tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44042621800101590922024-03-19T02:06:12.146-07:00Ebony & Ken: Ice to IceA trip from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Argentina. Why? Because we can.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-7897567322809581832012-12-17T14:02:00.001-08:002012-12-17T14:02:22.876-08:00Day 162: Buenos Aires, Argentina to Wellington, NZ via Sydney, Australia Well everybody! I guess the Ice to Ice Tour is now officially over. All that is left to do is to tie up some loose ends, write some summaries that might help others thinking of doing similar things and get our girls out of Argentina and back home.<br /><br />I am beginning writing this on the plane in the way from Buenos Aires to Sydney. I will finish it, all going well, from home in Wellington NZ. We are flying Aerolineas Argentinas and travelling in business class! That's a hoot! The fare for business class was $130 more than the standard fare. That might sound a lot but it is a 16 hour flight - so that's less than $10 per hour. :-) It means you get a lounge to sit in while the plane is delayed 90 minutes, priority boarding so you don't have to stand in huge queues and a reasonable seat so you have a chance to get some sleep. It made sense to me.<br /><br />So we were up this morning not long after 5am, showered and packed and ready to go. The hotel ordered us a sizeable car (almost a limo) which was just as well because we had lots of luggage. It also meant that we had a driver who was only slightly insane instead of being stark raving bonkers as all other BA taxi drivers seem to be. <br /><br />Check in was straightforward enough although the flight had already been delayed an hour from the original ETD of 8.30. I sat in the lounge and did some posting of blogs while we waited. It would seem that the days of lavish airline lounges might be over. It was most certainly not like the Koru Lounge that I enjoyed while working at the Teachers Council. Still a coffee and some fruit and a quiet place to wait was ok. <br /><br />Kiwi checked it out. Seemed ok. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8281536651/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8281536651_02eb1e4d35_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We eventually boarded at around 9.15 and were then held at the taxiway for a further 20 minutes so the rubber bands could be retensioned. Finally we were up up and away and into some bumpy turbuturbuturbulence as we cruised down the east coast towards the South Pole. Apparently we are to fly over some southern islands of NZ. Not that we are likely to see anything. And will arrive in Sydney just a little late at 3.15pm local time. Well, we'll see. <br /><br />Kiwi thought the seats were ok. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8282592242/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8282592242_a2196cfde6_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And then found himself a snug little possie. He wasn't so sure about the feet though!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8282592610/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8282592610_d35a0f52a1_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />More to come. :-)<br /><br />Sydney was ok - good to see that relaxed Aussie humour. Because our plane was late Dick had a bit of a scramble to get clear and then catch his flight to Auckland. I had a bit of time to kill and then left at 7pm.<br /><br />Shirley was waiting for me at the airport when we arrived just after midnight. Goodie! What else can we say. <br /><br />That's going to be it for a while. Summaries and comments later. I'm going for a nap. :-)<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Wellington,%20NZ%20&z=10'>Wellington, NZ </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-44526513944374838982012-12-17T13:59:00.001-08:002012-12-17T13:59:01.899-08:00Day 161: another not very restful day in Buenos Aires, Argentina Hi folks <br />Well I wrote this blog in the airport lounge yesterday and posted it but it has disappeared. Bother!<br /><br />So .... here we go.<br /><br />Basically Dick and I went out to Eddie's at about 10.30 to sort out the bikes. I had been a bit apprehensive about the traffic but it was fine. The bikes are now stored in an underground carpark that needs a lift for access. We stripped the mirrors and windscreens off the bikes in the hope that we may be able to arrange for them to be picked up from here by truck to go out to the shipping company. We arranged for them to be cleaned by the building manager and left him the keys.<br /><br />After that we went to be tourists for a while. We went to see Eva's tomb at Recoleta and then to La Boca to see some of the art and stalls. <br /><br />And that was about our day. A big pack and then off to the airport early in the morning. <br /><br />Today's run: 6kms<br />Cumulative: 41,852kms <br /><br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Buenos%20Aires,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Buenos Aires, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-46513595277871610922012-12-16T02:34:00.001-08:002012-12-16T02:41:22.155-08:00Day 160: a not so restful day in Buenos Aires, Argentina Hello everyone<br />Our first day in BA and some good, some not so good. Breakfast was included in our first night's room rate so we dealt to that first and then went off to International Cargo for our meeting with Natalia. She was available as she was dealing to a personal crisis (?) so we met with the Managing Director and Martin. They confirmed to us the bad news. <br /><br />Apparently Argentine regulations for the export of personal items (like motorbikes) require that the owner is physically present at time at which the property is loaded into the container. This is supposedly to control drug smuggling. Because it is so close to Xmas there is only one chance that we might be able to have this done on Tuesday. (Today is Friday) There is then a chance that we might be able to change our flight to Sydney from Sunday to the Wednesday. And then a chance that I might be able to change my flight from Sydney to Welly. It all sounded pretty chancy to us. <br /><br />So we either stay in Argentina now until mid-January so the bikes can be cleared and then fly home, or fly home now for Xmas with family and then fly back in January. Not too much doubt I think about which one we will choose. <br />We then went to meet with Octavio of Hub who is the customs broker. He confirmed all of this information and collected our documents for copying. They had to be signed in front of a notary public. He also advised that because the permit for the temporary import of the bikes runs till August 2013 there is no problem with us coming home for Xmas. We just have to arrange to have the bikes stored and advise the broker of the location. Just in case there is a one in a million chance that Customs may choose to inspect. All of this I think is to ensure that we don't sell the bikes illegally and cheat the government out of their sales tax.<br /><br />Dick has an old friend here in BA called Eddie who used to own and manage a cereal factory in Tres Arroyos. He had an accident some five years ago and is now in a wheelchair, living in an apartment in BA. He was a great contact! Not only was he very pleased to see us but he also has a neighbour who doesn't use his carpark. An arrangement was made to park the girls there until we can get back to watch them being loaded into a container.<br /><br />Back at the hotel Dick and I split up to do our own things for a while and then went to the famous Tango Porteno show. It was a hoot. Not only did they serve nice food on a massive scale - getting most people's orders right - serving nice wine, the show itself was great. It had a storyline there somewhere; not far from Eliza Dolittle and My Fair Lady but not quite. Towards the end the storyline got sacrificed I think for more tango varieties. My mum would have absolutely adored it! <br /><br />So, tomorrow we will take the bikes out to Eddie's apartment, strip mirrors and windscreens, disconnect batteries and leave them. :-( Hopefully we will be able to arrange for them to be picked up by truck in the New .year. Otherwise we will refit the windscreens and mirrors, reconnect the batteries and ride them to the wharf.<br /><br />More to come. Obviously!<br /><br />Today's run: 0kms<br />Cumulative: 41,486kms<br /><br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Buenos%20Aires,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Buenos Aires, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-58454851388923121122012-12-14T02:41:00.001-08:002012-12-14T02:41:19.473-08:00Day 159: Tres Arroyos to Buenos Aires, Argentina Good morning!<br /><br />No blog last night - I was just too tired. <br /><br />Things went pretty well yesterday. We got away at a good time and headed NE with not too much wind. Karen had us worried because she told us it was 650kms to BA but we thought only about 530. We could see on the map that Ruta 3 went to BA so we ignored her directions to go west and kept to the map. Eventually she came right - maybe there was a bit of Ruta 3 she didn't know about.<br /><br />It was pleasant enough riding but I was still pretty tired from the hammering we got yesterday. Fine and sunny with not much wind and good farming scenery. A lot of traffic to negotiate with huge convoys of trucks on quite a narrow two-way road. We met this gentleman from Brazil on a little Yamaha. He had also been to Ushuaia. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8272270770/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8272270770_8e46c73f01_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />He told us not to go to BA because of the student riots. It rather reminded me of the Peter Seller's line - "the students are revolting""yes ..... aren't they." <br /><br />We eventually got on the motorway into BA and could speed up a bit. Some of the driving we saw was a bit hairy - the speed limit was 130kph but the trucks were still doing 80. A lot of tailgating and, of course, lots of cars doing 160 or so. A number of toll gates to go through too where bikes were charged 150 pesos. I really wondered why they bothered.<br /><br />Off the motorway and into seven-lane city traffic. Around the huge obelisk and then across all the lanes to our hotel. Karen did a great job and Dick was very good too having been here before and spent time studying the maps. At about 4pm we were parked outside the Hotel Bristol. In a bus stop. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8271203275/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8271203275_9cdc75db08_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We parked the girls in a parking lot down the street and found our rooms. We then tried to,find the closest BMW motorcycle dealer. We have this idea that we could have them service, clean, store and maybe even, crate the bikes for shipping back to NZ. Instead we wound up in a BMW car dealership and they were very uninterested and unhelpful. The expression "tits on a bull!" Sprang to my mind.<br /><br />We had dinner in a huge pedestrian mall (the meal was too really - what is it with vegetables?) and then were back for bed by 11pm. Everything runs very late here and my system is not used to it.<br /><br />Not sure yet what I think of BA. It's a big city with huge contrasts. I'll write more later.<br /><br />At 10am this morning we meet our shipping agent to see whether or not we can come home before our bikes are "shipped." And find out exactly what "shipped" means - actually placed on a ship or placed in bond? More later.<br /><br />Today's run: 542kms<br />Cumulative: 41,846kms<br />Tipovers: Who cares?<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Buenos%20Aires,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Buenos Aires, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-588075505864677712012-12-12T17:35:00.001-08:002012-12-12T17:39:55.542-08:00Day 158: Sierra Grande to Tres Arroyos, Argentina Hi folks<br />Well today was one of the hardest days of the tour. Right up there with Ruta 40. Gale force winds, huge dust storms, narrow roads and very hot. Oh, and 750kms - a record for the trip. Phew. <br /><br />We had breakfast at the hotel at Sierra Grande and were on the road by 745am determined to have a big bite at the distance still to go to BA. There was a mild zephyr as we left Sierra Grande but it quickly turned into a really good Wellington westerly gale as we headed north towards Cinco Chanares. It was brutal. The road was narrow and the seal was poor and we got hammered as we rode. <br /><br />At Cinco Chanares we turned east and had the wind behind us for a while so sat at around 120kph for a while, but we could see the dust beginning to build. As we turned north again at Viedma (go and get a map!) we hit the first serious dust cloud. I have tried to take a photo but it doesn't come near to the reality. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8268740134/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8268740134_237315781f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8268740364/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8268740364_74c4158158_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Visibility was down to about 100metres and we were forced to sit on about 80kph with the wind whalloping us from the left. One good thing was that the trucks disappeared, or most of them anyway. Still lots of buses to push us around. And the traffic here moves fast! <br /><br />At one point we dropped into a gully and the visibility dropped too. I could see maybe 10metres in front. I knew that Dick was behind me somewhere but I was concerned about oncoming vehicles. I tried slowing down but the wind made me too unstable; I just had to keep going, visor down and hope. It lasted for about 150metres. I was pleased that I was wearing my Ulysses club (brown) underdaks. <br /><br />Obviously, because I am sitting here writing this, I made it! :-) I hope youse are too! <br /><br />No point in going on about it. We stopped when we could find some shelter and rested and drank water. From Bahia Blanca we turned east again and the riding became a little easier. At about 6.30pm we arrived in Tres Arroyos and found a hotel. We are knackered! Totally exhausted. <br /><br />There were some good points too. Gradually the terrain turned from scrub to farmland and we began to see bales of hay and crops of wheat being harvested. Everywhere we stopped we met people interested in what we have done and where we are going. The expression "mucho loco" was heard from time to time. I relate to that.<br /><br />We have now had dinner, a beer and are headed for bed. There appear to be some problems with our bike exports. Our agent is apparently saying that we must remain in Argentina until the bikes are loaded onto a ship. Which is likely to be in mid-January. So we are a trifle worried. Especially with all of our flights already booked. <br /><br />More details to come. :-(<br /><br /><br />Today's run: 750kms (a record?)<br />Cumulative: 41,304kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tres%20Arroyos,%20Argentina&z=10'>Tres Arroyos, Argentina</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-82169573926810036332012-12-11T17:24:00.001-08:002012-12-11T17:24:40.227-08:00Day 157: Caleta Olivia to Sierra Grande, Argentina.Hi everyone<br />Getting close now! It was another tough day in the wind today. We left Caleta Olivia with no regrets and headed north along a very poorly maintained road (a new one coming!) with a buckety rumpity westerly bashing us around. The air dam from the trucks as they rocket past in the opposite direction is physically punishing. We must have been in mad rush hour because we were sitting on 110-120kph and still being aggressively passed all the way.<br /><br />We stopped in Comodoro Rivadavia for breakfast at a petrol station. We thought we were getting a toasted sandwich with ham, cheese and egg but we didn't. Something was lost in the translation because we got cold stale bread with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. I could only manage half of mine it was so stodgy.<br /><br />Not much else to do but head on up the road. Our petrol consumption is through the roof with the wind so we found ourselves stopping quite often for gas. The road was long and straight. The vegetation was pretty sparse and the wind was relentless. <br /><br />We stopped for lunch at Trelaw which is supposedly a touristy sort of town with a Welsh heritage but we were in go-mode and just stopped for lunch. Just before we stopped I had a problem with my Nolan helmet. I tried to raise the chin piece as i rode along and as I lifted the lever it broke off and disappeared. As a result I can't get my flipface helmet to open. It is a real struggle to get it off and on. My poor ears! :-) so I am battling on with it and when I get to Buenos Aires it will go in the bin.<br /><br />Ebony clocked over 50,000kms this afternoon and right on cue the headlight bulb blew. I should be grumpy with Mr BMW but to be fair the bike has gone brilliantly so far. Fingers (and other appendages) crossed. <br /><br />So here we are at Sierra Grande, in a hotel and have just been out for a meal and a beer. I did my washing before we went out and it is now on the dryer. Whaddya reckon? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8266022014/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8266022014_cc032763ac.jpg' border='0' width='320' height='320' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Got to us a ceiling fan for something! It looks quite nice up there slowly turning around. <br /><br />So that's it folks. Hopefully a more gentle day tomorrow as we turn East and the wind is more behind us. 750kms tomorrow and then we should be in a good position to make Buenos Aires on Thursday. Bikes cleaned and with the shippers on Friday. A day of being a tourist in BA and then off to Orstralia early in Sunday. Arrive back in Welly at some terrible hour on the Monday. Goodie. <br /><br />Today's run: 650kms<br />Cumulative: 40,554kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sierra%20Grande,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Sierra Grande, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-48133829252042206392012-12-11T13:13:00.001-08:002012-12-11T13:56:14.661-08:00Day 156: Rio Gallegos to Caleta Olivia, ArgentinaHi all<br />Another tough day today. The wind! Man the wind! <br /><br />We had breakfast at our hotel in Rio Gallegos and were on the road by 8am. Almost immediately the wind began to punch us around. A strong wind from the west with lots of trucks and buses on the road buffeting us around. The road was ok and we tried to stay around 120kph but it was hard work.