We managed to sneak onto a few of the blocked off paved sections. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2827/1...7e75f460_c.jpg to baja caracoles 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/1...0844ba52_c.jpg to baja caracoles 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/1...f34d6305_c.jpg to baja caracoles 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Trevor did have a miracle today. A huge gust of wing hit him and pushed him into the deep gravel. He ended up in the ditch, but with the gas on when BOTH of the wheels came off the ground and he did a 180 and landed it facing backwards down the road looking at Dan! Wow we had some wind on the gravel today. We did stop to hear the tale on a sheltered corner. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/1...3203a21b_c.jpg to baja caracoles 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We stopped at 430 in Gobenor Gregores pretty tired from the wind and dreading the last stretch and considering staying for the night. We met this couple from Denmark and Colombia who were riding to Ushuaia on this heavily loaded 250. We were happy to hear from them that there was pavement for the last 180 km to the “town” of Baja Caracoles, where there was gas and actually not a bad hotel. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/1...797c9f00_c.jpg to baja caracoles 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/1...42188eb0_c.jpg to baja caracoles 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/1...65b21c6c_c.jpg to baja caracoles 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/1...ed1d1951_c.jpg to baja caracoles 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The Ruta 41 to Paso Roballos
We had been advised by Roberto and Matteo to go to Chile on the Ruta 41 as it was more scenic than the routes farther north, but that the road is a challenge. Luckily we had a great day for it, since we were advised not to go if it had been raining.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/1...0fd5a9e7_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 7.56.41 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/1...34aa4082_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The first 10 km were crappy deepish gravel, but after that it got better. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...6fed4362_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We stopped on the road waiting for the other two. It turns out Trevor had his brake lever come loose, but luckily none of the parts were lost. While Orvar was waiting to help him his bike was blown over and he had to unload. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/1...84ce620a_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/1...69706f2a_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Just then I said I hope this “ great scenery” starts soon. Well just 1 km further it was spectacular. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/1...84c3fe0b_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/1...87f744f6_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/1...9ef6054e_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were some easy parts and some challenging bits for all of us on the 91 km to the border and some annoying washboard too. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/1...546a05c0_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/1...6021cc06_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/1...dcc5c0af_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3804/1...84bb694d_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had some nice views on our way to Paso Roballos. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/1...fbfcabd7_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/1...7a30536d_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/1...9a76fd78_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/1...10fb839c_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/1...b4625634_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/1...d0be8bc8_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/1...205c9581_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The panorama just before the Argentina border was stunning. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/1...20dfb77d_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/1...6bfe9794_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Driving up to the border there was a locked gate, a security guard, and a border official. It was an easy process and since there were no computers he entered everything by hand in big ledgers. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/1...596f7a9c_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/1...a6f73d8d_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...7f20f3d6_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/1...85c1e176_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
To Chile and the Caraterra Austral
Now just a short 10 km to the Chile crossing.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/1...578db21c_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/1...abed6769_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This was a more substantial operation, but again everything was done old style by hand here and using carbon copies. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/1...0d9d7b1c_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3825/1...508dba38_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...80cc088a_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/1...042c1114_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/1...c5e425f2_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then there was another sometimes-challenging 70 km on the 41 to meet the ruta 7. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/1...1a01caf7_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We drove along the river and had a few water crossings. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/1...cbfaf952_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 61 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/1...24353afc_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Dan for some fun headed off into a field to chase some Vicuna/Guanaco. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/1...d21107e4_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The 7 is a good gravel road along several lakes here to the village of Puerto Tranquillo for a total of 253 km off off road. We were super happy to find a cabin with a kitchen and 2 bedrooms for 20$ each, since we were all just too bagged to “camp”. A hotel room here in this tiny place is 95$ and the camping is a tent on a weed patch. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/1...ce18b79f_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 67 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/1...f46594bd_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/1...759b0b92_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 70 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/1...608e3a13_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 72 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/1...348ddbde_c.jpg to puerto tranquillo 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
To Coyhaique
