Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB

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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:36

Welding
 
We also had some time to look over the bikes and Dan found that his pannier rack was broken. This was either too much rough road or one of the deeper mud patches had a big buried rock. The hotel owner went with him to a local welder who fixed it up in no time. These are the bare wires he put in the socket to weld.


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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:40

Canyon del Pato
 
Well today is the big day we spent 4 days to get to. The famous Canyon del Pato. It is a short drive up the 3 N on the pavement until you hit the canyon. The final destination for the day was Huacho in 460 km.

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Dan’s 800 hit a big one today!



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We were sadly under whelmed. There is about a 20 km section with cool narrow tunnels, but not much else. It is not even in our top 100 rides let alone top ride as others have claimed. It is lucky however that the 4 days to get here were epic. The canyon section is now paved, but covered in gravel for added danger.



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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:43

south again
 
The rest of the 150 km is not scenic, but is good dirt except the last 50 km, which is washboard and potholes. We were happy to make it off to the pavement at that rate.


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Now we headed the 50 km to the Pan Americana and then south to Huacho.
Last December we had stayed here and knew we could cross Lima and make it to Nazca in 600 km in one long day. We had forgotten the coast view = sand all day.



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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:45

To Arequipa
 
Getting on the road at 6 am it was just light and so we made it to Lima and through to the other side at 150 km in 3 hours in very heavy traffic. In fact on 3 occasions the entire freeway was stopped for up 10 min. Last time we were in Nazca we had an even longer day and arrived at dark, while today we arrived at 4 pm.

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We planned for another mega day today of 588 km on the Pan Americana. It is at least scenic south of Nazca and curves along the seaside and then inland to Arequipa.


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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:46

Arequipa
 
There was an amazing amount of truck traffic. The last 50 km into Arequipa took over an hour and then the entry to the city from the south is totally blocked so you have to detour 10 km to the north entry to access the historic center. We were so mentally and physically burnt by the time we arrived we could not remember the name of our hotel. Luckily the traffic police let us park here and we used a nearby hotel’s wifi.

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This town has a very nice historic center but does not hold a candle to Cusco. We were beat so we just relaxed and did a bit of walking around the Plaza de Armas. There is a nice bridge near by built by Eiffel.


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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:47

Zig zag
 
We went to a great restaurant called Zigzag for a “fancy night out”. You had to wear a bib to project your clothes from the sizzling meat.

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saralou 21 Jun 2014 06:49

Chivay
 
Picking up the bikes at the Cochera (parkade) we met a large group of riders from Sweden. We are actually FB friends with one of them Thomas and he has been following our blog. They all know our good friend Orvar (king of Sweden).


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We decided at the last minute to forgo the apparently very bad road in the back way to Chivay and opted for the paved 180 km.


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This is a stunning ride over a pass to almost 4900 m. There are tons of stacks of rocks left by other travellers.


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troos 22 Jun 2014 22:07

Fatastic RR, I really do enjoy. :thumbup1:

saralou 23 Jun 2014 01:09

hi
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by troos (Post 470855)
Fatastic RR, I really do enjoy. :thumbup1:



Hey thanks!!!! SP & DP

saralou 23 Jun 2014 01:10

Anniversary
 
It was 2 years ago today that we left Vancouver, BC to head north to Inuvik. Since then we have been in 16 countries and made it to Ushuaia and back to the north of Peru.




It was also 18 years ago today we got married!! Wow we looked young! :clap:clap





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beruoist 23 Jun 2014 07:23

Epic ride, Marvelous photographs and happy anniversary :)

saralou 24 Jun 2014 00:54

hey
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by beruoist (Post 470897)
Epic ride, Marvelous photographs and happy anniversary :)



Thanks so much!!!

saralou 25 Jun 2014 00:38

Colca Canyon
 
The road down into the valley is a switchback on a sketchy paved road. We decided to stay in the next town at Yanque at 168 km.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 00:39

Colca Canyon
 
There are a few km of pavement past the town and then it’s dirt for about 70 km to Cabanaconde.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 00:40

Colca Canyon
 
It’s a good thing we did go on the paved route into Chivay, because the “good” part of the road thru the Colca Canyon was a terrible 60 km of very rough road. So much we had the first real trauma since the Quito failed stator broken/dislocated toe incident. With a combination of the horrible road and Sara not tightening the lid to Dan’s tool tube, we lost Sara’s very good long john top that was padding our very nice thermos and of course the lid to the tube. Dan went back to look for it, but with 70 km of terrain and 1 hour till dark it was futile. That said the Canyon itself is beautiful, but I would not suggest you make a special trip here. There are so many other beautiful places in Peru that are easier to get to and you do not have to pay a 30$ per person park fee. This is great if you plan to spend a week here hiking, but not a day or two. Dan did some off roading down the hiking trails for a better view.

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saralou 25 Jun 2014 00:40

Colca Canyon
 
We stopped for lunch in Cabanaconde. There was this crazy building just outside of town.

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saralou 25 Jun 2014 00:41

Colca Canyon
 
On the return trip we decided to get off the horror road and went down into the canyon, up the other side and back on the small local road.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 02:43

Colca Canyon
 
Leaving Chivay we headed back over the pass to 4800+ m and back to the highway northeast to Puno in 284 km. This route is also over a second pass to 4500 m.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 02:44

Puno Peru
 
We stayed in the same hotel and ate at the same good Chinese restaurant. Since we had a short 137 km to Copacabana and the border to Bolivia we took the opportunity to get the bikes cleaned up from all the mud and changed the oil.