<br />Also I was still tired from a rather unsatisfactory nights sleep and I kept dozing off. On one occasion I went completely to sleep and woke up in the opposite lane at 120kph. That woke me up! <br />Also the other traffic on the road was hoofing it. Most cars overtaking us were doing 140kph with some doing at least 160. On such a narrow two way road with such a strong wind, it was a trifle scary. My petrol consumption went up to 6.4 litres/100kms which is very high. This meant I was keeping a close eye on petrol stations too. <br />We had lunch at Tres Cerros and I buggered around for ages getting some money out of the bank. We then soldiered on through Fitz Roy to Caleta Olivia. Man, what a dump. The wind whistles through here pretty constantly I think so the rubbish and plastic is everywhere. Like i mean .... everywhere. Yuck. We found a hostel but it looked a bit rumpity so we went looking for something better. They were all full. So we ended up back where we began. The proprietor is "interesting!" He insisted on having a photo taken with me. We are his first official guests since 5 December? <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8264441527/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8264441527_078b810d51_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At least he was ok about parking the girls in the hotel foyer. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8265510914/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8265510914_c885b2c97f_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8265511424/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8265511424_7515f805fb_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I think. <br /><br />We'll be on the road early again in the morning. Up the road to the next town (Comodoro Rivadavi) for breakfast. <br />That's it. Hopefully we will get some sleep tonight but I am beginning to have my doubts.<br /><br />Today's run: 710kms (that is huge considering the conditions!)<br />Cumulative: 39,904kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Caleta%20Olivia,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Caleta Olivia, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-10329865107897917472012-12-09T17:45:00.001-08:002012-12-09T17:45:23.601-08:00Day 155: Ushuaia to Rio Gallegos, Argentina (via Chile)Hello everyone<br />We're whacked. What a day. Rain as we left Ushuaia and a huge queue at the petrol station. Then as we cleared the mountain pass we got smacked by the wind. It was tough. Especially with trucks passing you in the opposite direction pushing a huge wave of air before them. Hardest in the gravel where the wind gusts push you into the loose thick stuff. And we had 120kms of gravel today. Not a huge amount of fun. <br /><br />Also we crossed from Argentina to Chile and then back into Argentina again, with all the paperwork that involves. And a ferry crossing to Punta Delgada. We rode from 8.30 this morning to just after 8pm tonight. We are in the Hotel Patagonia in Rio Gallegos.<br /><br />We now have four days averaging 650kms to make Buenos Aires by Thursday night. Bikes into the shipping company on Friday and then heading for home on the Sunday. I think we're in for some short blogs. :-)<br /><br />Today's run: 503kms<br />Cumulative: 39,194kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rio%20Gallegos,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Rio Gallegos, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-51410083890025464572012-12-09T01:28:00.001-08:002012-12-09T01:28:40.573-08:00Day 154: a rest day in Ushuaia, Argentina Hi folks<br />The celebrations are over. Today was a day for replacing, sorting and biffing out! We had breakfast upstairs with Javier and he had a go (for the first time ever) at poaching some eggs. They were great. I then unpacked everything from my topbox, tankbag and panniers and had a huge sort out and chuck out. I repacked my tent and gave it to Javier which left a nice space in one pannier. <br /><br />Everything else got given the once over - do I want it? Do I need it? Have I ever used it? Am I likely to use it? If the answer was no, no, no and no, it went in the bin. I am also thinking ahead to logistics as to how I will pack the bike for shipping and how I will pack for the trip home. <br /><br />Deana kept an eye on proceedings.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8257435980/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8257435980_95306436b3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I then went for a walk down to the waterfront. This is a major port for Antarctic cruises. It's a lovely harbour but cold.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8257436232/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8257436232_607b02b315_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Plenty of reminders here that the Malvinas are still an issue. This sign proclaims Ushuaia as the capital of the Malvinas.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8256366969/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8256366969_7a0d297516_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I also walked past the place where Frances apparently keeps her dosh.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8257436718/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8257436718_29dce28d35_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a shop where everything is free? I suspect someone neglected duty. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8256367405/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8256367405_c630e2cde8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />They go big on barbecued meat here, especially lamb. This is the quirky shot.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8256367703/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8256367703_32a36f48ef_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And this is the serious one. Sort of. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8257437558/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8257437558_6d7b113ff0_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the sign was just lovely. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8256368313/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8256368313_f834533e40_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And that was really my day. I came home for a siesta so I will probably lie awake all night now. Soon we are gathering again upstairs for a beer and dinner.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8256368557/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8256368557_ba4510cc3e_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Tomorrow Dick and I begin our dash for Buenos Aires. Blog postings might be a little sparse. I hope you'll understand. :-)<br /><br />Today's run: 0kms<br />Cumulative: 38,691kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ushuaia,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Ushuaia, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-91905728959415792662012-12-07T16:38:00.001-08:002012-12-13T18:04:26.956-08:00Day 153: Ushuaia to Lapataia and returnHello readers, lovely family and great friends.<br />Today we rode to The End of the World/ Fin del Mundo and back to Ushuaia. We're done. <br />First though I went for a walk while Dick put in a phonecall to Buckingham Palace. I kid you not. Apparently Prince Andrew is the patron of the Outward Bound movement and Dick had to make one of his regular reports on activities in NZ. He told Andi all about our trip and Andi promised to tell mummy later in the day. Good aye!<br />Just a few shots from my little explore. Outliers probably. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252808709/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8252808709_eeb23e035e_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We are right on the edge of the mountains. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252809155/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8252809155_dc35041f6a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253881824/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8253881824_39eefa82c4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252810517/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8252810517_43d53be864_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />In a lovely bay.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252811049/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8252811049_2f7619e514_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252814683/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8071/8252814683_46bebbf2ac_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253887216/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8253887216_f0067a7466_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />where the English are still seen as pirates. No Union Jacks! I think this says that English pirates are prohibited from mooring here.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253887748/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8253887748_8c0f5b0817_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And this spells it out! Go the poms! Sort of. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253888190/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8253888190_1f5726cc89_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And it's no far to NZ.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253888706/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8253888706_3be2ceaed4_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At 11am we rode out to Lapataia to get our photos of the famous sign, to paddle in the sea and to drop our pebbles from Prudhoe Bay onto the beach. First we had to get the girls out of this "driveway." Woohoo! It was great having Mark there to encourage and support. It was ok in the end although we then had to go the wrong way down the very steep oneway street. But that was cool. Sort of. I was heard to utter a naughty word. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253889004/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8253889004_7364c1d201.jpg' border='0' width='301' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It began to rain as we rode out of town and into the National Park and the clay road out to the sign was slippery and greasy. But we made it. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253889642/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8253889642_1661d47478_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The four of us: me, Kiwi, Ebony and Mella.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252818597/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8252818597_8ce67c9f88_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Where I did a haka as celebration.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253890998/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8253890998_74d85a0858_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dick was profoundly moved by the occasion.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252819851/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8252819851_29e39cc945_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And here we all are. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252820501/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8252820501_5bea45128a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then walked down to the sea to paddle just as we did at Prudhoe Bay.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253893188/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8253893188_8cd5f1b8ef_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dick with his copy of the Clipboard.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252821851/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8252821851_cea5bf3f72_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then my turn. Love those icebreaker daks! And the backdrop!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252822253/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8252822253_7da1f83d74_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252822475/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8252822475_fdb8382780_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253894704/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8253894704_6c005083a3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I have carried this little black stone from the Arctic Ocean to here. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253895610/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8253895610_0c1ec7da08_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252824557/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8252824557_f905067c19_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I dropped it carefully into the Antarctic. Here it goes. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253896688/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8253896688_7d83554afe_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Can you see it?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253897130/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8352/8253897130_e2a660183f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='369' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We got quite a lot of attention too. She is from Spain.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8252826297/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8252826297_524e917035_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Back in town we had some quiet time and then went out for a beer that turned into an expedition for dinner. Funnily enough, we went to the same restaurant as last night and had the lamb. It was great. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8253944160/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8253944160_94ed193ab5_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='225' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And now I am Mrs Wilson's very tired boy. We will have another rest day here in Ushuaia and then begin the sprint up to Buenos Aires and home. Our fares are booked: Buenos Aires - Sydney - Wellington. Goodie! :-)<br />Today's run: 53kms<br />Cumulative: 38,691kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ushuaia,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Ushuaia, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-34991867900414575902012-12-06T17:15:00.001-08:002012-12-07T00:30:07.994-08:00Day 152: Cerro Sombrero, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina Well folks,<br />What can we say. We have now ridden from the very top of North America to the very bottom of South America. What a blast! An incredible and amazing adventure. And it's not over yet!<br />The weather forecast for today was for increasing westerly winds and rain so we didn't hang around too long this morning, knowing that our first 120kms would be gravel. During the afternoon two other groups came in. This one from Brazil heading for Ushuaia, one on a 1200 Suzuki Bandit! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8251502588/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8251502588_3ba15bbcfa_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='232' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And this group of Australians on a guided tour from Ushuaia to Santiago on BMW 800s and 650s. With a pickup and trailer to carry their gear. And a spare bike to allow for a breakdown. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250433689/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8250433689_d24e71d913_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The wind was picking up as we rode out at about 7.45am and once again it meant that photo opportunities were limited. We rode towards Onaisin and hit the gravel after about 20kms. Despite all the dire warnings we have had, it wasn't too bad. Certainly not after Ruta 40! We basically got on with it and the wind, while a nuisance, was ok. So were the trucks who treated us very well, one even stopping and pulling over to let us by. And another conveniently parked as a wind break so we could have a stretch. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250433927/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8250433927_8c6909c670_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='256' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The landscape was pretty barren.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250434271/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8250434271_6f932be4c7_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After about two hours we arrived at the Chilean border post. It was pretty quick - I had mislaid one of my forms and the official told me not to worry and simply filled it out again on the spot. It was then a huge ride - 12kms? - to the Argentinian border where we went through the rigmarole once again of getting ourselves and then our bikes into the county. A little sour note here as Mrk had one of his gloves stolen off his bike. He had left his sunglasses inside the glove and on the handlebars and someone lifted it. We couldn't work it out at first. Who would want to steal one glove? And looked all around for where the wind might have blown it. Then he remembered about the sunglasses. So if you happen to see an Argentinian truck driver with only one hand and wearing flash sunnies, please give Mark a call.