Getting up the next day we were headed to Coyhaique in 234 km of which 146 was pretty good gravel.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/1...1c1673bed8.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 7.57.35 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/1...3f232c96_c.jpg to coyhaique 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/1...3e2a3959_c.jpg to coyhaique 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Just out of town were stopped as they had cut down a huge tree, which had then fallen on the road so the guys pitched in to speed up the process of clearing the road. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/1...6afbccf1_c.jpg to coyhaique 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/1...fac7e2f1_c.jpg to coyhaique 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/1...1d3b844e_c.jpg to coyhaique 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The views were panoramic. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...58b90cbe_c.jpg to coyhaique 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/1...846ea14e_c.jpg to coyhaique 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/1...2603d4cf_c.jpg to coyhaique 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/1...b2fe4906_c.jpg to coyhaique 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/1...4a434c01_c.jpg to coyhaique 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/1...3ba8a492_c.jpg to coyhaique 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/1...013db375_c.jpg to coyhaique 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Coming down the mountain on the switch back gravel we finally met the pavement and stopped for lunch in a food bus in Villa Cerro Castillo. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/1...19eacace_c.jpg to coyhaique 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/1...ea29d60a_c.jpg to coyhaique 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/1...b6b08722_c.jpg to coyhaique 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/1...dde66d4b_c.jpg to coyhaique 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...7dd48972_c.jpg to coyhaique 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There were some crazy curves near the end of the day. This is a bit of a crappy town, but we found a great place for dinner at Momma Gaucha. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/1...37d9be18_c.jpg to coyhaique 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/1...4521fb8f_c.jpg to coyhaique 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/1...d4f32909_c.jpg to coyhaique 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The Olympic Hockey Problem
Now we have a problem there are 2 important Olympic hockey games today. Sweden vs Finland at 9 am is no issue as we listened on Swedish radio with the wifi in the hostel parking lot. It was Sweden over Finland to advance to the gold medal game. The bigger issue was the Canada vs USA semi final. We decided to head 45 km up the 7 and take a 20 km detour to Puerto Aisen (Aysen), where found 1 “restobar” that had ESPN in Spanish that showed most of the game. The worst part was that at 4 pm they cut out of the last 4 minutes of the game to go to regular programming. Thanks to FB friends who posted the results in real time for us!!! Canada in the Gold metal game vs Sweden! Now its 430 and we finally head out for the day on 110 km of paved road to camp on the lake at Lago Los Torres.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/1...dc561df68c.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-22 at 8.01.45 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/1...d8ba74d4_c.jpg DSC01977 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/1...dd8533ff_c.jpg DSC01973 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/1...21e54257_c.jpg FILE0034 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...6c19829c_c.jpg FILE0043 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/1...df9d1fee_c.jpg FILE0108 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/1...65e75535_c.jpg FILE0164 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/1...accbb7cc_c.jpg FILE0185 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The campsite was on the lake and we got a grassy spot for 3 tents, a shelter with a picnic table, and bathroom with flush toilets for 6$ each. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/1...873e1137_c.jpg DSC01979 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/1...f920b28a_c.jpg DSC01983 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...dc37e50b_c.jpg DSC01996 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/1...03f85b95_c.jpg DSC01980 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had a nice view of the surrounding mountains. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/1...42813ce4_c.jpg DSC01981 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...7c3c18b3_c.jpg DSC01995 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/1...2ded7523_c.jpg DSC01994 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Orvar made a run to the nearby town for some essentials while we cooked dinner. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/1...fd11260e_c.jpg DSC02001 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Chaiten
After a great night with amazing stars in the sky we packed up and headed north 310 km for Chaiten. The first 60 km was paved and then there was pretty good gravel for a bit.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/1...c19e491407.jpg to Chaiten 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/1...3718ca65_c.jpg to Chaiten 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/1...4670a4fe_c.jpg to Chaiten 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/1...a8665449_c.jpg to Chaiten 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5514/1...2114973c_c.jpg to Chaiten 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Several others had told us how bad the 260 km of gravel road was, especially in the construction zone. The worst part initially was the almost one lane road up and over the mountain, which combined with steep switch back the oncoming traffic including busses and trucks were taking over the road and at very high speed. It’s a wonder none of us had a head on in one of the corners. There were some patches of deeper gravel and some pretty dusty sections. There were some intermittent bits of pavement a few km long, including a closed section we managed to ride for a km or so. The worst was the last 75 km of gravel in the construction where there were sections with deep large rocks. Overall it was a long and at times challenging day, but not as bad as we had expected. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/1...9d930186_c.jpg to Chaiten 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/1...d370f22b_c.jpg to Chaiten 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/1...912bdf31_c.jpg to Chaiten 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...518948ca_c.jpg to Chaiten 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/...1828ea34_c.jpg to Chaiten 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/1...637d43b0_c.jpg to Chaiten 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/1...09fc6bd7_c.jpg to Chaiten 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Finally we celebrated the end of the gravel at Puerto Cárdens and aired up the tires again. This left about 70 km left to Chaiten, where arrived bagged and hungry. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/...78536bbc_c.jpg to Chaiten 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/1...f5584c77_c.jpg to Chaiten 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/1...2431ab54_c.jpg to Chaiten 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/1...cdd53af7_c.jpg to Chaiten 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/1...f6393b95_c.jpg to Chaiten 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/1...8cd2b593_c.jpg to Chaiten 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The town of Chaiten was evacuated in 2009 when the nearby volcano erupted for the first time in 9000 years. The town was then completely flooded because the ash blocked the rivers. Much of the town had not been rebuilt. There are only 900 of the 4000 inhabitants left here. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/1...3a2c27a9_c.jpg 800px-Chaitén by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5549/1...ac79e855_c.jpg to Chaiten 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/1...b1ce39dc_c.jpg to Chaiten 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/1...0894251f_c.jpg to Chaiten 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/1...9e365275_c.jpg to Chaiten 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