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saralou 25 Jun 2014 02:46

Peru
 
Heading to the border along the 3S there is no sign marking to turn to the north border to Bolivia so just head to the town of Yunguyo on the RN 2. The drive along lake Titicaca is very scenic.



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The first step at the border is to head to the police office. They will check your passport and stamp your tourist card.


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Then go to the migration building and get your exit stamp.


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The last step is to go across the street to the Aduana (note they are closed from 1230 to 130). Here they want your temporary permit. They will enter your info in a ledger and then into the computer. Then they will stamp your portion of the permit and give it back. Don’t loose this if you ever want to go to Peru again, since it is proof that you left the country with the bike.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 02:47

Peru
 
Next drive up the hill and into Bolivia. Just past the STOP gate park to your left. Go down the stairs to the migration office. Fill in the tourist form and get your entry stamp for Bolivia.


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Then go back up the stairs and into the Aduana (closed from 1-2 and it is an hour later here). Here they want your original title and a copy and a copy of your passport.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:26

Copacabana
 
Then head 8 km down the road to Copacabana, which is a bit of a sketchy town. We got a decent place with a view. We had heard from the back packers at the border that the road to La Paz had been closed for 4 days. In fact they all took the bus back to this border so they could go to the south border to bypass La Paz and head south. We asked the aduana official and he said the road would be normal tomorrow. HMMMMM

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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:27

La Paz and road blocks
 
Leaving Copacabana we headed the 143 km to La Paz.



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The views of Lake Titicaca and the snow-covered peaks of the Andes were awesome.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:31

La Paz and road blocks
 
The first step was to go 30 km to Tiquina where you need to get a launch to the other side of the lake at this narrows. It is about 2.50$ per bike.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:32

La Paz and road blocks
 
We then head east on the RN 2. We did not see much evidence of the first 2 spots that the road was blocked, just a few rocks on the road. Arriving on the outskirts of the city there was about 10 spots over a 10 km stretch where the road was blocked by rocks and crowds of people. A truck blocked the worst area. We were able to get thru the crowds easily. The burning tires were everywhere. At one spot they had a rope across the road, but at about our chest level. One of the protestors told us to go back and ride around….the guy next to him smiled and lifted the rope up for us.



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The one benefit to the blockade was that there was zero traffic getting into the city. Arriving at the tollbooth we saw the army forces gathering and getting ready to break up the blockade. The view of the city in its “bowl” is incredible.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:33

La Paz
 
We went of a bit of a walk thru the old city and the Iglesias of San Francisco.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:35

La Paz
 
You can climb to the roof thru this very narrow stairway.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:41

La Paz
 
In the large cities in Bolivia they have these Zebra crossing guards to keep people following the traffic rules.



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The main square of the city is quite small and over run with pigeons.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:44

Death Road
 
The big event for today is the famous DEATH road or Yungas road of Bolivia. This is a 69 km road to Coroico from the RN 3 about 56 km from La Paz. Leaving La Paz the RN 3 ascends to 4650 m (15,260 ft) at la Cumbre Pass and then descends to 1200 m (3,900 ft) at Coroico.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:45

Death Road
 
The road is largely 1 lane (3.2 m or 10 ft wide) with few guardrails and cliffs up t 600 m or 2000 ft. The downhill driver must stay to the left to get a better view. There is little uphill traffic now unlike in the past when the road earned its name. The most dangerous thing on the road now is the mountain bikers. About 1 a year has died since 1998.



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You enter the death road off of the RN 3 and head down hill all the way.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:46

Death Road
 
There are some cool waterfalls that you drive thru.



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We met another couple from BC on their way up. They had started early and were almost at the top or otherwise they would be constantly running into moutain bikers taking over the road.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:47

Death Road
 
You have to pay a tourist tax at the bottom of the road, but this fee does supposedly pay for road maintenance, signs, and ambulance service. It is 25 Bolivianos each (about 4$).



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Then there is about another 20 km of dirt and water crossings to join back to the asphalt to head back the 100 km to La Paz.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:49

south again
 
Now its time to head back south to get a flight home from BA June 19. What we found out about the still continuing road blockade is that they are protesting a lack of public transportation. The blockade started ironically on the same day that the new 250 million dollar cable car system from this area El Alto to the center opened. It transports 18,000 people an hour!



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From La Paz going south on the 1 is construction all the way to Oruro, but this is only 220 km.



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The next town is Challapata in 121 km more, but it is pretty sketchy, so that leaves a big ride all the way to Potosi at 535 km.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:50

south again
 
It was pretty windy at times, but at least it was mostly with us. Arriving here we ended up going up the same crazy steep stupid road as we did last time. Well at least we knew the way to the hotel from there.


Mike Waterman had suggested we visit the mint and we did. This is the Casa de Modena and you can only visit by going on a tour. It was pretty interesting, but if you had to choose I would go to the Santa Teresa Convent like we did the first time we were here.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:52

Potosi Bolivia
 
Mules powered the early machines, then steam machines took over and these were ultimately replaced with electric presses.


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There were all kinds of scales for weighting various metals. The strong boxes had very intricate keys and lock mechanisms.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:53

south again
 
There were also on display a number of silver art objects and a huge mineral collection.