<br />We had a quick bite to eat here before rolling on south. The wind was picking up now and it was hard work. I loved this sign though. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8251503652/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8251503652_3e0de2829f.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='382' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And this one. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250435103/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8250435103_172910b9c9_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Gradually the landscape became less barren and the trees went from being wind blown shrubs to being respectable trees. We went up and through a mountain pass with the temperature sneaking down to around 5 degrees and a little flurry of snow. Then at last we were in Ushuaia. You need to enlarge this photo.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8251504924/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8251504924_5f5be0bff2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Diana is waving her arms in the air and I am echoing with my legs. Wait till you see the video! Down into the city (60,000 population?) and then up a steep street to the hostel which Mark had organised for us. Then one last challenge. Our parking space. This: <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250436287/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8250436287_95f91c7b06_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The street was very steep (think Baldwin Street in Dunedin) and we had to ride up, turn hard right to line up with the notch in the step and go for it. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250436645/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8250436645_5e881a14b9_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Phew. All this from Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia and then to fall over in the last two metres?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8251506244/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8251506244_556f78bdc8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The girls look quite comfortable now though.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250437543/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8250437543_6c99162e4a_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />In here.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250437933/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8250437933_0f66501d99_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We all had a beer to celebrate. Kiwi behaved quite disgracefully. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250438143/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8250438143_ba9d170101_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250438369/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8250438369_55f055da75.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='368' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8250438805/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8250438805_957d98598a_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And so we are here. We will have a day or two here, do the tourist thing and then turn back along the same road as far as Punta Delgada. We will then turn right to the east and head for Buenos Aires. It all feels a bit funny, not exactly an anticlimax but a sense of unreality in a way. It has been a huge trip.<br />I'll get out and about tomorrow - this looks like an interesting town. <br /><br />Today's ride: 452k s<br />Cumulative: 38,638kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ushuaia,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Ushuaia, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-55551847558491943242012-12-05T16:21:00.001-08:002012-12-06T01:43:32.094-08:00Day 151: Puerto Natales to Cerro Sombrero, ChileHola! <br />What a blast today! Literally! The famous winds of the ferocious fifties gave us a good smack today. We were up reasonably early for the hotel breakfast and I spent 15 minutes or so looking for the bag that my bike cover lives in. Unsuccessfully. It must have blown out during the night and then blown off down the street. Or up. Or something. The wind on the road was so fierce that I couldn't stop to take photos so I am a bit image light today.<br />We rode south on Ruta 9 to Morro Chico and then on down to the turn off to Ruta 255. The wind came in from the west so we were leaning hard into it with the neck muscles tensed and very now and again a little gust-induced foray to the other side of the road. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247720801/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8247720801_3d2ebfcfb1_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At one point we were waved over to the side of the road by the police to allow a house drive by - being trucked up the road. It was so windy that I got off Ebony and put her on the sidestand.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248789052/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8248789052_de213d9445_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We stopped for coffee at a quirky little roadside cafe. It was great with great coffee as well.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247722189/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8247722189_5a01120e9c_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Someone has an odd sense of humour. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248789930/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8248789930_cc8f91ae2c_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248790244/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8248790244_b5d6d44a53_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then turned east on 255 and for a glorious half hour or so rode with the gale right up our exhaust pipes. So to speak. We were enclosed in a cocoon of still air while riding at 110kph. I watched my engine temperature to make sure Ebony didn't overheat but she was fine. Allo Guthrie launched into the Motorcycle Song in my helmet speakers just as the quiet descended. It was kewl. But only too brief. <br />We turned right just before Punta Delgada and carried on to the ferry loading point. The sign on the intersection said "Tierra del Fuego." That was quite a moment. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247722999/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8247722999_a73a7ff576.jpg' border='0' width='307' height='248' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248790900/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8248790900_b65299d10f_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was pretty bleak. But there is the Strait of Magellan! Ferdinand Magellan, Thomas Cavendish, Francis Drake and now Ken Wilson with Ebony and Kiwi. What illustrious waters. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247723687/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8247723687_e3d9b1a1d7_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's a map: <br />http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:South_America_southern_tip_pol.png<br />While we waited, Ritchie arrived on a 1975 Honda CB500. He was something of a character. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248791550/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8248791550_50188b40ed_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So was his bike. It was pretty kewl really. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248791734/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8248791734_c3fa6ca937_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So was his front tyre.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248792050/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8248792050_cbc1364307_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Also these hard case guys. The one on the left wearing a New Zealand World Cup 2011 sweatshirt. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248792366/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8248792366_c39e71d313_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the ferry. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247725505/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8247725505_afb2d09f6b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Also this amazing sheep, obviously enthralled by the dog. I tried to get a better picture but the ferry was ready to load. Have a look at Diana's blog.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248793170/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8248793170_04beef7cff.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='262' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And on we went. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247726445/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8247726445_861f43e014_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were told to stay with our bikes to make sure they didn't fall over with the movement of the ferry. We didn't need to be told twice. It rather limited the view though. (Thanks Diana for the photo)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247727029/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8247727029_bf289583e2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247727199/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8247727199_6836a0e25c_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The ferry was hardly overloaded<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8248795022/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8248795022_c3e76c7a33_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And soon we were off <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247727895/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8247727895_10e8eac85e_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and ready to be welcomed to the province of Tierra del Fuego.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247728607/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8247728607_2eeab9b719_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='351' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />About 60kms or so then down to Cerro Sombrero with the wind punishing us again. We found a hostel and have pulled in for the night. It is quite nice too. We had lunch and refuelled and then for some reason that I can't explain, felt tired. And had a siesta. It must be contagious. <br />Tomorrow we hope to make Ushuaia. This will involve 120kms of gravel road so with this wind (predicted to increase!) we will be taking care. And may even stay here if it looks too bad. It will also include a border crossing. From Ushuaia we ride to Lapataia for the famous photo - the counter to this one. What a shame that Shirley will not be here to share it with me.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8247729363/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8247729363_bbbb984fc0_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Today's ride: 355kms<br />Cumulative: 38,186kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Cerro%20Sombrero,%20Chile&z=10'>Cerro Sombrero, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-69859770945949979312012-12-04T18:36:00.001-08:002012-12-04T18:36:50.502-08:00Day 150: a rest day in Puerto Natales, ChileHi everyone<br />We have had a quiet and gentle day today leaping out of bed at the crack of 7.30am and having a really nice breakfast here at the hotel. I can't get over how late everything gets going here. Everyone seems to work and play late and begin late in the morning. Lots of shops are still opening at 10.30 or 11am. I saw a pub today that opens at 2200 hours. And many still seem to have a midafternoon siesta. <br /><br />Mark and I walked to town trying to find a barbers or hairdresser that was open but without success. In the end I went to a supermarket and bought a disposable razor and came back to the hotel for a DIY shave and clip with the scissors. It looks a bit ragged but it will do. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246387818/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8246387818_5673ae24db_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Hmmmmm .... perhaps on second thoughts I need it done professionally. :-)<br /><br />Aaaahhhh .... That's better. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245321361/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8245321361_6331ee3857_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Later I went for a long walk along the waterfront. It was cold! There is a southerly wind straight from the South Pole via some snowy mountains whipping up the harbour and it is icy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245321715/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8245321715_9fe8e02d8e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245322045/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8245322045_23800dbf3a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And just to remind you how far south we are.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245322431/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8245322431_7a35b5e0db_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Which made these statues of swimmers even more improbable.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245322773/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8245322773_b57f3dacef_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And these plastic children's playgrounds close to the water's edge.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246389864/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8246389864_842077c567_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245323571/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8245323571_ed137d4c37_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Some interesting houses on my walk.<br /><br /> In logs.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245323975/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8245323975_7188595fa6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />In plaster.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245324319/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8245324319_89077d14fa_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I also saw this unusual broome. The flowers are yellow with red sections in the blossoms. There are lots of little flower gardens in the fronts of houses. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246391538/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8246391538_7473215c72_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246391852/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8246391852_ee3d05a14b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A bit of colour in what is otherwise a pretty bleak place. There are huge public works going on everywhere - we wondered if it was part of the strategy to get Chileans out of Santiago and into this part of southern Chile. Tourism is obviously the big earner. There seem to be hundreds of hostels and hotels. Town seems pretty quiet though so I'm not sure when their busy season is. If you have time, get a map and trace the channel from the town out to the Pacific Ocean. This is almost a landlocked harbour but is still accessible to big ships. <br /><br />I stopped off at a cafe for lunch and had empanadas. Quite the nicest I have had: two with shrimps and cheese, two with meat and two with corn and stuff. And a local dark ale. (As you can see I ate one before I thought of taking a photo.)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246392148/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8246392148_ae84094932_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I haven't quite sorted out the connection but obviously wool and weaving are big here.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245325665/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8245325665_e2b059d10a_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246392698/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8246392698_1fb130375b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246393028/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8246393028_e86c19a8a3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dick had a board meeting during the afternoon so at 8.30 we went out to the local fish restaurant. I thought it was pretty good. A bit like an old prefab classroom really. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246393332/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8246393332_28fa3713f5_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It had a cool imitation gas fired wood stove <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246393624/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8246393624_479ac69b19_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a nice display at the counter.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246393930/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8246393930_22167f0c28_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is my fish and curried vegetables.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8245327375/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8245327375_a9d4451663_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And our lovely waitress. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8246394330/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8246394330_7a432bba19_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We are now 755kms from Ushuaia - two days ride. Our journey is coming to an end. We have about 150kms of gravel to ride and a border crossing into Argentina. We have already started talking with shipping agents in Buenos Aires about getting the girls home and thinking about flights back to NZ. I'm looking forward to it - I am missing my family lots. <br /><br />There is still lots to do. It will take us five or six days to ride the 3100kms from Ushuaia up to Buenos Aires, then some time to get the girls sorted before we can organise a flight home. <br /><br />Today's run: 0kms<br />Cumulative: 37,831kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Puerto%20Natales,%20Chile&z=10'>Puerto Natales, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-48110320018870017002012-12-03T17:57:00.001-08:002012-12-04T13:28:35.137-08:00Day 149: Hotel Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales, ChileHi everyone <br />It was a bit disappointing this morning to wake up to find ourselves still socked in with cloud and mist. If you want to see what this special mountain range looks like, go and have a look at the McColl blog here: <br />http://2012ridearoundtheandes.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-calafate-torres-del-paine.html<br />We had a pretty gentle roll out of Torres del Paine. First Kiwi went and checked out his cousin. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243413272/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8243413272_3276a685e9_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243413784/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8243413784_694c95c730_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Seemed pretty quiet. Kiwi wondered if he was stuffed?<br />The pack horses were waiting patiently for their trek up to the mountain camps.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243415712/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8243415712_00323ed994_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243416458/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8243416458_24663978a6_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Meanwhile Kiwi checked out these ladies from Belgium and France. One a teacher and one a doctor.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243416940/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8243416940_09bbd25151_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ellen quite liked the idea of being a biker.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243417850/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8243417850_2536cc4bf4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We got a tantalising glimpse of the famous peaks as we headed off down the gravel road<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243418396/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8243418396_ed56624c58_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />making sure we were going the right way.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242350949/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8242350949_b8f561ba22_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We had thought we might camp along the way but there was really nowhere very nice. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243419800/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8243419800_abb37a87d3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And so we kept going to Puerto Natales. Love the corrugations! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8244691183/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8244691183_aac60c8550_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243420508/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8243420508_c3210ca54a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We filled up with petrol and I attempted to top up my rear tyre but somehow ended up bleeding the air out. I had to top up on the side of the road. I could have been more pleased. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242352607/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8242352607_f2ce19f206_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then found a hotel. It is ok and quite a lot less expensive than the very ordinary hotel we were in last night. Here's the view from the deck...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243421298/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8243421298_ea776ede69_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />where we sat and had a beer.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242353167/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8242353167_99a5ed16ed_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />while the girls waited patiently down below.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242353413/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8242353413_9649226893_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then went out for dinner. I remembered to take my camera. This is the raw fish. Ok but not enough coconut cream for me.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8243422364/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8243422364_1e9036fbbd_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This was my lamb.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242354439/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8242354439_e74ed92b02_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And we were all happy chappies. Mostly. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8242355067/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8242355067_4596aef2d4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Today's run: 138kms<br />Cumulative: 37,831kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Puerto%20Natales,%20Chile&z=10'>Puerto Natales, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-46339842865938263932012-12-03T01:12:00.001-08:002012-12-03T01:12:16.975-08:00Day 148: El Calafate, Argentina to Hotel Las Torres, Patagonia, ChileHi folks<br />We are in the Torres del Paine national park. We should be tenting but it is raining and blowing so we are in a velly velly expensive Chilean pub. We had a slow and gentle exit from the Santa Monica apartments at around 9am having had long showers and leisurely breakfasts. It was then a quick and dirty blast down a sealed road sitting on around 125kph to Esperanza where we gassed up, had a coffee and met lots of people on buses. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8240020870/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8240020870_03ba2fcca1_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These ones are from Israel. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8240023870/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8240023870_bf0a8bcc39_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi was a bit po to find he wasn't allowed in the coffee shop. We ignored it!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8238959639/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8238959639_86f12b7e1f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then zoomed off down another sealed road to Cancha Carrera where we exited Argentina and re-entered Chile. Lots of queues and paperwork. Boring! We had some lunch there amongst the bus passengers. Then across to Cerro Castillo and onto the gravel for the 100kms up to the national park. The rain was building up now so we were travelling pretty slowly in the gravel. We came up on these Guanacos on the side of the road. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8238969873/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8238969873_cffb50a7c2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Spitting! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8240042783/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8240042783_16df3a157b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8241112156/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8241112156_80da00f998_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These are the animals that I previously referred to as vicuña or as llamas. They are in the same family obviously (along with camels) but are a species of their own. An endangered animal, we were told it was the only species in the family that cannot be domesticated. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8240046017/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8240046017_408c1f6826_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That took us up to the entrance to the national park; proper name: Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8241114566/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8241114566_c031f664be_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8240047543/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8240047543_307444e0fe_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We went up a relatively gnarly dirt and gravel road to this flash pub. It was quite cool now, wet and windy so, being wooses, we decided to check in thinking that tomorrow we will camp. Probably. Or maybe the next day. It was painful on the wallet but we did it anyway. <br /><br />Mark went across to a grocery store and bought some beer and we are now sitting, having a rain and watching the beer fall. It feels pretty good. We caught up with D&D and went for the buffet dinner. Not bad. And a bottle of pinto noir. Not bad either.<br />:-)<br /><br />That will be about that. <br /><br />Today's run: 353kms<br />Cumulative: 37,693 kms<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hotel%20Las%20Torres,%20Patagonia,%20Chile&z=10'>Hotel Las Torres, Patagonia, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-16960201847930964412012-12-01T17:26:00.001-08:002012-12-01T17:35:54.769-08:00Day 147: a trip to Perito Moreno glacierHi everybody,<br />We were tourists today. And now it's late so I am going to let my photos tell the story. I'm sorry that they are not great but my camera struggled to cope with the sharp light contrasts.<br />We were woken up at 6am and breakfast arrived at 6.30. We made a cut lunch with ham and cheese and added some fruit and hard boiled eggs and met the bus at 7.30. We then drove all over town picking up other people. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236747100/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8236747100_133c2b6b7d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our tour guide and driver got stuck into the mate.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235681229/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8235681229_cdfd45f6f8_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We drove around the lake past some fabulous mountain ranges for about 50kms <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235681577/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8235681577_2e202ea74a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />before our first glimpse of the glacier.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236748352/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8236748352_39ecc92655_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The bus offloaded us for a 90 minute viewing time on a set of platforms.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236748660/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8236748660_7c6d27588a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235682453/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8235682453_0b3a19272e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The glacier itself was this amazing combination of blues with dirt streaks. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235682781/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8235682781_27217e1d6d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235683077/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8235683077_fba44bd081_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I hadn't realised before how noisy glaciers were. Every now and then a piece would break off with a loud crack and lumps of ice would cascade down into the lake below. Often by the time the sound got to you, the lump of ice had already hit the water.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236750080/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8236750080_121470db15_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi thought it was ok.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235684233/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8235684233_0ac26e3d22_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I tried some panorama shots.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236750754/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8236750754_4af7f37b64_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='152' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236750992/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8236750992_29cdea0b36_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='113' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were then taken down to the wharf and on board the boat.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235685071/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8235685071_7016fc9032_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Along the bay <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235685357/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8235685357_0eee35b74e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And up to the face of the glacier itself.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235685599/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8235685599_f522703cc5_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236752248/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8236752248_10592bc901_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236752596/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8236752596_71386aaeb6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were then offloaded to prepare for our walk on the ice. Mark and Dick.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235686727/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8235686727_b501205705_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The views were great.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236753594/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8236753594_f9a184aed3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235687547/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8235687547_6e4f431b5c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then it was time for the crampons. Kiwi supervised. They seemed to be doing it right. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235688063/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8235688063_e749463d78_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236754818/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8236754818_5654bf7cec_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And then we headed off up the ice.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235688749/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8235688749_1183bc3839_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236755506/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8236755506_377a9bf633_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235689455/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8235689455_9d082d0b1e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236756330/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8236756330_807f9a8ff9_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236756650/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8236756650_04ebc42633_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235690571/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8235690571_ae00faef54_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Down this slope.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236757366/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8236757366_11ea5b6ef1_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And down this hole. It was plurry deep fullas.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235691213/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8235691213_8c5faa00f6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The blue cracks in the ice were fantastic.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236757818/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8236757818_0a8ab61eb4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235691815/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8235691815_8fcc0d87f4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then at the end of the walk we had whisky with three million year old ice. Go Kiwi.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235692133/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8235692133_56c4c46d5f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I got so excited I spilled half of mine in the ice. Bother!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235712569/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8235712569_75f7f46667_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235692423/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8235692423_2fe11dacc9_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then walked off the glacier and through a bush track back to the main hut. Kiwi found these Ladies Slippers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235692825/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8235692825_6ff5367970_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And then back on the boat. Again the boat took us across the gave of the glacier. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236759376/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8236759376_a2d72683c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8236759716/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8236759716_e7fef1d609_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Goodby glacier.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8235693639/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8235693639_636b11780b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We climbed back on the bus and it was so nice and warm and comfortable and warm and whisky and comfortable and warm that I woke up with only 10kms to go back to town.