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I'm still trying to sort out how to get all my hiking gear on the bike...;) |
Gear
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No need you can rent everything in Natales. :thumbup1: |
The Ferry problem
One of the main reasons we booked into a Cabana in Chaiten was that they had ESPN to watch the Gold medal hockey game.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/1...bd710e9f_c.jpg IMG_5684 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This is a really nice Turkish hitchhiker that we first met in Coyhaique. He is making the same time as us getting rides. Here in Chaiten he was happy since he met someone to trade his Argentinean pesos for Chilean Pesos as so he now had some money for food! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/1...dfa64330_c.jpg to quintupeu 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were so preoccupied by the hockey the Summer holiday Saturday night when we arrived that we did not go to the Navimag office to get ferry tickets. Big mistake. When we checked out after the game and went to the office at 11 they were serving number 40 and we had number 58. By the time we got a ticket it was for the 245 ferry the next day. The problem is that this means if we get that first ferry then the second will arrive after dark in the town that is 60 km from the third and last ferry of the day. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/1...21cf33b2_c.jpg to quintupeu 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Step 1 drive the 70 km from Chaiten to the first ferry dock at Rampa Caleta Gonzalo. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/1...9e8d3d4a_c.jpg to quintupeu 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/1...20ecdb92_c.jpg IMG_5606 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/1...9f1b7c82_c.jpg IMG_5607 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/1...405cf561_c.jpg IMG_5611 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Step -2 beg the ferry guys to let us on the earlier sailing. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/1...c665c7e6_c.jpg to quintupeu 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/1...f00baf39_c.jpg to quintupeu 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/1...d97fe61c_c.jpg to quintupeu 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...24ccc4fe_c.jpg to quintupeu 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Step 3 race the cars the 10 km to the next ferry launch from Rampa Fiordo Largo to Rampa Leptepu. Then hope you can get on this one early. We arrived at 145 for the 2 sailing that finally arrived after 3. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...fe676d00_c.jpg to quintupeu 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...a1dd8a60_c.jpg to quintupeu 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/1...37047835_c.jpg to quintupeu 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/1...4dfbcc8a_c.jpg to quintupeu 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/1...9a4a76c1_c.jpg to quintupeu 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/1...51602b56_c.jpg to quintupeu 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/1...753202d7_c.jpg to quintupeu 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There was another couple from Chile on a V strom, who had tickets for the 2 sailing, but they ferry guys figured we would get on too. Two bikes came off the ferry from Ecuador. The crazy thing is I knew one of them. When I went up to say hi to Jaun Crespo he said I know you we are facebook friends! It’s such a small world of coincidences. Good luck on your way south!! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/1...ecc2b7a4_c.jpg to quintupeu 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/1...d4c2b622_c.jpg to quintupeu 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/...ce670559_c.jpg to quintupeu 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/1...32645134_c.jpg to quintupeu 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Step 4 is a 4 hours ride from Rampa Leptepu to Rampa Quintupeu along the inside passage. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...fe676d00_c.jpg to quintupeu 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3726/1...967ab1c3_c.jpg to quintupeu 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/1...753e5ac8_c.jpg to quintupeu 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/1...31734596_c.jpg to quintupeu 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/1...539be6af_c.jpg to quintupeu 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5494/1...70d5154d_c.jpg to quintupeu 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...cf766da9_c.jpg to quintupeu 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Back to civilization!
We got a cabana again so we could cook and be warm with a fire. We are looking forward to getting back to civilization, where you can get a fresh vegetable! In the morning we had 60 km to go from Rampa Quintupeu to Rampa Puelche, with the last 15 km paved. There was not too much traffic so the dust was not that bad.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/1...01c30085_c.jpg to quintupeu 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/1...f8132afa_c.jpg to osorno 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr This ferry runs every 30 minutes from Puelche to Caleta Arena 30 km from Puerto Montt. Daniel and Orvar chose the 150 km way round on the 100 km of dirt to Osorno and Trevor (rear shock toast 2 days ago) and I (sick of the dust) took the ferry. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/...858e834b_c.jpg to osorno 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/1...23ddc5ef_c.jpg to osorno 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/1...f7f13fca_c.jpg to osorno 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...47d6507b_c.jpg to osorno 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/1...e2e39cc3_c.jpg to osorno 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3673/1...f2cb7e57_c.jpg to osorno 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/...f4ab256e_c.jpg to osorno 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The guys on “the long way round”. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/1...e33ac565_c.jpg to osorno 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/1...4ea5acba_c.jpg to osorno 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/1...b608975e_c.jpg to osorno 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Now just 110 km to Osorno and clean laundry!! http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/1...2926e4546c.jpg Screen Shot 2014-02-25 at 11.44.14 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride
Quote:
Well that changes everything...cool! Really liking this part of your trip. Always thought that a bike trip wasn't complete without a ferry ride or two, but it seems more epic in Chile somehow. |
The "end of the road"
We had heard that the Isla Chiloe was really beautiful and also that the “end of the Pan-American highway” from Alaska and the end of the Pacific Coast Highway from Lund BC was at the far end. So we had to go now. Setting off from Osorno under cloudy skies we drove the 162 km to the ferry dock at Pargua and then took the 45 min ride across the Chacao Channel to Chacao.