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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:55

south again
 
Getting out of the city is a lot less traumatic then getting in and we had come from Uyuni last time and so finally we were on virgin road again.


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The scenery is very different here from the high mountain pass and plateau from Uyuni. It is a very windy road going down from 4000m to 3500m and the temperature went from 10 to 18 degrees. We headed south to Tupiza where we spent our last 5 Bolivianos on gas and headed to the border at Villazon in 345 km. If you want to change money all the casas de Cambio are on the Bolivian side. We ended up changing USD at a corner store, as there are NO blue market traders on the Argentinean side. Arriving here at the border park on the bridge and to the right. Just ahead to the left is the Bolivian Aduana (where we got our import papers) so go here and cancel your temporary permit. They want your permit and passport. Then head across the road to the Bolivian Immigration where you get your passport exit stamp. The office next to this is the Argentinean Immigration. Here you fill in the tourist paper and get a passport entry stamp and permission for 90 days visit. They will of course want to see your reciprocity receipt. Now go back across the road to the Argentinean Aduana and get your temporary permit. Here they want your passport, title, and proof of insurance. Make sure you ask for 6 months for the bike if you need it and it much easier to get your stay extended then the bike.

Heading into town it was nice to know where the hotel and a good restaurant were already. Filling up with Argentinean gas was also a good feeling after crappy Bolivian gas.

Today we left 3700 m and ended up 200 km later at 2100 m. It was also very windy with it luckily mostly at our backs and with driving at 100 km/hours we made it with 3 liters per 100 km.

saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:57

Peru and Bolivia
 
Thoughts on Peru and Bolivia.

The coast of Peru is sand, garbage, wind, and chicken farms. The towns north of Nazca all look post- apocalyptic to us and in fact in Chiclayo we thought we were in a Mad Max movie. The scenery and towns south of Nazca do improve and Tacna is quite nice. In the south it is much the same with the exception of Arequipa and Cusco. The garbage here is unbelievable and in huge contrast to the natural beauty.

Bolivia is another myth shattered. We were always sold gas without much issue. The people were universally nice to us and friendly. We were never hassled by police. That said this country also has a garbage problem. With the exception of Sucre, Potosi, and parts of La Paz it too looks like after Armageddon.

saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:58

Purmamarca
 
From the border we headed south 228 km to Purmamarca, which is a tourist enclave because of the beauty of the valley.

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There is a nice walk here thru the valley of the colors.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 04:59

south again
 
From here we headed to Salta in 156 km for a 3-day stay to rest up and clean up.



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Dan needed to ride the 4- meter section of the 9 one more time!



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Now it is time to just ride south to BA! The route we chose was less direct but then we did not need to cover the same ground on the 9. We spent the first night in Catamarca 536 km.


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Today we are completeing our 6 week over 13,000 km loop to and from La Falda. Arriving here after 445 km we were happy to be greated by the friendly faces of Walter and Dagmar and hosted to a great dinner and nights stay.


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Since we did not leave their house until after an asado lunch at 3 pm we only made it to Villa Maria again on the 9 after 224 km.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:01

south again
 
Today we opted again for the less direct route on the 4 south to La Carlota and then south and east on the 8 to San Antonio de Areco at 501 km. This is a town famous for the Gaucho (Argentinian cowboy) culture.



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For us it was a great place to catch some world cup action.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:02

Buenos Aires
 
The last day of this leg of the journey is a short 84 km to San Miguel near Buenos Aires. We were welcomed by Ramiro and Pia, whom we had met in Panama and in Vancouver on their way to Alaska last year. Pia’s father Martin has been kind enough to host us here in his home and store our bikes in his garage for the 4 months we are home. This meant Asado for dinner!!


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:05

Buenos Aires
 
Ramiro and Pia live on “ the Delta” and their house is only accessable by water. They took us for a tour on the river and canal system.


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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:06

Buenos Aires
 
Today we took the train the bus and the subway in Buenas Aires. First we headed to the family bakery for some snacks to enjoy in the Centenial Park. We then walked in the Rigoletto district and visited the famous cemetery there.


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It was nice having Pia along as she was able to tell us the history behind many of the famous names in the cemetery.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:08

El Salvador
 
With the bikes safely stored away and the front suspensions carefully packed we got up at 3 am to head to the airport for our 6 am flight. The first leg to Lima was 4 hours and we saw the sun rise. The second leg to San Salvador was also 4 hours and we had views of the snow covered peaks.



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:09

El Salvador
 
We organized a 4- day layover in Salvador so we could catch up with or friends Mario and Fernanda there. They picked us up at the airport and then it was off to the beach for some beers and oysters!



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saralou 25 Jun 2014 05:10

El Salvador
 
Daniel went to check out Mario’s new Touratech location and his new moto!



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This afternoon was spent at the Barakuda bar to watch some world cup football. Fernada and I bet on the score in the Honduras Ecuador game and both won!



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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:45

Vancouver
 
It is great to be home in Vancouver in the summer! The views are stunning.

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:46

Vancouver
 
No visit here is complete without a trip to Granville Island.

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:47

welcome home
 
Daniel’s family had a welcome home party for us complete with DQ icecream cake.

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Luckily we were not riding this day!!

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:47

the lake
 
We borrowed Daniel’s dad’s bike for a ride to the Shuswap lakes for the weekend.

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:48

visitors
 
We had visits from several riders on their way north or south this summer.