<br />That was our day. For a change we had meat for dinner. Lamb this time.,we saw roasted vegetables on the menu so we ordered them. And got: roasted potato, roast kumara, roast pumpkin and roast onion. It would appear that green vegetables have not yet been heard of in Argentina. But the grilled lamb was delicious! It arrived grilled and on a charcoal griller at out table. Delicioso!<br />Back into Chile tomorrow and camping in a national park so may be out of touch for a while.<br />Now I'm tired. I have to walk into town to a cafe that has wifi strong enough to post this. Good night. :-)<br />Today's run: 0kms<br />Cumulative: 37,340<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Calafate,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Calafate, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-70718867197541740342012-11-30T17:31:00.001-08:002012-11-30T17:31:20.783-08:00Day 146: Gobernador Gregores to El Calafate, ArgentinaHi folks<br />Well we expected today to be one of the toughest of the trip and it sure was. The combination of strong winds and 200kms of thick gravel give this section of Ruta 40 a bad reputation. To avoid the worst of the wind we were up early and on the road by 7.30am. The tree opposite our apartment gave a clue of what to expect. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232944615/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8232944615_363e7ff1c2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We had a section of tarseal to begin with and then were back to heavy gravel riding alongside the new sealed road. It was funny in a way because at times when we went up onto the sealed road, it had road signs and speed limits so obviously what we were doing wasn't unusual. The only problem was you came across barriers in the road and had to go back into the gravel and look for an opportunity to get back on. It was great having Mark to help with this. With his lighter 800GS (and probably more experience) he was able to check out the possibilities for us.<br /><br />D&D had a go at riding up this rocky sandy trail up onto the tarmac when Mella got hooked up on a rock and went over. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234009604/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8234009604_79100cb53e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />They both had a sprawl and roll down the road but were ok. Dick then had a go without Diana as pillion and got up onto the road. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234009792/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8234009792_7b2704d8a7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It then be got to be pretty much of a slog. The wind made its presence felt but wasn't too bad. Not that much fun in gravel because if you get blown sideways you can wind up (no pun intended) in the loose and slippery stuff! <br /><br />We liked this sign for accommodation. I didn't think anyone spoke Esperanto these days. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234010014/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8234010014_622bb66db3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />More gravel road with the new sealed road right next door. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232945677/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8232945677_b11d1089ea_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We came to this section of water across the road. It was ok.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234010750/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8234010750_67b249bd66_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232946209/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8232946209_d8205f0ed4.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And stopped for some vistas.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234011172/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8234011172_074d29a7bb_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234011370/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8234011370_85d1a14e92_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234011692/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8234011692_41665ca24d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Pretty amazing I thought.<br /><br />Finally up on the sealed road and these fantastic signs.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234011940/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8234011940_f574a27f69_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then came across this English woman mending her puncture at the side of the road. Kiwi checked her out. Seems ok. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232947663/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8232947663_59f9735fff_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She was part of a large group of cyclists heading to Ushuaia. They had Andy on a F650 as support rider. Kiwi checked out his super large fuel tank. Seems ok? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234012556/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8234012556_6ae281b47d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Just up the road we stopped at the hotel at La Leona for lunch. This is apparently the hotel where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid out after robbing some bank in Rio Gallegos. The wind was beginning to pick up but we didn't care. We were on a sealed road.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234012766/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8234012766_ee93544205_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was pretty much a straight blast after that all the way to El Calafate.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8234013098/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8234013098_7e06f7ba7a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We'll be tourists tomorrow and go and look at the Perito Moreno Glacier. <br /><br />Today's run: 340kms (200kms of gravel) <br />Cumulative: 37,340<br />Tipovers: 5<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=El%20Calafate,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>El Calafate, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-53895934781910488522012-11-30T11:27:00.001-08:002012-11-30T11:27:24.409-08:00Day 145: Perito Moreno to Gobernador Gregores, Argentina Hello everybody<br /><br />We are now part way down the infamous Patagonia section of Ruta 40. It's been a good but tough day. <br /><br />Breakfast was pretty low key in the pub but we ate it anyway because it was included. Hopefully Argentinian food will improve. First job was to get the girls out of their construction site park. Through here.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233335128/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8233335128_76d2115e2b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Mission accomplished. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233335488/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8233335488_7d53649275_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi checked out the O in Perito Moreno. Seemed well attached. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233336130/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8233336130_88e15f865b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then we were off down the road for a glorious 100kms or so of fantastic sealed road. Woohoo! Off to the side, herds of cattle and flocks of sheep with wild vicuña roaming the road sides. And birds. Ostriches? Rhea? <br /><br />Then all too soon we were diverted onto a gravel section. Which was crap! The annoying thing was we could see the new road right there. And we weren't on it! Kiwi wasn't impressed. He's writing to their president. And ours! John Key, you'd better watch it fulla!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233337044/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8233337044_9c01a6a243_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was hard work with patches of thick gravel and occasional sections of sand. You had to ride inside the track made by previous vehicles. At one point I decided that the track to my right was better than the one I was on and moved over. It was better but unfortunately had a ridge of loose gravel that I hit. I almost almost held it but Ebony and I drifted right into the huge ridge of loose gravel lining the road. We tried hard. The inevitable happened. Bugger!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233337338/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8233337338_080f9a9b86_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was quite a slow slide really and I slid too. Off. No harm done to bike or person so we were soon back upright and away again. It took us a while to clear the gravel out between the motor and the bash plate and between the motor and the side protection plates. The crash bars did a great job. So did my protective gear. More photos to come I hope. Or look on Diana's blog. <br /><br />A bit further along the road we meet three Argentinian riders doing the circuit down the coast to Ushuaia and then back up along the border with Chile. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233337912/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8233337912_2a8d2303d5_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />We parted company with their good advice and soon we got back on the pavement. I was moved to emotion! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233338220/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8233338220_a43dca8362_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Along the road were these kilometre markers - presumably counting down the kms to Ushuaia. I had planned to stop at the 1000km mark for photos but some lowlife had stolen it. :-) So the 999kms marker had to do. <br /><br />Mark.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233338586/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8233338586_ce48641b20.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233338998/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8233338998_6f43faa1f3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dick. Dick suggested we unbolt the sign and turn it over so it read 666. We were tempted but good sense prevailed. :-)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232276171/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8232276171_61044c88c6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Meanwhile Kiwi found this humongous beetle. He wasn't too sure about the taste though.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233340456/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8233340456_bdfdc716f1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232277593/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8232277593_cf70f2f47b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Back on the road again we came across these spots all over the road. At first I thought it was sheepshit and got ready to see a flock of sheep being driven down the road. When I realised that they moved I stopped for a closer look and realised they were locusts (playing crickets?). Some were either mating or giving each other piggy back rides and others appeared to be eating their recent cousins squashed by previous vehicles. No photos, sorry. <br /><br />Now - for those of you who think we're crazy, met Richard from South Africa. He is pushing his pram from Ushuaia to Mendoza. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233341250/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8233341250_c0af35124c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232278323/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8232278323_0d2e0ff4a5.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8232278727/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8232278727_25b2176526_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />At last we got to the tarmac. There was a gnarly road to get onto the tarseal so we were a bit po when just down the road we found this fence across the road. Bother! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8233342198/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8233342198_e287351761_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Back we went, along the divisio just a little further and then back onto the tarmac. 15kms later. That took us into Gobernador Gregores where we found a hotel with an apartment. It's good. I'm tired but I'm sure a beer or two or three or ...... will be fine will be fine.<br /><br />My phone still doesn't work. I sent Telecom NZ a Facebook message to ask them why and incredibly they told me to ring a certain number. What? My phone won't roam, won't work and they want me to ring them? Tits on a bull! <br /><br />Tough day again tomorrow. 200kms of gravel. 340kms total so I'll be needing my extra petrol. <br /><br />Today's ride: 365kms<br />Cumulative: 37,000kms!!!<br />Tipovers: 5 (only mine now) <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gobernador%20Gregores,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Gobernador Gregores, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-10902904204952045852012-11-28T17:55:00.001-08:002012-11-28T17:55:47.614-08:00Day 144: Puerto Guadal, Chile to Perito Moreno, ArgentinaHi everybody.<br />Our last country! Argentina. Although we have to zigzag back into Chile from time to time on our way south. Kiwi decided to celebrate his last night in Chile by getting on the turps. Oh dear.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227778079/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8227778079_e7537135ae_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A lovely sign at the hostel which we couldn't ignore. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227779225/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8227779225_f29f9fd2a0_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228846538/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8228846538_c05da5cd6f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then off down the road. I am experimenting with the panorama setting on the camera. Not sure what I think yet. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228848186/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8228848186_d903d0ed65_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='101' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227783309/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8227783309_d6b0c5d192_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='124' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228850278/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8228850278_4be795faaf_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We pootled on down this gravel road with huge canyons<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227785499/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8227785499_e4476322ba_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And mountains.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228852082/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8228852082_c57fbaf256_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='263' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227786713/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8227786713_d5d7696daf_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Every now and again some opposing traffic. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227787457/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8227787457_98d95d914d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And some dusty bits. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227787757/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8227787757_c2b5351c78_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We stopped here by a grader working. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227788915/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8227788915_ba4e5f04dc_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The entire road was buried in soft gravel that would have been 20cms thick. We had to ride up the drainage ditch at the side of the road. As I rode in, my back wheel slipped right down to the bottom so there was not much I could do but let the front wheel do the same. Mark was behind me and took some video. Www.radiomanridestheworld.com <br /><br />It was very hard work but we all made it in the end. Kiwi tried to give mouth to mouth resuscitation! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228855800/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8228855800_43782abd96_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227790775/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8227790775_5eab075bc8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />He also had a discussion with Mark's mascots. Hmmmm .... Seem ok fullas. Not terribly talkative really. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227791459/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8227791459_9b0979d164_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Some wonderful copper sulphate lakes. Kiwi was more interested in the worms in the post. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228857862/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8228857862_4eab688596_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227793517/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8227793517_33084fdd10_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Down by the coast there were these patches of farmland.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227794335/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8227794335_3e74c07675_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />While on our right were these huge slopes. There is a road on this one. Somewhere! And a layer of copper ore.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228861206/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8228861206_690b014738_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There it is! The road I mean. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228861902/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8228861902_93f0daf61e_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finally we arrived in Chile Chico, had lunch and then headed for the border. The Chilean side was very simple. Passports wham bam, temporary import of motos cancelled, wham bam. We're out of here. <br /><br />Here are the Argentinian offices, also very straightforward. Kiwi got so excited he fell off his cone. Silly boy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8227796845/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8227796845_f340989b6c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8228863624/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8228863624_ea40bd1c19_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We were done inside 30 minutes and on our way down a good paved road to Perito Moreno in Argentina. We refuelled and then found a hotel. After a few duds we ended up here at the El Americano. It seems ok and as Mark and I are sharing a room, it's not too expensive. We have now had our first Argentinian beef steak. Rather disappointing but because it was poorly cooked. France's or Hayden would have sent it back! :-). And that, dear readers, is that. For some great photos check out Diana's photos on <br /><br />http://pearlson2wheels.blogspot.com.ar/<br /><br />Today's ride: 180kms mostly gravel. (Phew!!)<br />Cumulative: 36,635 kms<br />Tip overs: 7<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Perito%20Moreno,%20Argentina%20&z=10'>Perito Moreno, Argentina </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-88699559601939953702012-11-28T00:40:00.001-08:002012-11-28T03:00:43.901-08:00Day 143: Coyhuique to Puerto Guadal, ChileHi folks <br />What a blast today. It was long. It was tough. It had beautiful scenery. It ended with some tough riding! It will be a short blog. I hope you understand.<br />We rode out of Coyhaique pretty early in the morning. Diana made me some bread and salami before we left for which I was grateful. Then we got on down the sealed road. Such as it was. There were some fabulous views along the way. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225658601/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8225658601_57e08a5822_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Woo hoo! How's this for a switchback?!!!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225658813/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8225658813_a53b9bb77b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Some great skylines.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225658989/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8225658989_9f0d413a58_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226732500/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8226732500_9deeacf80e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Just stunning views.<br />We stopped at this pie cart for breakfast.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226732626/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8226732626_f06eb55165_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225659473/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8225659473_f8b3963f68_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi checked out the chef. Seemed ok.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226732914/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8226732914_86e248231b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then breakfast arrived.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226733162/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8226733162_868b94c741_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Holy moley! Steak, bacon, eggs, onions, cholesterol! YUM!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226733422/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8226733422_203c4765c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Just after the breakfast stop we hit the gravel. Here we are getting organised.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225660221/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8225660221_9d34c2d204_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And chatting to the siga man.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225660483/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8225660483_2be4840f42_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And taking a break.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225660695/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8225660695_5b175d48e6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Some fabulous waterfalls.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226734244/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8226734244_fb6bc8ae17_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226734454/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8226734454_746d63285b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Before we arrived at the Marble Caves. Kiwi checked out the manager. Seemed ok? <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225661271/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8225661271_44e9db9e88_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then went in the cutter out to the caves.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226734796/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8226734796_4e44af1aa1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's our driver.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226734924/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8226734924_d36fa92619_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225661619/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8225661619_8811425449_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mark and Dick looking intelligent.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225661757/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8225661757_daf41f084c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the caves.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226735412/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8226735412_2957ca29c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226735540/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8226735540_bc46a2b2d1_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225662245/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8225662245_7ca26b1fdf_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226735792/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8226735792_bb536abb1f_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225662419/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8225662419_2d2c96f2e4_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226736000/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8226736000_404eb369b8_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225662621/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8225662621_3769142e16_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225662723/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8225662723_90c8f3787e_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And some wildlife.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225662841/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8225662841_9acf7c73b4_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225663015/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8225663015_ac241ebb0d_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And us.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226736592/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8226736592_98537bb8e6_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Looking intelligent.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225663213/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8225663213_015a32f602_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kewl huh?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226736822/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8226736822_fc3085ea59_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226737028/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8226737028_77b97ee539_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226737194/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8226737194_055f44db55_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225663923/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8225663923_57750aaf7c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225664093/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8225664093_ce85b224db_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225664205/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8225664205_f07dce313d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225664323/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8225664323_02e450d67a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226737938/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8226737938_df2c8b250f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Too many great scenes for photos to cope with. <br />But then it didn't stop. Scene after scene after scene! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225664607/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8225664607_93af8be7ec_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is Mark! Aka Radioman.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226738220/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8226738220_87346098ab_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Just amazing.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225664935/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8225664935_b1a1a4b78d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225665091/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8225665091_e54cfd731a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We stopped Puerto Guadal for petrol knowing we were close to our finish. Then we met Mr Grumpy the grader driver. The stop/go man let us go a bit early and the grader driver was really grumpy about it. He backed right up to us and then waved Mark to take the ditch to get by. Mark had a go, got down ok but on the way back up he tipped over. Should have been ok but his wheels were on the high side and there was petrol going everywhere. We got him upright with some huge heaves and he got back up out of the ditch and onto the newly graded road. Thank goodness it was ok because he had our beer in his top bag. <br /><br />Dick then had a go getting around on the other side. Huge wheel spins in the soft gravel and then big pushes from the rest of us to get him back up out of the ditch and onto the road. Hopefully photos to come.<br /><br />My turn. I fixed the grader driver with my school principal's glare and told him to get into the ditch so I could ride by. He hesitated! He quailed (lovely expression) and then he recognised his fate and turned the grader into the ditch so I could ride serenely by. Just as well I reckon. Otherwise I would have turned him into a slug.<br /><br />And so we turned into the Terra Luna, our accommodation for the night. Here is the view from our verandah. Kiwi checked it out. Seems ok.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226738632/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8226738632_6930d0f862_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226738884/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8226738884_5c9e246a47_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8226739010/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8226739010_4e29d29376_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And that really was about that. Not too many kms covered but some seriously demanding roads and a boat trip adding up to a great day. We had dinner here at the lodge <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225665797/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8225665797_8b5d52ab84_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and then sat on the porch telling lies as the sun set.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225665917/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8225665917_d851b5e1d8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225666067/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8225666067_7e8c20e3f1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8225666177/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8225666177_6a16caf474_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I thought it looked pretty kewl! <br /><br />If you have a chance, check out www.radiomanridestheworld.com <br /><br />Xxxxxxx<br />Today's ride: 257kms<br />Cumulative: 36,455kms<br />Tip overs: 7<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Puerto%20Guadal,%20Chile&z=10'>Puerto Guadal, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-88316928416687267502012-11-26T16:55:00.001-08:002012-11-26T16:55:07.145-08:00Day 142: Puyuhuapi to Coyhuique, ChileHi everyone<br />A great day again today - 26 November.<br /><br />Many thanks to those who left comments on the blog yesterday: Scotty and Frances. Also to Janice Jones who keeps the staff at Shirley's school uptodate. It's a funny thing with a blog - you send it off into the ether and you're never sure whether it is being read or not.<br /><br />We had breakfast at the hostel this morning even though it wasn't served until 8am. The original plan was to come to Coyhuique and we knew there was a certain amount of tarseal so we weren't in a huge hurry. <br /><br />About 20kms down the road we turned off to a national park to a glacier called Ventisquiro Colgante (the Hanging Glacier). We waited for the gates to open <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222732998/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8222732998_087635c1df_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />and drove about 2kms to the car park. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221657875/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8221657875_2e20924742_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We walked up this very NZ-like track to the viewing point. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222736386/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8222736386_a02d935533_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222749358/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8222749358_7bca207764_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222750012/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8222750012_bf4d331a2f_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And there was the glacier. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222750576/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8222750576_a08bf3dec8_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222751036/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8222751036_c2de4428c2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222751694/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8222751694_0f19d12c6c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I thought it was pretty amazing. A hanging glacier indeed. <br /><br />On the way back we met up with Mark Donham, aka Radioman.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221677501/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8221677501_bb9369acbe_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />He is riding his BMW F800 around the world and has a very well known blog on www.advrider.com. Also at http://radiomanridestheworld.com/ Go and have a look - you might see some familiar faces! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222756406/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8222756406_ae6b031cde_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi checked out his mascot. Hmmmmm .... A bit grubby but seems ok.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222757932/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8222757932_c1b2520aa3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This was an nice accessory on the pannier. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222758682/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8222758682_f9099624ce_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Mark decided to join up with us and we headed off down the gravel road.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221684201/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8221684201_39e1a9baf3_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The scenery was the NZ West Coast on steroids. I wish I could have stopped more often. We were riding down a valley with snow capped mountains on both sides with a river below.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222760378/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8222760378_77758df9b9_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222760842/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8222760842_ffba26d85b_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Southern beech trees line the road.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222761622/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8222761622_7aaca43c4e_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The road wasn't too bad but we were pleased to see the tarseal. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222762316/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8222762316_eff88875a9_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222763034/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8222763034_873ece960b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At the intersection there was this memorial - obviously someone had been to it today because there were candles still burning inside.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221688263/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8221688263_ed5ba49925_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Onto the tarseal we got on with it, stopping for a view down the valley. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221689293/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8221689293_6bd94b2383_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Along with this taciturn bloke from Russia on a Honda 250.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221689737/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8221689737_a46e2f74fb_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222765958/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8222765958_bc4e0f0d7d_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and pulled in for lunch at Villa Manihuales (I think). Some great views.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222766360/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8222766360_64f9d4ddaa_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222766730/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8222766730_1b45365d57_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These are quirky weatherboards.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221692071/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8221692071_319e086c82_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We then rode on to Coyhuique where we found the Mirador Hostel. Mark decided to risk my crook stomach so he and I are sharing a room. At the back of the hostel are even more amazing views.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221692639/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8221692639_1c15049ef0_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222768452/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8222768452_bde317782b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />What an extraordinary place. I went for a little walk. I'm not sure what the background to this set of figures is but they looked great. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8221694177/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8221694177_81f43bb8b7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222771700/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8222771700_633e382a2d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And also this copper lighthouse. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8222772446/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8222772446_715f87dc0c_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At 7pm we went to the fire station for dinner. I'm not quite sure why but the fire station has a restaurant attached. We had a great meal of steak, potatoes and salad and that was about our day. <br /><br />Today's run: 225km (much of it on gravel)<br />Cumulative: 36,198kms<br />Tipovers: 7<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Coyhuique,%20Chile&z=10'>Coyhuique, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-87014528767513911802012-11-25T13:40:00.001-08:002012-11-25T13:47:05.169-08:00Day 141: Chaiten to Puyuhuapi, ChileEvery time I start this blog I sit and think for a minute or so about which salutation shall I use today. Hello? Gidday? Hi? Hey youse? Greetings chaps? It's harder than you might think. So today .... no salutation. Just into the blog.<br />Missing my photographer. :-( Too much delicious scenery.<br />Up reasonably early to a lovely breakfast of porridge and poached eggs with coffee and yoghurt cooked by Diana (mostly) with Dick helping by mostly staying out of the way. Although he did a fine job of finishing off the eggs - finishing off poaching them I mean; not finishing off the eggs by eating them. <br />It was a gorgeous cold cold dawn. A kewl jet trail over the mountain with the funky streetlights. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218756770/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8218756770_5f15b08f0d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the volcano bothering the morning sky on the other side with lots of steam boiling away uselessly into the atmosphere.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218757120/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8218757120_96cf902c84_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We waited till the petrol station opened at 8am and filled up and got on the road. First a wonderful stretch of wonderful new super-smooth tarseal with amazing swing bridges (it was excellent!)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217675147/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8217675147_897a0865ef_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />that disappeared all too soon to this.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217675785/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8217675785_378ea377bd_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and this.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217676683/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8217676683_8b0c428030_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and this.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217720825/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8217720825_4658b00c11_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We got on with it anyway; what else could we do? :-) The scenery was pretty amazing. Quite nostalgic really because it was so like NZ with rivers, waterfalls, lakes and then snow-capped mountains lining the valley. Lots of dairy herds (Ayeshires I thought) with the cows wearing ear tags straight form NZ. And sheep too: the bossy ones with roman noses and very little wool on the heads. White and brown wool. Alas, I am sin photographer. (Here's a thought. If you are paragon of virtue of Spanish extraction (he wot is allowed to throw the first rock) does that mean that you are "sin sin"? Espanol experts please? )<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217677345/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8217677345_08160c0541_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218760982/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8218760982_b4d184c7f8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217678901/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8217678901_189b874230_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We checked out a small town for Sunday coffee without success and then just down the road we found this place (not that it was lost, you understand.) <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217679787/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8217679787_25b4316112_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A quirky little cafe and cabana in the middle of not very much at all!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217680731/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8217680731_e92b0e17cf_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi wasn't sure what to make of the calf licking his bum. Mind you, hardly surprising. He doesn't like me doing it either. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218764252/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8218764252_8f3e662205_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />He thought these jokers looked vaguely like rellies. But what rowdy buggers.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217682215/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8217682215_027b45982a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There was a sign saying "English spoken here." It wasn't. But there was this lovely note in a book. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217682959/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8217682959_1af528909a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dad was wearing a kewl tee shirt. On the front it said: "How to keep an idiot busy. (Refer back of shirt.)" I asked him to turn round. On the back it said: "How to keep an idiot busy. (Refer front of shirt.)" whoops. Got suckered that time. :-)<br />Mum brought out this teddy bear to meet Kiwi and then insisted that we keep it and take it with us. Dick has taken charge of it. I think he's worried about Kiwi's morals.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217683625/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8217683625_25e120a250_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is the cabana. It was too early to stop but it looked like fun. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217684465/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8217684465_86b004d85c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our next stop was at La Junta where we stopped for petrol and lunch. Lots of stickers in the window from various biking groups. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217685513/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8217685513_a785f54749_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Including this one. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218769188/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8218769188_970cc2db7b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a didymo cleaning station. Trout fishing is big here. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217687057/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8217687057_a63ce29cf5_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I had my usual soup (the one with the big spud in the middle) but I had to have a plate of fried salmon as well. Not quite sure why. The salmon was ok but very oily and being fried didn't seem to get rid of any of it. <br />The gravel improved a bit from here and we were sitting on around 40kph when we arrived in Puyuhuapi at about 3pm. On the way we passed this amazing gaucho on his horse wearing a woollen poncho and beret. He looked pretty cool. Also a saleyards where the farmers were standing on raised platforms around the yards bidding for cattle and sheep. It could easily have been Tarata. Sorry. Sin foto.<br />The rain was beginning to set in and we weren't sure what accommodation there might be further on so we called an early stop. (Early, your name is now Stop) There was a hosteleria called Alamon and as we are riding German bikes we thought we would check it out. It's ok. Kiwi and Ebony enjoyed their resting spot.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218771290/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8218771290_dd38168f53_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Before he went off to play dolls with the kids.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217688909/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8217688909_f2e8419fea_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Meanwhile, I went for a walk. I would have liked a shower but apparently the agua is off until 8pm. Must be because it's Sunday. She's a nice place this Puyuhuapi. Right on the coast and of German origin. Here's the front garden of the hosteleria<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218772934/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8218772934_dccf32d5ea_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />with these amazing very brown bumble bees.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218773716/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8218773716_8c57790c51_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217691703/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8217691703_0343f5d2b8_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Well, I thought they were amazing anyway.<br />Meanwhile down at the beach, nothing was happening.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218775638/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8218775638_e078f1310c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217693285/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8217693285_692caf2b67_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217694149/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8217694149_0c49681456_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />and Saint Peter was keeping an eye on everything that wasn't happening. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8218778228/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8218778228_56d76ef6a2_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the cops were doing the same. I can't imagine NZ police having a logo of crossed firearms. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8217696189/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8217696189_713f9b0f7e_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So now we will go out for dinner and that will be our lot. It's getting cool now - our hostel manager is bustling around lighting fires. We'll need to wrap up.<br />Ciao. <br />Today's run: 221kms<br />Cumulative: 35,973kms<br />Tipovers: 7<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Puyuhuapi,%20Chile%20&z=10'>Puyuhuapi, Chile </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-14447917100070417642012-11-24T17:38:00.001-08:002012-11-24T17:41:50.176-08:00Day 140: Puerto Varas to Chaiten, ChileHi everybody<br />A different day today. A blast out of Puerto Varas with a brief bit of freeway and then into the gravel to meet the ferry so we could meet the ferry that left at 10.30 so we could meet the ferry that would take us to Chaiten. It was all a bit hectic but luck was with as we rolled into Las Arena just as the ferry was arriving. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214757427/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8214757427_6db68a460d_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214757647/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8214757647_1712e43bb7_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Incoming passengers disembarking.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214757933/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8214757933_3e8412f594_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And we ride in. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215842614/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8215842614_64dd0be07d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Heaps of room on this ferry.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215842950/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8215842950_68728cef19_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi chatted up our neighbour. Seemed ok. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215843224/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8215843224_9d99c1b46f_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The girls looked comfortable. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214759241/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8214759241_3657c70915_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's me looking thoughtful and intelligent. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214759475/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8214759475_3a025c9d0d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This trip was about 20minutes or so. Here's the next ferry coming in. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214759791/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8214759791_8c582f3942_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Karen was quite discombobulated! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214760281/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8214760281_e19d99cefc_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The real test came as we disembarked at about 9.30 with about 52kms to travel to the next ferry which was scheduled to leave at 10.30. It was a rush! A gravel road but not too difficult. When we arrived the ferry was just finishing its loading. There was this ute waiting to load but there just wasn't quite enough room for it. Just enough for us<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215845102/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8215845102_46bd1b66b2_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />tucked in behind the digger.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214761021/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8214761021_c1aa34fca6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214761275/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8214761275_c6c6f223c8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This was a four hour trip down to Leptepu. It was like sailing through the Marlborough Sounds and into Fiordland. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214761657/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8214761657_cee7b2aa4b_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214762199/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8214762199_18b819df45_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214762679/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8214762679_b5d430c9bc_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kiwi checked out the purser. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214762941/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8214762941_f1191e63c1_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And the captain. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215847632/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8215847632_df28b376ab_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The instrument panel seemed to be working ok. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215847952/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8215847952_b8b7a35131_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I tried to have a snooze on the bike. It was surprisingly comfortable. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214764245/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8214764245_d1fcf6ae48_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lots of snow clad mountains.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214764677/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8214764677_13d271f364_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215849250/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8215849250_ff27a4761d_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And amazing waterfalls through bush that looks very much like our NZ bush.