https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2893/129586...cb950538c0.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.24.57 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2892/128257...553b4e65_c.jpg DSC02103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/sk/3746/128258...db6054ba_c.jpg DSC02106 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/sk/3731/128262...a77a02b1_c.jpg DSC02108 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7460/128258...83075ce9_c.jpg DSC02110 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr From here we booked it the 198 km to Quellon with drizzle and several long stops for construction. https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7347/129586...8cba92ef48.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.27.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7424/129584...00b152cf_c.jpg isla Chiloe 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2815/129587...d17f4bdb_c.jpg isla Chiloe 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Tomorrow we can spend our time driving back along the route of the iglasias. The island is famous for its old wooden Churches. The town itself is on the ocean and with the tide out, there are a lot of boats aground. https://v4s2.yimg.com/sk/3828/128259...48e8cdc1_c.jpg DSC02117 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7432/129590...b7dccfb9_c.jpg isla Chiloe 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2826/129587...ae99677b_c.jpg isla Chiloe 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We did make it to “ the end of the road” to the monument and the sign. https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7342/128264...f7da94b2_c.jpg DSC02124 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7289/128260...87354f77_c.jpg DSC02122 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2869/128261...377c7689_c.jpg DSC02128 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were cozy in our cabana with the wood stove stoked up. https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2838/129585...db15de59_c.jpg isla Chiloe 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7326/129589...413850f7_c.jpg isla Chiloe 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The next day we stopped to admire “old Quellon” and it’s church and some of the others on the island. https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7357/129584...cd213476_c.jpg isla Chiloe 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2821/129584...5eccdff1_c.jpg isla Chiloe 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7407/129589...31e2ebf5_c.jpg isla Chiloe 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2850/129583...0b93fbc0_c.jpg isla Chiloe 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2861/129585...f81782cd_c.jpg isla Chiloe 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7401/129583...97a44ff5_c.jpg isla Chiloe 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The main town of Castro is famous for the stilted houses on the waterfront and the bright yellow and purple church on the main square. https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2848/129584...54ab8d5a_c.jpg isla Chiloe 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7302/129584...62e6d6fe_c.jpg isla Chiloe 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were treated to some dolphins playing in the ferry wake on the way back. https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2889/129585...9ea67c2f_c.jpg isla Chiloe 56 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Puerto Octay
From the dock at Pargua to Puerto Octay it was an additional 135 km. We stopped off in Puerto Montt for lunch and to try to find a cambio office for Orvar to get some USD. This is a constant problem for travel to Argentina, where you cannot use your visa or ATM card because you will only get the official 6-7 to 1 rate. This means you need USD to exchange on the blue market for 10-12 to 1 depending on where the currency is. Even with the transaction costs of getting Chilean Pesos out of the ATM 6 $ per 400$ and the currency exchange to USD you are still way ahead. So for shipping his bike from BA he had to stock up.
https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7322/129583...856ba95dc5.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.27.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3127/1...a59835a56b.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-06 at 8.03.26 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We then took the route of the Llanquihue Lake. We also stopped in the nice town of Puerto Varas and finally got the Cambio! The 225 is very scenic as it circuits the lake and ended up camping in Puerto Octay. Again there were a few construction zones. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2512/1...f4f90db5_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-06 at 7.04.21 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7332/129586...5d40305e_c.jpg Puerto octay 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s1.yimg.com/sj/2892/129582...03287e84_c.jpg Puerto octay 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7295/129586...335e73a6_c.jpg Puerto octay 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7456/129582...203ed344_c.jpg Puerto octay 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7317/129582...cd410eb2_c.jpg Puerto octay 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7393/129581...4996c1ec_c.jpg Puerto octay 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr https://v4s2.yimg.com/so/7360/129586...98ac6bd9_c.jpg Puerto octay 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Puerto Fuy and victims of schedule changes
We were supposed to have met Trevor here, but his bike was not finished on time! So we headed back to see what was up in Osorno. We have a short 264 km to try to catch the ferry. Since he expected his bike now on Monday and as it was Saturday we decided to go on and he would catch us up.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2745/1...c069dafd_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.30.13 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/1...544080aa_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/1...17a94657_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were headed for Puerto Fuy where there was a 1 pm (no way) and a 6 pm ferry to the Hua Humm border crossing to Chile. Since we had time we wandered on the 7 lakes route and stopped for a break in the cute town of Panguipuli. The bikes were a big hit with this family. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2546/1...3b8efda4_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-06 at 7.22.22 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2666/1...f6ae6cfb_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/1...d17b7bba_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/1...06d15c78_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/1...d28c7e58_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2731/1...138cc572_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/1...7ed07143_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Arriving at the ferry dock at 4 pm for the 6 boat it was eerily quiet. The guard informed us that it’s March 1 today and the winter ferry schedule started today and the only ferry left at 1!! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/1...52bf0877_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/1...f588a487_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/1...3014167f_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/1...23de1e33_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Well at least we could then get a reservation for tomorrow and there was a grassy area near by to camp. While we were unpacking we met this couple from Sweden! http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2517/1...85f4d579_c.jpg Tom Färjan mot St Marten 038 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/1...db163d1f_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/1...a3ce6cab_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Luckily we had some provisions and there was a small store here with beer, bread, and eggs. The funny part was we were all unpacked and in for a swim when at 5 a ferry arrived! We did not think much of it until a few trucks were loaded. Orvar ran over in his swim trunks and asked if they were leaving at 6 and would they take 3 bikes. The guy said yes! Man did we pack fast and drive over, but no such luck. The big boss came over and said no the ferry was for dangerous cargo and navy only. In fact the 3 cars that had loaded had to get off. AGH! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...fbb0806a_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/1...3a9563f2_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2215/1...727784e9_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2198/1...578f749b_c.jpg Tom Färjan mot St Marten 041 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Back to Argentina at the Hua Humm crossing