Steve from the UK that we met at the Moto GP in Artgentina and who was not so sure about the jelly fish for dinner!

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Faizal from Malaysia, who we met in Ushuaia and travelled with in southern Chile.

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Nelson and Mario from El Salvador and Steffen from Guatemala.

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:49

ride
 
We had the luck to borrow Daniel’s dad’s bike for a few weeks this summer. The first trip was to head south with Mario on his way to the BMW rally in the Copper Canyon. The day started with picking up the bike in Gibsons in the pouring rain. This gave us an opportunity to try out my new BMW rain gear.


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Twenty minutes before we had to leave for the ferry Bryan noticed his rear tire was flat and there was a sharp piece of metal stuck in it. After a quick fix we headed to the boat and were lucky to be the last vehicle to board.

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saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:50

Bellvue
 
We stopped back at our place to get the pin locks for the helmets and then headed for the border and the 229 km to Bellevue. With the heavy rain, traffic and a 30- minute border wait it took forever.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/...14e5a7e8_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-09-30 at 6.52.27 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


We made a pit stop at total wine for supplies and then headed to the home of fellow ADV rider Marcin.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/...f4d9d90a_b.jpgIMG_2913 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/...0d04f18a_b.jpgIMG_2916 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/...60ee4732_z.jpgIMG_0112 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:51

Target practice
 
Then it was time for a little backyard target practice.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/...cea87581_b.jpgIMG_2961 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/...d6153b1d_b.jpgIMG_2960 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/...c23609a1_b.jpgIMG_2974 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:53

south
 
The plan was to go south with Mario from Bellevue to the Oregon coast. The route we took was past Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens and to the Colombia River at Carson in 322 km. We then headed south and west another 418 km to Coos Bay


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/...046f0b63_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-09-30 at 6.55.28 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/...ce5eeabd_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-09-30 at 6.59.29 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/...11db4914_b.jpgDSC05335 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/...c407a720_b.jpgDSC05322 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/...979f5d67_b.jpgDSC05324 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Oct 2014 07:53

North
 
From Coos Bay it was time to let Mario book it South. We headed north up the 101 the 608 km to Bremerton.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/...c87ce04a_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-09-30 at 7.00.38 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3931/...514ac02c_b.jpgDSC05326 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/...8cbeaba0_b.jpgDSC05329 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Then we had a quick trip on the ferry to Everett and the 266 km north to Vancouver.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/...90a8d6aa_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-09-30 at 7.01.36 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/...18e07596_b.jpgIMG_2995 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/...ef1c999e_b.jpgIMG_2991 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/...7bc6b710_b.jpgIMG_2994 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/...1f3b0cb3_b.jpgIMG_2992 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 22:57

For our second trip we left Vancouver and headed on a similar route on the forest service roads to Hood River Oregon in 617 km.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/...cc5c5635_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-10-06 at 5.19.50 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/...c10ea77e_b.jpgDSC05334 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/...630812e1_b.jpgDSC05343 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 22:58

The next leg was on the secondary roads up to Wenatchee after 377 km and with a stop in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3935/...ff2fb288_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-10-06 at 5.27.28 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/...2daf115a_b.jpgDSC05411 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/...4b748d91_b.jpgDSC05345 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/...b1abc1db_b.jpgDSC05360 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 22:59

Heading home we went north on the 97 and then west on the 20 with a stop in the western town of Winthrop. This takes you thru the mountain passes and past El Diablo lake and to Vancouver in 489 km.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/...23c85a7e_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-10-06 at 5.25.41 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/...daa802b6_b.jpgDSC05371 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/...41fbb76d_b.jpgDSC05375 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/...145fc813_b.jpgDSC05372 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/...b954c0c2_b.jpgDSC05391 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/...1417f893_b.jpgDSC05416 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/...7dabfe09_b.jpgDSC05425 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/...b1d1ce68_b.jpgDSC05419 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/...2c204176_b.jpgDSC05431 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:00

New Gear
 
After 20 months on the road a few things have worn out. Dan asked every traveler we met about 3 things their helmet, rain gear, and riding suits. We have decided to keep the Revitt suits for now and just get new rain over gear. The Revitt H2O one piece just does not stand up to hours of riding in rain and leaks at the crotch badly. Sara got the BMW two-piece and Dan will be using the Shift two -piece he already had for motorcross. The Velcro on the revitt suits was very worn especially on the front pockets and legs. Thanks so much Kate for replacing it for us. The Shark helmets ave been really good, but they are just done after 4 years. Dan did a ton of research and we decided on the Schuberth C3 Pro and C3 Pro Women. They are smaller, lighter, quieter, and more streamline.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7518/...2a0cf92a_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/...476a1ab0_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:01

El Salvador
 
It was a great summer working and seeing friends and family in Vancouver, but it is time to head south again! We have a very long trip to Buenos Aires and so we decided to break it up again with a visit to El Salvador and a visit to our good friends there. Mario and Fernanda greeted us at the airport. We had so much luggage, since we had the front forks for both bikes, new helmets, our riding suits, and one suitcase full of parts for servicing both bikes.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/...0ac7e075_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-09 at 11.26.26 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/...22b43478_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-09 at 11.26.52 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7531/...b879f0f1_o.jpgSalvador nov 2014 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:02

the beach
 
The plan for the first day was a road trip to the Golfo de Fonseca in southern El Salvador. From there in Salvador you can see both Honduras and Nicaragua.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/...0ae390bc_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-02 at 10.11.32 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/...03481ae9_o.pngIMG_3251 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

After a bit of a late start we headed south to Cuco beach.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/...89b13eca_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/...edb81761_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/...9508b2c3_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We had the entire beach to ourselves! It was time to try out the new selfie stick in the serf.


