DHL Harley Patagonia Saga
 

Yep, Martin, just opened your e-mail and answered it. Take care. xfiltrate

You're Stuck
 

Big big fine for overstaying.

Yep
 

Argentine customs tells me its about 60% of the value of the bike. I am sure I don't get to be the one to determine value.

Garden Gnome
 

Xfiltrate, re my slinky thermals. My wife said I reminded her of James Bond on a night mission. An Argentian saw the photograph on my blog home and posted that I looked more like a garden gnome. Not very encouraging. However the people at Honda here in Ushuaia were very welcoming and the bike is out of storage and at the Honda mechanic for an overhaul. Glorious weather, great view of mountains from my room. Scared of the trip but feeling good...
:scooter: simon

Bck973
 

Just sent you a private message. Martin

Dear double 0 Simon,
 

Hey I heard the 007 character was based on your life. Don't be discouraged by Argentine men and their comments, they are probably just jokingly jealous. My nickname here in BA is "Charlie Garcia", the very popular muscian...just take a look at him on Wikipedia...Confidentially, I also wear thermals, Elisa just ignors them, except when they get in the way...then she gets a really determined look on her face and just rips them off me... Thermals forever.

Look, it is time to get some data on Martin's bike. Is there anyway you can work "off HUBB" with Martin and arrange something directly with him...I think I can coordinate a pick up and storage through ACA here.... If the weather really is good, I'll ride down, Elisa is in Spain until well into August.

Tell me more about the weather. I see it is near freezing or freezing there, how is it during the day? xfiltrate

Weather In Patagonia
 

Sunshine and thaw for the past four days. Then freezes at night. Good if you aren't a skier. I was out in a launch on the Beagle channel today, sealions etc. Glorious, and sat out on the deck outside my room for a late breakfast. I am trying to decide whether to risk riding up over the mountains to Rio Grande or stick to my original plan of putting the bike on a pickup. I have new tires. But I am an old man! What ever, will leave day after tomorrow for the Chilean border. Have been blogging at home
I keep getting messages warning that Brazil is dangerous. Grateful for any information.
simon:scooter:

Hey Simon, don't know what all the Brazil warnings are all about. I live in Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil) and have heard nothing out of the ordinary.
Sure there are the normal BIG CITY problems found in all big citys, but outside of that no problems.

Ride on;
Blaze

Coast
 

Thanks for the message. I normally avoid cities. I prefer small towns and villages. So I can ride up the coast, no problem? And glutt on shrimp?
It is the size of the country that perplexes me. With so much choice,where do I go? I am aiming for the Amazon and taking a boat up to Manaus to visit the Honda factory and the Opera. I want to visit the minning towns, baroque architecture.
simon:scooter:

The coast is good, just take care around Rio and Sao Paulo.
You should not have any problems.
Better brush up on your Portuguese though, not so many folks speek english in the small towns.

What is your planned route into Brazil, entering from Argentina or Uruguay?

PARAGUAY or URUGUAY
 

Blaze, I'm not sure yet. I want to visit those countries I missed out on the ride south, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela. I am in Rio Grabnde, Tierra del Fuego, now and heading for Chile, Puerto Natales, to take the ferry to Puerto Montt. Then will ride up to Santiago.
simon:scooter:

I hope you have checked to see of you need a Visa for Paraguay and Brazil.
If you enter Brazil from the town of Rivera or Artigas Uruguay be sure to find the Customs and Imirgrations stations as the border there is quite open and the stations are not located as you would think. If you do not get the entry and exit stamps could mean some trouble later.
The crossing at Paso de Los Libres and Santo Tome Argentina are good.

If you will be Rio Grande do Sul Brazil drop me a line and I can give you some info on the area.

Keep the rubber on the road;