We had a long night of people partying, dogs barking, and roosters crowing. Finally the ferry loaded for the 1 sailing and luckily we were last on = first off. The trip is 90 min down the lake to Hua Humm.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/1...24cb18ab_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-06 at 7.25.40 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/1...f07807d6_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/1...34ec545b_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 29 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...b929751f_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/1...a5375b2f_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/1...477269f9_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/1...2239b825_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/1...bf41ef62_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...3b9802d4_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/1...cbae899c_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/1...6884e529_c.jpg Tom Färjan mot St Marten 055 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/1...3d99af79_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2444/1...49576c8e_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/1...2fe5099d_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We unloaded and headed off to the borders. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2098/1...43bd9c59_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.33.09 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/1...b866197e_z.jpg puerto fuy SMA 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then you race 10 km on the path between the piles of gravel to the Chile border control. Here we were first and so got our exit stamps and canceled our bike permits. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/1...51c3f854_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/1...218192c9_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then there was a good gravel road for 3 km to the Argentina border control. Again we were first there and first out. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/1...2d0ed269_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/1...5ecd28ab_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr There is only 53 km to the Pavement of the 40 at San martin de los Andes and the first half was not too bad, but the last 20 km was deep gravel and terrible washboard. We were happy to arrive at the Automobile Association campground where they have amazing hot showers. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2485/1...81124b50_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We enjoyed a stroll in town and some ice cream. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2782/1...70ba60a7_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 54 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/1...986457ff_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
And then there were 3
Since we had not had Internet access for 2 days we did not know that Trevor had got his bike already on Saturday night and was actually now ahead of us and in Nuequen 428 km north of us.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/1...babe1b3fd8.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.35.04 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We headed north when driving along the road we saw this guy on the side of the road asking for help, but we did not see his bike. Orvar stopped to pick him up and drive him up the road to where his bike was. He said he had lost a chain link, and Daniel gave him our spare link, but unfortunately the chain had thrashed the guards and was totally jammed and unfixable. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/1...4d16c232_c.jpg DSC02251 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/1...02018430_c.jpg DSC02253 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/1...62461936_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2644/1...8b9553b7_c.jpg puerto fuy SMA 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Trevor did however manage to get us a good place to stay. We went out to celebrate for our last night with Orvar before he heads home to Sweden. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3076/1...ffdf62fa_c.jpg IMG_2514 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr A sad day for us we said goodbye to the Swede and the 3 of us headed 495 km north to General Alvear. It was a long straight hot day. The first curve after we left Orvar near Santa Isabel was 93 km later. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/1...5e1d53dec1.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-04 at 10.37.05 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/1...a643b27f_c.jpg DSC02260 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/1...1b78a1de_c.jpg The Swede Leaves by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/1...d2dc7333c1.jpg IMG_0051 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/1...803749f959.jpg IMG_0050 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Mendoza and the WINE Festival
We had to pool our remaining Argentinean Pesos with Trevor for the hotel, dinner and gas! Luckily we know where to go in San Raphael for money and it is only 85 km away. Arriving Dan and Trevor talked to the contact, but he said the boss would return in an hour, so we used our last few pesos for coffees and a submarino (hot milk and good chocolate). The rest of the drive to Mendoza on the 40 is a strait highway, but now we have al driven the entire Ruta 40, except the 100 km of pavement between Perito Moreno and Baja Caracoles. On the way Dan’s F800 hit the 90,000 km mark.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2233/1...2322055e6f.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-08 at 7.44.30 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/1...569af9e5_c.jpg IMG_2515 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It was no easy feat to find a place to stay because of the wine festival. We got a place with parking on the sidewalk out front for 1 night and then moved to a better place with a secure parking lot for the next 3 nights. We are sure glad we did because there were thousands of people out on the streets day and night all weekend. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3621/1...b2e66ba8_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Thursday we did a walking tour of the main square and the 4 surrounding parks. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3133/1...d006af504e.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-08 at 7.54.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The main square has a huge fountain and the spray was nice and cooling. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/1...ebb33e54_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3322/1...584992d8_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It’s always wine time in Mendoza! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/1...da2dd1ae_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Plaza de Chile had huge palm trees and several memorial statues. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/1...00e7dda1_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/1...6b8ae12b_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/1...d6fc3c1c_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Plaza Italia was lined with banners and Italian tile fountains. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2017/1...384ae6b0_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2241/1...c1233a3c_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/1...cce6d22c_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The Plaza Espania had an amazing tile surface with hand painted inlay tiles, which were all different. There was a huge mosaic depicting the Spanish conquest. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/1...10d680b7_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/1...02d7e709_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2134/1...ca8f35be_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3266/1...998c2455_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/1...4a426d70_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3110/1...d4a9db90_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Mendoza and the WINE Festival