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/...a6df24f6_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The water is warm here and very salty.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/...4faab1be_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:03

Later we stopped closer to town at a seafood place with an awesome view for the sunset.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/...702cf49e_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7487/...3e09b09a_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/...0fc3d758_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/...bc0a16ac_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/...6eec9a88_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/...e0f98f81_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/...d8a4c110_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/...be5a552d_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/...6e2e33b4_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/...b51ee4d1_b.jpgSalvador nov 2014 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:04

suchitoto
 
The guys headed off for the day on and off road to Suchitoto. It was too rough on the lake and the “ferries” were not running.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/...21a02630_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-09 at 11.44.33 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/...f31d4913_b.jpgDSCN6050 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/...b1bf44d7_b.jpgDSCN6049 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/...6631db89_b.jpgDSCN6042 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:05

No visit to Salvador is complete without a night out at the Barracuda! The ADV rider’s Daniel, Mario, Tom, and Nelson.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/...ba09bb77_b.jpgDSC05599 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/...bf864767_b.jpgDSC05597 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/...b30d8f17_b.jpgDSC05603 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:08

El Centro
 
We braved a visit to the "dangerous" Centro. Here we visited the architecturally interesting Iglesia El Rosario, which is on the Plaza Libertad. This is the most interesting Church we have seen in Latin America. It was was created in 1971 by artist and architect Rubén Martinez. The exterior looks like a derelict airplane hangar from the old Soviet Union. Inside there are no columns and only 3-4 electric bulbs. The walls are slatted concrete which both allow light and air flow inside. Imbedding hunks of colored glass into the concrete walls and ceiling have created stained glass windows. On one wall it creates a large "eye"looking down on the congregation. The Stations of the Cross are depicted in abstract sculptures created by Martinez in carved stone, wrought iron and re-bar. During the war it was the sight of a huge murder of student protestors and you can still see the bullet holes peppering the facade.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/...e134c0eb_b.jpgDSC05654 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/...46e719d2_b.jpgDSC05605 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/...5589073e_b.jpgDSC05606 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/...a6430379_b.jpgDSC05639 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7513/...5c83168d_b.jpgDSC05615 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/...1af1d7e0_b.jpgDSC05616 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/...3637af2e_b.jpgDSC05636 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/...2662d2cf_b.jpgDSC05625 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/...4465c106_b.jpgDSC05637 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/...9a874517_b.jpgDSC05608 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/...abfa710d_b.jpgDSC05610 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:09

We also visited the Cathedral, National Palace, and Teatro.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/...0df146d9_b.jpgDSC05662 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/...0c3df129_b.jpgDSC05651 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7461/...21d4eafd_b.jpgDSC05646 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/...e0a5bda7_b.jpgDSC05645 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7558/...59c1f676_b.jpgDSC05649 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/...3ed01b46_b.jpgDSC05664 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We did have a "guard" to visit some of the "real San Salvador".


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/...7aa6188c_b.jpgDSC05660 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/...7e6ab576_b.jpgDSC05667 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/...0c793830_b.jpgDSC05669 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7511/...77517f4f_b.jpgDSC05672 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/...2937e301_b.jpgDSC05677 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/...88e5be5b_b.jpgDSC05678 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:10

soccer
 
Our next real Latin American experience was to go to a soccer match. The crowd was standing and screaming and beating drums for 90 minutes. The interesting thing was how the riot police escorted the officials on and off the field.


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/...041426dd_b.jpgDSC05680 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/...f67cb814_b.jpgDSC05705 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/...66eee161_b.jpgDSC05684 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/...25e20b07_b.jpgDSC05691 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/...ecff2421_b.jpgDSC05700 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 13 Nov 2014 23:12

Miramundo
 
Today we rode north to the Honduras border to Miramundo, where on a clear day you can see all on El Salvador.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/...3b4958fe_b.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-08 at 1.16.04 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/...20e28f50_z.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-08 at 1.16.29 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7579/...5869c29e_b.jpgDSC05750 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7551/...f93e4b12_b.jpgDSCN6056 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/...7d16d00e_b.jpgDSC05752 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3947/...f3437891_b.jpgDSC05751 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/...e575968f_b.jpgFILE1449 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7561/...e5edfd68_b.jpgDSC05768 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/...f85f0bab_b.jpgDSC05764 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/...4676a75c_b.jpgDSC05770 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/...e04b0e01_b.jpgDSCN6059 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/...6581d2b3_b.jpgDSC05765 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/...ef0a15d3_b.jpgDSC05780 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7574/...bdbe5e1f_b.jpgDSC05785 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 18 Nov 2014 22:47

Buenos Aires
 
After a week of partying in Salvador we head south again to BA.


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/...99f57a3e_b.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-09 at 11.12.43 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/...126f42c6_z.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-09 at 11.13.20 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The bikes finally see the light after 4 months in Martin’s garage.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/...c29a049c_c.jpgDSC05790 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


Thank you so much also to Pia and Ramiro!!


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7518/...53b0a133_c.jpgDSC05794 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 18 Nov 2014 22:48

Touratech Bueno Aires
 
While we were having fun on the town the bikes were getting some work done at Touratech Argentina. Thanks so much for the great job!