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215849778/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8215849778_78d07d94ba_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This feature on a snowy mountain looked amazing. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214765697/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8214765697_4d5ba07df1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214766163/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8214766163_bf50b841f4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215851048/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8215851048_979bc1cf9b_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />When we arrived we had to drive 10kms through private land in a convoy. I was in front right behind the bus. This took us onto ferry no.3.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214767069/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8214767069_3eda1f2d5c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Don't we look happy!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215851774/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8215851774_cf37aebd63_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We came off the ferry and then had another 52kms to ride on gravel to Chaiten. This is where the local volcano erupted in 2008 and pretty much wiped out the town. The first 10kms or so was hard work with quite deep gravel and lots of river stones in the road. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215852746/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8215852746_067bb7c6f3_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Still some great scenery though. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214768645/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8214768645_39843735b6_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215853378/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8215853378_2ec8be97d7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />At about 6pm we arrived and found a cabana for the night. Here is the volcano above the town. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214769411/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8214769411_2d5f19a9f8_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215854220/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8215854220_84781554dd_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lots of the houses were destroyed and have not yet been repaired.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214770193/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8214770193_98afdb5f97_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8214770563/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8214770563_ac055e4a1a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8215855410/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8215855410_0b0c37b600_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It's a pretty dismal place in many ways but some people are trying to make a comeback. <br /><br />We went out for fish and chips and it was great. We weren't too sure when we walked in to the restaurant but were pleasantly surprised. Now we are all very tired and are heading for bed. <br /><br /><br />Today's run: 116kms by road. Plus some by ferry<br />Cumulative: 35,752kms<br />Tip overs 7<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Chaiten,%20Chile&z=10'>Chaiten, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-15733015954246907642012-11-23T17:25:00.001-08:002012-11-23T17:25:34.847-08:00Day 139: Orsono to Puerto Varas, ChileHello there<br />What a great day today. Gentle after all the speedy travel of the last three days (close to 18,000kms) but very excelente! <br /><br />I walked up to shops yesterday and bought some eggs which I poached for breakfast to supplement the supplied breakfast. It was very nice - just a little different because we haven't had poached eggs for about 37 years. It was a slow start as we sat around (I snoozed) till the Motoaventura place opened at 10am. Things start late here! I went for a little walk in the garden.<br /><br />Mella in the roses.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212795840/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8212795840_141edcf4dd_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Two blokes keeping an eye on things.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211708629/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8211708629_313a992b77_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Our cabana.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212796324/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8212796324_b3341619d0_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We arrived at Motoaventura just as they were opening. They service BMWs but also run tours all around the world. Yum! Look at all these lovely motocicletas! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211709043/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8211709043_13d69930c1_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212797146/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8212797146_6b042f63c6_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212797516/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8212797516_6384fc46fe_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is what a final drive on a R1200GS looks like when it has died. Oh dear. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211710275/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8211710275_9f406e7c7b_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This German bloke was back collecting his bike after having it stored here for a year. He had an accident last year in Chaiten (look it up!) but can't remember what happened. Anyway he is now going north to Colombia and then will ship his bike home.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212798326/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8212798326_592c52189c_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Love that left hand side pannier - brand name of RMS?<br /><br />Anyway the girls were serviced and fitted with new tyres in 90 minutes and it only cost $23,000. Cheap at twice the price. All other vitals were checked and we were on our way. The plan was to head towards Ensenada and flick up the Orsono volcano road to the top to have a look see. Unfortunately it began to rain. <br /><br />We went quite a way but then as the temperature dropped to 3C and the fog closed in we decided there was not much point in going on. Yeah, wooses I know! It was really kewl though the way the forest turned to scrub turned to flowers and small plants turned to nothing as we went up. It was just like the road up Mount Taranaki to Dawson Falls. <br /><br />On the way down we stopped for some photos. Here's the volcano.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211711023/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8211711023_998655b855_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here it is again. Snowy huh. See it ok?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212798968/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8212798968_801d2e7860_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a nice flowery tree thing. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211711769/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8211711769_95f5c3b473_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a view down the valley.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212799648/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8212799648_a8abb485d4_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Dick getting all steamy on his three wheeled bike. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212800076/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8212800076_231fdea68a_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is a view. Good huh! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211712723/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8211712723_c6571bc536_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We agreed we have never ridden a road so like a NZ road outside NZ before. Just amazing. Lots of Fresian and Ayeshire dairy herds. Lots of hay being cut and baled. Hundreds of round bales wrapped in plastic lying in the paddocks waiting to be fed out. Lots of poplars! flowering broome and willows along the side of the road.<br /><br />We turned off just before Ensenada and went to the falls. Kiwi and I checked out the most likely fishing spots. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211713057/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8211713057_c8b1d36917_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A little sandy underfoot? (Sorry Mike)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212801038/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8212801038_cbdbf529c7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This river is draining from the lake above. I think it's called Lago Todas Las Santos.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211714055/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8211714055_877f3f44ab_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />On the way up to the lake we sopped to check the broome. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211714513/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8211714513_5066137236_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Bloody hell, where did they come from? <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211715203/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8211715203_25260363c7_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The lake was very like Taupo-nui-a-Tia. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211715445/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8211715445_19eb24de43_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211715665/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8211715665_bbe2f56c48_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />With German influences. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211715901/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8211715901_66ef327a53_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The German influence is huge here. Apparently they immigrated into this area in the 1840s at much the same time as our ancestors were immigrating into NZ. Doesn't this look like the Waiohine Gorge?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211716279/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8211716279_d0a607b0cf_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Anyway we then headed towards Puerto Varas which is where we will stay tonight. Once again we are in cabins although mine is a room in a separate lodge. Dick and I walked into town to get some cash and so I could get some drugs. A lovely place. And trout fishing mad! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211716511/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8211716511_c3302a3541_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211716985/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8211716985_a7aa3be3bf_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212805698/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8212805698_5234d03992_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We went out for dinner having agreed we didn't need any more meat and ended up here. Oh yum! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211718253/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8211718253_da61f837b1_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here is the chef carving a sheep that has been lit and then spit roasted. I think.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8212806276/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8212806276_5961ec2f1f_b.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Here's mine. I had vegetables too Shirl, honest! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211719269/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8211719269_6b1cbe660d_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And a lovely glass of chilled (???) pinot noir. I can't remember whose hand that is. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211719595/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8211719595_cf07af20ee_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211719961/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8211719961_b5ed918b4f_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />On the wall was this lovely map of where we hope to get to tomorrow. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8211720471/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8211720471_574de344a3_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We ride and then catch a ferry. Then we ride and catch another ferry. then we get put in a convoy and ride to catch another ferry. Then we ride to Chaiten. We hope.<br /><br />We may be off the air for a day or two folks so please, keep the faith. We'll be back soon. All going well. If not, please send money to Shirl. <br /><br />:-)<br /><br />Today's ride: 200kms<br />Cumulative: 35,636kms<br />Tip overs: 7<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Puerto%20Varas,%20Chile.%20&z=10'>Puerto Varas, Chile. </a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4404262180010159092.post-58156948107232513022012-11-22T17:26:00.001-08:002012-11-23T02:20:28.960-08:00Day 138: Chillan to Orsono, ChileGreetings all<br /><br />Well today we could have been riding through NZ. It was quite amazing. Very cold as we left Chillan - a beautiful blue sky and clear day with the temperature around 9C. Perhaps I should unpack my bike trou and put my Draggin Jeans away! It was too cold for photos and just as well really. As we came out of Chillan and back on the freeway I struggled to read what Karen was telling me to do. Instead of bearing slightly right to get back on Al Sur (south) I went more right and wound up on Al Norte (north). I could have stopped and ridden the wrong way down the berm but by the time I got my head around it, it was too late. <br /><br />That put us into a 20km detour as we went north, found a return route, paid a special extra toll and got back on Al Sur. Bugger! I thought that D&D had committed themselves to the southern route so was quite surprised to see them appear behind me at the toll booth. This was after I had paid the toll for just one bike!<br /><br />Back on the way south we really copped the wind. It was mostly in our teeth but also from time to time in strong cross wind gusts. It was impossible to keep up our 120kph so we pulled back to 100kph or so. Passing trucks was .... Interesting! <br /><br />Gradually the scenery changed (the temperature didn't!) to be a lot like NZ. Hectare after hectare of Pinus Radiata forest at all stages of growth, lots of eucalyptus gums, vineyards and market gardens. And beautiful clean rivers. As we came up and over a rise we saw snowclad mountains, one a perfect replica of Mount Taranaki. <br />I tried to get a photo of the one that looked like Ruapehu but its not great. To be honest it was too cold to stop specially for photos. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8210230980/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8210230980_765da5cbb2_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I was intrigued by the agriculture. Lots of dairy farms with round bales of hay wrapped in plastic and sitting in the paddock. All of this with an autopista with a 120kph speed limit pretty much all the way. I needed some sustenance along the way. Urk! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8209143195/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8209143195_b51233247c_b.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />As we got into the afternoon the wind eased and we were able to rack our speed up a bit. We also met a few fellow bikers on the way.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8210231450/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8210231450_18cee4911c_z.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Finally we arrived at Orsono and after a few times around the block found this lovely man who leapt into his car and guided us to the Motoadventura centre where we will have the girls serviced tomorrow and the tyres changed. It's a pretty kewl place! Just as well I'm broke! <br /><br />The new 2013 R1200GS. Yum. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8210231610/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8210231610_a4e76b7e82_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8210231730/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8210231730_f8aabb8979_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Eric from Belgium chatting to Diana. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8209143887/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8209143887_e9efe176d8_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And great gear on sale.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/84839705@N08/8210232080/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8210232080_454b4f711f_z.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The folk in the BMW place recommended these cabanas (cabins) and here we are. They also recommended this restaurant for Aberdeen Angus beef which we went to and had the very best steaks that we have had anywhere on this trip. Fantastic!<br />And that's it really. We will get the bikes serviced tomorrow and then head for Puerto Montt about 100kms away. Then the really serious stuff of getting to Ushuaia will begin. Ferries, gravel roads, strong winds, no accommodation - the lot! Woohoo!<br /><br /><br />Todays run: 543kms<br />Cumulative: 35,436kms<br />Tip overs: 7<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Orsono,%20Chile&z=10'>Orsono, Chile</a></p>Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00845163163081913086noreply@blogger.com0