We finished of with the square closest to the hotel Plaza San Martin. Friday we drove 35 km south again to the wine region along the Camino del Vinos (the road of the wine) and then for a tour and a tasting at Chandon.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2057/1...02fbab20_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 69 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/1...9bed9d35_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/1...07af4b07_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3116/1...b5f1562e_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/1...fe75e534_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/1...a0e890dc_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 44 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3092/1...51734de3_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/1...0fe6a87a_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3213/1...71e7c5e3_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3316/1...dc607488_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3404/1...fc8661bc_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 59 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr For lunch we could not get a reservation at any of the Bodegas (no surprise), so it was 6 $ lunch at Mr Dog. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3439/1...4efb5ce3_c.jpg Mendoza and Chandon 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Mendoza and the WINE Festival
Saturday night we headed out to watch the Queen’s parade. The streets were lined with people. We had heard the princesses threw gifts from the floats. The first few we saw tossed small bunches up grapes.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3064/1...5e8f4281_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2482/1...b4e3702b_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2561/1...1413eb9c_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3239/1...6753d3bf_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/1...fda9c179_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Enterprising people had baskets on long sticks to collect their prizes. What we saw next was better. The girls tossed out apples and pears and the crowd went nuts for it. The 2 best were the floats where they were tossing whole melons and grilled meat that they were cooking on board. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/1...b93185e1_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/1...25d5147c_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We skipped the Mc D even though you got a Malbec with your combo and had sausages instead. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2157/1...272fcbdc_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3397/1...0d620fba_c.jpg Mendoza Queens parade 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Well today was a bit sad again as we said goodbye to our friend Trevor from Calgary. We have really enjoyed his company over the last month. He is headed back to Bogota to ship to Miami. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/1...8e6f4dc6_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Today’s parade was a bit more political with various groups represented. There were also traditional floats, Gauchos, and dancers. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/1...0cfb1927_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3136/1...d7035702_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/1...059252be_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2758/1...24e4b710_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/1...39fe4d0e_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3297/1...ec2788e2_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...32903f56_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/1...4154e069_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2528/1...f7be39b0_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/1...0efb8799_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/1...dbd3d8dd_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/1...3971287a_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/1...d97029da_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3053/1...3064154c_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr For a treat today I had Malbec ice cream! YUM http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2154/1...71921425_c.jpg Mendoza parade day 2 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Argentina
Looked up a place for a Saturday night out dinner and found “Downtown Parilla” about a 20- min walk away. The Internet was right! Great food and service! We had a delicious veal carpaccio and this 9$ steak (roast), which was cooked perfectly.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3651/1...88b56087_c.jpg Mendoza 144 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2575/1...c87a1f37_c.jpg Mendoza 145 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr One of our favorite wines on the trip has been Luigi Bosco, so we booked for a tour and tasting on Sunday on the way out of town. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...57c56dac_c.jpg Mendoza 146 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3247/1...dcc2b965_c.jpg Mendoza 147 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The have storage for 9 million liters at the production facility. They use American and French oak, but are doing an experiment using Chinese and Russian barrels. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3546/1...874d8fa2_c.jpg Mendoza 151 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3033/1...0d66ea6b_c.jpg Mendoza 157 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3095/1...cf540c13_c.jpg Mendoza 160 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2206/1...38c9ebf0_c.jpg Mendoza 152 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have 37 products including table wines, fine wines, exclusive vintages, sparkling, and even 1 late harvest. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3504/1...e1cb7daf_c.jpg Mendoza 162 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3053/1...8408e2ff_c.jpg Mendoza 150 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The first flat
Now we are headed to Santiago again for tires and service, but we have a few days to kill so it’s a short 50 km to Porterillos to camp on the lake and then 70 to the town of Uspallata.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2159/1...395e6bfd_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-11 at 11.00.55 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...78c2a53f_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-11 at 11.01.16 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had a good night at the campground, but woke up to the first flat of the entire trip! He and I had no trouble breaking the bead using my bike and side stand, but Dan had a bit of help with the hard part from fellow biker and camper Sergio! We also had no issue setting the bead on the Heidenau with our electric pump. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3265/1...abf18605_c.jpg DSC02484 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/1...79860c81_c.jpg DSC02487 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3009/1...9f0b5b85_c.jpg DSC02488 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The day sure got better though after the cold cloudy day yesterday. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3646/1...f3f8554b_c.jpg FILE1546 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr From Porterillos to Uspalatta there are a few cool tunnels in the “zona de tunnels”. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2508/1...44227ee0_c.jpg FILE1563 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2372/1...cfb2dbce_c.jpg FILE1554 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Uspallata
Uspallata (us-pa-yay-a) is not a bad little town and the last place to stop before the pass over the mountains to the border in 83 km. They have an YPF with good coffee and wifi.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...02f96d48_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We managed to get a cabana for 2 nights for a good price and then could cook all our meals, which is nice. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/1...6f04a5a5_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/1...e64ba6bf_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The view here are nice of the hills and snow capped peaks. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/1...e5b7533b_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/1...b99b39f2_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2294/1...fd0468bc_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/1...1c07944f_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2537/1...93c75550_c.jpg Poterillos Uspallata 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Back to Santiago