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/...470558bc_c.jpgDSC05793 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/...19b7fc15_c.jpgDSC05872 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/...c80a5ea6_c.jpgDSC05873 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 18 Nov 2014 22:48

Buenos Aires
 
We had a tour of the downtown with Pia. This included the Museum of Latin American Art, “PINK” house of the President, the white house where the country of Argentina was “formed”, the Parliament, the Cathedral, and the Argentinian version of the Washington monument.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/...caf898e2_c.jpgDSC05817 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/...7de27b0b_c.jpgDSC05820 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/...f8a9acd2_c.jpgDSC05870 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7550/...161b9ff3_c.jpgDSC05857 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/...d79b2f2f_c.jpgDSC05836 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/...65153d49_c.jpgDSC05833 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/...582b3857_c.jpgDSC05821 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/...d9f98c54_c.jpgDSC05830 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/...522c2fae_c.jpgDSC05803 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 01:03

To Iguazu
 
Leaving Bella Vista we were escorted to Gualeguaychu in 223 km by Pia and Ramiro. This is a nice town on the river that in February is THE spot for Carnival in Argentina.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/...426a55e2_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-14 at 5.41.28 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7531/...154b6458_o.jpgFILE1550 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 01:04

From here we headed north again to Federacion after 256 km. On the way the forest gets more jungle like with palm trees. This town is a “hot spot” for thermal spas. We found a nice quiet place to stay away from the main action, but in walking distance.


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8646/...1eaa76fb_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-14 at 5.45.30 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/...e7d324f9_c.jpgFILE1559 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 01:07

We decided for a long 500 km day to Posadas, where we found a nice place near the main square. There is lots of action here and it was great to sit at a café on the street and watch the people going by.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/...e2970a20_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-15 at 8.25.08 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7480/...efeb27c9_c.jpgFILE1609 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 01:13

Capiovi
 
The object of the 3 days drive north was to get to Iguazu National Park in a further 325 km.

We had met Fernando at the Moto GP in Rio Hondo Argentina and he was so kind to invite us to see his town Capiovi on our way thru. It is 120 km north of Posadas. He and Gloria and his parents showed us around. It is a very quaint town with a German immigrant heritage. The place was all decorated for Christmas. They took us to the mini falls for a cool break from the 32 degree heat.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/...5e882aba_c.jpgDSC05883 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/world_wide_ride/15822989495" title="DSC05879 by Sara &amp; Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15822989495_d932145d51_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSC05879"></a>

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/...c2717cce_c.jpgDSC05881 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/...cec61d55_c.jpgDSC05876 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 18:50

Iguazu Falls
 
Arriving at the park in the late afternoon was great, since the light was awesome for the photos and the bus hordes had already left. We opted not to go for the day to Brazil since we decided in the heat the hassle was not worth it.

The first glimps of the falls.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/...6c6e7bec_c.jpgIguazu Falls 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/...5f0c7249_c.jpgIguazu Falls 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/...ced6ce0e_c.jpgIguazu Falls 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/...7936d22b_c.jpgIguazu Falls 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 18:52

There are lots of walkways over the falls, but because of the massive volumes of water in October the 2 best view points on the isla and at Devil’s point (accessed by narrow gauge rail) are closed since the causeways were destroyed.


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/...faf4fa0f_c.jpgIguazu Falls 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/...e0643ba6_c.jpgIguazu Falls 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7491/...de6bd664_c.jpgIguazu Falls 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/...a8ddc97c_c.jpgIguazu Falls 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/...36023cd5_c.jpgIguazu Falls 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 18:53

From the upper trail you get the best overall view.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/...4ce754af_c.jpgIguazu Falls 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8599/...44443f43_c.jpgIguazu Falls 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


On the lower trail you can get up close and get really wet!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/...c4a4a5f8_c.jpgIguazu Falls 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/...0f6f3e6e_c.jpgIguazu Falls 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/...b7c5579a_c.jpgIguazu Falls 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7496/...57ffd4c5_c.jpgIguazu Falls 92 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7470/...1d78a35d_c.jpgIguazu Falls 88 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/...5e4035b0_c.jpgIguazu Falls 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 20 Nov 2014 18:56

There was quite a bit of wildlife including a lot of Couti, which apparently are biters!


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7509/...4c6a2830_c.jpgIguazu Falls 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7462/...cb6cd81e_c.jpgIguazu Falls 36 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/...f5f0b5de_c.jpgIguazu Falls 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7510/...7717e0fe_c.jpgIguazu Falls 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/...118b7ab3_c.jpgIguazu Falls 55 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Sunset over the falls


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/...24daa3a6_c.jpgIguazu Falls 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:01

To Brazil
 
Heading south again in Argentina saved a lot of miles in Brazil to get to the Canyon routes south of Florianopolis. We headed back down the 14 and then across on the 17 to cross at Bernardo de Irigoyen in 217 km

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/...d239cd2e_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-17 at 8.54.34 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Crossing here is easy. You stop at the border and the official will ask you for your TVIP and Title. They will cancel your temporary permit and give you an exit stamp for your passport.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/...cb38c72c_c.jpgFILE1724 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:02