We had a big day planned with the border, new tires, a stop at BMW for parts, a stop to drop off gear at the hotel, and last to drop off one of the bikes for service at Johnny Moto, so we set out early.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/1...f6705b41_z.jpg santiago part 2 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/1...71af25ee_c.jpg santiago part 2 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/1...5b5e968d_c.jpg santiago part 2 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The drive over the pass to the border is on a nice curvy road. We were glad of the heated jackets when it was 5 degrees. The descent from the Chile border in on this crazy snake road. After this it was quickly 27 degrees for the ride to Santiago. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/1...e2dd368f_c.jpg santiago part 2 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/1...1d61f210_c.jpg santiago part 2 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The border crossing took a bit longer than usual, because some of the paperwork done at one of the southern small crossings must have been done wrong or not eventually entered into a computer, but they gladly just fixed it up and off we went. We had a bit of a frustrating day trying to get all our errands done. Arriving at Motoavntura for tires we found the mechanic was sick….strike 1. Just down the road is the largest BMW dealership in the world. We went there to get washers for the rad fluid change, which since they supposedly service bikes they should have them. They have none and don’t know anything about them……not untypical and strike 2. Driving to the Hostal Matte we arrived, but the GPS did not record the address and there is no sign…..strike 3. Did I mention it is HOT and these places are up to 25 km apart. Well off to Johnny Moto at least we know where that is. We dropped off the 650 GS for and oil and fluid change and a rebuild for the steering head bearings. They were destroyed. Thanks “Johnny” for the photos for the blog. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/1...7959ffc6_c.jpg santiago part 2 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/1...340a1178_c.jpg santiago part 2 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/1...2fa444e1_c.jpg santiago part 2 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...ac5d4f05_c.jpg santiago part 2 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...ba61e9eb_c.jpg santiago part 2 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Casa Matte
Headed back to the Casa Matte with the house number we arrived and were welcomed by Cristian and his entire family. Our famous riding friend Alicia Sornosa dropped by the Casa with her friend Andreas.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/1...35016bdc_c.jpg santiago part 2 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/1...6ff37955_c.jpg santiago part 2 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/1...ee9201b9_c.jpg santiago part 2 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We also met fellow Chilean rider Alcides on his F800! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...9bc1bbc5_c.jpg santiago part 2 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Cristian invited us to join them on the roof top patio for a party and parilla! This place is great. After months of poor nights of sleep from uncomfortable beds, noisy neighbors, doors slamming, dogs barking, roosters crowing, and cars screeching this place is paradise. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/1...a66b517c_c.jpg santiago part 2 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2754/1...5a7f4e88_c.jpg santiago part 2 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/1...649bfb31_c.jpg santiago part 2 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2382/1...fc6d6fd0_c.jpg santiago part 2 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2344/1...99ab6262_c.jpg santiago part 2 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...fe545b68_c.jpg santiago part 2 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2798/1...baff00c2_c.jpg santiago part 2 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Johnny Moto
We returned to Johnny Moto for the work on the 800. But first there was lunch at the famous typical restaurant El Pipeno and shopping for oil for us and part for his shop.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/1...6a597b0f_c.jpg santiago part 2 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2689/1...f7e107d1_c.jpg santiago part 2 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/1...efe3eeeb_c.jpg santiago part 2 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/1...da24e879_c.jpg santiago part 2 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then it was time to get to work. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/1...a0056003_c.jpg santiago part 2 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2284/1...8b64d6b7_c.jpg santiago part 2 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/1...c6384188_c.jpg santiago part 2 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/1...5139b839_c.jpg santiago part 2 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/1...0a3d9273_c.jpg santiago part 2 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Just a Saturday drive
Saturday we were invited to join Alicia and her friends on a ride to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. We did do a circle route, but the roads we took back are not on google maps.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/...a3d18fdf_z.jpg santiago part 2 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2417/1...8aa4d5cb_c.jpg FILE1666 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We started in Valparaiso where the streets get very steep and narrow so riding with a few bikes can be a challenge. We stopped for a snack of seafood. Still hungry we drove along the coast road in search of good seafood soup. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/1...ab43caf0_c.jpg santiago part 2 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/1...43eae354_c.jpg santiago part 2 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...840cb7ed_c.jpg santiago part 2 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/1...20847f64_c.jpg DSC02558 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/1...9c15423f_c.jpg santiago part 2 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/1...28430d3d_c.jpg santiago part 2 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...508b73a8_c.jpg santiago part 2 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were 8 on 6 bikes from Spain, Chile, Colombia, and Canada. We met up by chance with Peter and Fredrick from South Africa at the lunch spot. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/1...7fae9671_c.jpg santiago part 2 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/1...9ea0869a_c.jpg santiago part 2 68 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/1...602eb29d_c.jpg santiago part 2 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/1...0507e77c_c.jpg santiago part 2 74 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/1...03405170_c.jpg santiago part 2 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/1...6ae9df1c_c.jpg santiago part 2 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...797cfbe1_c.jpg santiago part 2 83 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The plates from the meet. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...ffc769fa_c.jpg 1557454_10152010369509562_1939316645_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2763/1...788b8229_c.jpg 1896847_10152010370029562_870643813_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2786/1...86422f73_c.jpg 1069420_10152010369899562_303926198_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2741/1...14a11245_c.jpg 1982067_10152010369744562_701341985_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...cb5b81b2_c.jpg 1798517_10152010370179562_1421484104_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Casa Matte
Another nice night on the patio at casa Matte.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/1...36d179a9_c.jpg santiago part 2 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/1...ebf557f4_c.jpg santiago part 2 105 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...ea80a045_c.jpg santiago part 2 110 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/1...5f98d7e8_c.jpg santiago part 2 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/1...3f520b01_c.jpg santiago part 2 100 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
crazy road
Today we had a 5 -hour visit to the Canadian Embassy In Santiago. WOW our tax dollars at work. We needed our signatures witnessed on some documents. By email they said just show up and we will do it for 25,000 Pesos (50$). In reality it took hours and several calls to Ottawa and 5 hours to get the 6 signatures, for which they agreed to take the fee they quoted, but they wanted 550$ per signature!! I feel sorry for the Chileans using the embassy services, we ARE citizens of Canada!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/1...5e309221_c.jpg santiago part 2 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We have a few days to kill before we head off to Easter Island, so we decided to explore the nearby ski area and it’s crazy 50 hairpin curve road. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/1...635d91b1_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.44.32 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...bd02f38d_b.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.45.14 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...d21ac116_c.jpg DSC02603 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr First we went to the end of the road at the Valle Nevado resort. We were treated to soaring Condors. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...0c3915f3_c.jpg la parva 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/1...9502d7f8_c.jpg la parva 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/1...b835933a_c.jpg la parva 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It’s no Whistler for sure and is 90$ a day to ski! Next we back tracked to the villages of Farellones and La Parva both of which were deserted at this time of year. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...4b2d2509_c.jpg la parva 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...75828250_c.jpg la parva 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/1...6a81dbe8_c.jpg la parva 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/1...06511a7b_c.jpg la parva 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The road is a must do and is so close to the city!!! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/1...352ba8c8_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.46.21 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/1...8c19d48c_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.46.04 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/1...03819950_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.45.42 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...52d41943_c.jpg la parva 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/1...b1644667_c.jpg la parva 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/1...f6a336e7_c.jpg la parva 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/1...d865bff1_c.jpg la parva 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/1...c33d62aa_c.jpg la parva 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/1...b808c602_c.jpg la parva 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Easter Island
Today we got up at 430 am to get to the airport by 615 for our 815 flight, that finally left at late at 1215! The 3800 km flight from Santiago to Easter Island (Isla Pascua) takes almost 6 hours.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/...a69de169c4.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/...825aab4c39.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/...0c66f1fc98.jpg This is one of the most isolated inhabited islands on the planet and is formed by 3 extinct volcanoes. It was originally settled by people from the Polynesian island of Marquesas 3200 km away around 300-1200 CE. The Rapa Nui people began creating the Moai statues to venerate their dead ancestors, who could then they felt transfer power and fortune to their descendants. At the peak there were about 15,000 inhabitants, but because of over population and deforestation it dropped to about 2500 by 1722 when the first Europeans arrived. Diseases and slave trading dropped the population to just over 100 in 1877. This caused the loss of everyone who could read the only written Polynesian language known. The battles between the tribes involved toppling of other tribes Moai. It was called Easter Island because it’s first European visitor arrived here on Easter Sunday. The over population and lack of resources allowed the warrior tribes to gain power over the Ancestor (Moai) Cult and this formed the Bird Man Cult. The power of the ancestors was cast in to the Birdman and this began about 1540. The idea was a warrior from each of the 15 tribes competed to get the first egg of the Sooty Tern that nested on the islets nearby. The competitions began around 1760 and ended in 1878. We checked into our cabana at the hotel, which actually has a view of the Tahai Moai in the distance. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/...16200813_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/...ba72382f9a.jpg Then we celebrated with a glass of bubbly and then a great sunset on the beach at Ahu Te Peu. https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/...c5f4e2ac_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/...3b5108290e.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/...2167f32f_c.jpg On the first morning here we had a beautiful day to start out as we joined a tour to a ceremonial cave, the Ceremonial Village of Orongo, and the volcano Rano Kau. This gave us a good taste of the history here before we set off on our own in a rental jeep to explore. The first stop was at Ana Kai Tangata. This cave was used for ceremonial purposes and has paintings of the Sooty Tern. Next we headed to the Ceremonial village of Orongo. This was only occupied during the Bird Man Competition. The houses are round and made totally of stone. They have only one narrow entrance accessed by crawling only. This was designed for safety of the leaders inside. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/...265a0cbb_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/...afbaef37_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/...0bab192f_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/...2987f7c0_c.jpg We toured the site and got stuck in a rain strom, but then we were treated to a rainbow over the islets Motu Iti and Motu Nui. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/...fae83ae2_c.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/...eaf9a3585c.jpg The path then leads to the crater of Volcano Rano Kau, which is filled with fresh water. Nearly all the flora and fauna of the island can be found here in the crater. We stopped at the other side of the crater for a view of the rest of the island, the town, and the days plane arriving. There are also some petroglyphs here. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/...4ac4d1d7_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/...0c649865_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/...524443db_c.jpg The adventure began when we rented a jeep to tour on our own. Then we were off to Ahu Akivi to see the 7 standing Moai, which are the only ones on the island that are placed facing the sea. Next it was off to Puna Pau, which is the quarry in a volcanic crater where the red hats for the Moai were made. This is over 12 km from the first settlement and the crater where the Moai are made. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/...bb65d228_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/...9e2dab90_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/...64d86263_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/...e8b39e03_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/...c531e36f_c.jpg Today we went back to try and find a Moai Huri A Urenga that was listed on the map, but hard to find. You could see it was not visited much by the tall grass we had to get thru. The plan for the day was to drive up the south coast road and stop at all the Ahus, some of which were better than others. Now for some relaxing for our tired feet. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/...f6dca6b5_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/...28f34bf8_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/...6a2d2ba3_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/...21db8d38_c.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5144/...0240f2d0_c.jpg |
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