Drive ahead to the Brazil Aduana or customs. They did not even ask us 1 question, but just waved us thru. There is no temporary import needed for Brazil. There is no immigration control either. For a country that we need to apply for a visa with documentation including bank statement s and income tax info it seemed pretty lax. You do however have to report to the Policia Federal office about 2 blocks up on your left. Here you fill in an immigration form (in English) and they do check your Visa and stamp your passport for 90 days. I’m not sure how they would know if you did not stop there and what they would do to you if you were eventually stopped. I think it would be easy to make that mistake, since at the actual border they did not tell us to go there or say anything to us at all actually. I had to ask where do we go for immigration.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/...b0a87d05_c.jpgFILE1733 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


Here we had finally made it to country number 17! We tried to get some Real’s but all the Banco National Machines were not working. Luckily the Supermercado took visa! A helpful local who had given us directions to the bank also told us there were banks and hotels in the town we were headed to 75 km away. WOW Portuguese is so challenging to understand, but the local are so friendly and they really try to help you out.

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:03

We headed out south again to Sao Miguel do Oeste and found a great hotel with English speaking staff. They even drove us over to the HSBC since the Banco National we had found was still off line. We walked the town and managed to get dinner and it was what we thought we had ordered!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/...4a2d26cb_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-17 at 8.56.23 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


One of the differences between Argentina and Brazil is what “breakfast” included means at a hotel. In Argentina you get a media luna and a coffee….



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7513/...901ab2d2_o.jpgimgres by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/...8c02d025_c.jpgDSC05970 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7501/...5abf14ea_c.jpgDSC05974 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/...77c0f71d_c.jpgDSC05975 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:04

Curitibanos
 
The plan now is to head east and south to the “canyon” routes near Florianopolis.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7541/...7c1d0039_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-17 at 8.11.01 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


Today we headed east 414 km to Curitibanos. The last 50 km we experienced the “truck trains” we had heard about. There is no rail system in Brazil so the roads are loaded with truck traffic. They do not seem to manage the weights and the trucks are destroying the road surface.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/...0bf74e7c_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-17 at 8.58.13 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7577/...71d4b8a4_c.jpgFILE1773 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/...8e17fa31_c.jpgurubici 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:08

From here we are headed to Urubici, which is a popular tourist town with a number of natural attractions.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/...7bcf7431_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-23 at 9.01.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7549/...24584ac9_c.jpgurubici 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7496/...8a00a3d0_c.jpgurubici 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/...91359aa1_c.jpgurubici 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:10

Morro da Igreja
 
We stayed in a small hostal and met Frank and Laurence a super nice couple from Lyon.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8666/...161a9d9a_c.jpgDSC06011 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

We rode out of town 30 km to the Morro da Igreja or church hill. This is the highest point in southern Brazil and it is here that they recorded the lowest temperature ever in Brazil at – 17.8 degrees celcius. This is the only place in Brazil that has ever had snow. From the tourist office you obtain a free entrance security permit because there is a military airforce station on the mountain and they control access.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/...810032dc_c.jpgurubici 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/...f80935f3_c.jpgurubici 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7582/...764a6103_c.jpgurubici 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:11

The road is paved and fairly steep and curvy, but the panoramic view is incredible. This is also where you can see the keystone or Pedra Furada.


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/...fb085a1f_c.jpgurubici 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/...62f13099_c.jpgurubici 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/...b818de0d_c.jpgurubici 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr




https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/...a9c8b35b_c.jpgurubici 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/...9623fe14_c.jpgurubici 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:12

cascatas
 
On the way back just after the checkpoint we stopped at the Cascada Veu de Noiva, which located after a short walk on private land. This is a bridal veil fall.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7525/...218fae1f_c.jpgurubici 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/...b327cc6b_c.jpgurubici 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


On the other side of town and on the way south to Sao Joaquim is the Cascata do Avencal, which has a 100 m free fall.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7473/...4ef7f4e2_c.jpgurubici 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7518/...194bc538_c.jpgurubici 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 24 Nov 2014 00:14

Cambara do Sul
 
Today there was 60 km of pavement to get to Sao Joaquim and then 120 km of dirt to Cambara do Sul. Christian passed us on the paved road and then flagged us down. He wanted to know if we were really from BC? He is a vet here who studied at UBC.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/...e432fd07_c.jpgCambara do sul 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

The first 5 km off road was pretty bad and very rocky and we could only go about 45 km/h. The road was narrow and winding along the river and so there were nice views. The rest of the road got better and better. One section was steep with switchback up the mountain. We stopped in San Jose dos Ausentes for a snack at the bakery café at the gas station.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/...ee540d20_c.jpgCambara do sul 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7486/...88569775_c.jpgCambara do sul 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8666/...64565de9_c.jpgCambara do sul 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7508/...6d1763d5_c.jpgCambara do sul 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8647/...0faa1dcc_c.jpgCambara do sul 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/...5931a92f_c.jpgCambara do sul 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:02

Canion Forteleza
 
I will say this country is very civilized. Pulling in to Cambara do Sul we found a cheap Posada near the square and net Roge a biker on a BMW 650 who is from Sao Paulo. It started to really pour at about 3 pm and continued all night until about 6. By the time we got up at 8 the sun was shining again.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/...8509867a_c.jpgCambara do sul 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7467/...c9c0eb4f_c.jpgCambara do sul 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


Leaving Cambara do Sul we were following Roge on a tour of the Canyons. First we headed to Forteleza canyon, which is about 10 km of silky pavement and then 7 km of dirt sort of like a dry river bed. There is a 10 min walk to the canyon edge and its precipitous drop.


https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/...b9936df1_b.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-25 at 10.20.37 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7522/...791c47b5_c.jpgCambara do sul 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/...1886be3c_c.jpgCambara do sul 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/...2beb7271_c.jpgCambara do sul 33 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8579/...fc510f09_c.jpgCambara do sul 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/...35bf1e4e_c.jpgCambara do sul 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8642/...6198bb45_c.jpgCambara do sul 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:04

From here we backtracked to the town and then headed on the dirt towards the coast. The mountain ridge here has 4 passes, 3 are dirt (one of which comes out of Urubici, but it’s closed) and one is paved “Serra Rio de Rastro”.



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7518/...2bb404a8_b.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-25 at 10.22.09 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/...09efcb19_c.jpgCambara do sul 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

This pass is only about 40 km, with the Itaimbezinho canyon at the almost half way mark. Here there is an entry fee and the park road is paved. We opted for the 40 min hike instead of the 6 km one. There are nice views of the canyon from this tail. On the way out we ran into Laurence and Frank again!

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7486/...6f3282b7_c.jpgCambara do sul 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8588/...c8240991_c.jpgCambara do sul 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr





https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/...5a6af37a_c.jpgCambara do sul 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7472/...d4ef28da_c.jpgCambara do sul 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8640/...43a398a9_c.jpgCambara do sul 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/...04969cfe_c.jpgCambara do sul 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/...2b1bfd11_c.jpgCambara do sul 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:05

Bom Jardim da Serra
 
The road east from here gets a bit worse, and the final 10 km is a switchback dirt road down the mountain. Some of the corners were very tight and very rocky. The last few km has intermittent patches of pavement.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/...07660226_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-24 at 4.49.32 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



From here we headed 25 east to hit the 101 highway and then off it at 31 km to head towards Turvo onto the secondary road and then 96 km north to Lauro Muller. It started to rain a bit and on one particularly muddy road we got stuck behind a truck and covered in mud. We drove around a bit in Lauro Muller, but there was only 1 sketchy looking Posada and so we decided to head 26 km up the mountain and the famous Serra Rio de Rastro to Bom jardim da Serra.


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8607/...30351ae2_o.pngScreen Shot 2014-11-24 at 4.47.47 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7561/...0ac841c2_c.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-24 at 4.50.23 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/...f19a218b_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8637/...fda2244a_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:07

Bom Jardim da Serra
 
We drove up the main road and saw 5 bikes parked in front of a hotel and of course we stopped here. These were an awesome bunch of guys from the same club on an extended riding holiday. One even has a son who worked in Burnaby near our home. We had a fun night out with these great guys. Jean and Alexandra, who are from Florionopolis and Forteleza, joined us also.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8565/...989b6841_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/...e145713b_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/...1395eda6_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8571/...968ffe3d_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8608/...7f4aa87b_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/...459b24b7_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/...b556b925_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/...67d93917_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:10

Serra do Rio Rastro
 
The next day was cooler, but not raining and we headed to the Mirante of the Rastro. Here you can see all the stickers from Brazilian moto clubs.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7515/...7905d21c_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7561/...a706af15_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/...5e67c6d7_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr





https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/...f2e08395_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 34 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/...25e7f7f7_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7546/...d28c41f5_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/...f6181e87_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7556/...1b48aa9d_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:14

Riding down we stopped for a photo op and got to see the pig truck make a 3 -point turn at the corner. You can see where the trucks have scraped the barrier on the way down.



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/...49f7b72b_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7563/...bc4dc31c_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7529/...94cd15b6_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8594/...a871e422_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8601/...cbe87656_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr



https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7542/...1d30112e_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 50 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

saralou 25 Nov 2014 13:14

Laguna
 
We had a 34 km ride down hill to Lauro Muller where we stopped for a wash up, and then we headed off road after 15 km more at Orleans. Then we took the 390 off road for 45 km to hit the 101 and head north 30 km to Laguna.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7493/...a964ec37_c.jpgScreen Shot 2014-11-24 at 5.45.32 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8591/...ef1d5186_c.jpgbom jardim de serra 51 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

Mac-1769 25 Nov 2014 15:30

great R/R
 
You two always do a great job. Wonderful photos! Keep on keeping on and keep on sharing. :thumbup1:

Mac

saralou 25 Nov 2014 19:07

Thanks
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-1769 (Post 486788)
You two always do a great job. Wonderful photos! Keep on keeping on and keep on sharing. :thumbup1:

Mac

Hey Mac

Thanks so much for the shout out! We really hope to be in your neighbourhood maybe by 2017?

Sara & Daniel

saralou 25 Nov 2014 19:10

Laguna
 
On the way to laguna about 10 km from the town we had a white car wave at us and take some pictures with their cell phone. This happens all the time, but today they stopped beside us at a light and handed us stickers from their Laguna Moto Club.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/...1b569511_c.jpgLaguna 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7568/...29829ff2_c.jpgLaguna 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


Carlos then asked if we needed anything. Dan said we were looking for a hotel and he said follow us. They drove us thru the historic district to a hotel just off the beach. He knew the owners spoke English. Carlos and Paula were so awesome they sent us the pictures and all their contact info incase we needed help. Carlos also posted a ton of stuff about us on his blog Utiama.com

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/...0f21dd92_c.jpgLaguna 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7506/...a2318409_c.jpgLaguna 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr


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