Hello Dear Friends and Family,
If anybody is still out there listening to an road-weary traveller I am still here in Ushuaia! I do pass on a HUGE greeting to everybody and wish to pass on a few stories ... some of them may be true.
I have had the pleasure to spend time with Tim (my buddy from Britain) and Markus (my Swiss wing-man on two wheels) in a more relaxing nature. We have been, at times, "chilling out" at the very cool Hostel Yakush and at other times tromping around the mountains around Ushuaia. Went on two fantastic excursions in the mountains.
A few more details ...
Day 89 (Jan 20). Martial Glacier
Went on a day up to the base of the Martial Glacier. This was an expedition in which two civilians went along with us (Carolina and Guichi, two kind Argentinian gals who were staying at the same hostel). Tim was showing off some of "anti gravity tricks" ... which by the way are very cool! (gotta see the pics).
Day 90 (Jan 21). Culture Day
We went to a museum of all things. A lot of focus on Antarctic expeditions and establishing settlements in Tierra del Fuego.
Day 91 (Jan 22). Ascent of Cerro Roy (Mount Roy)
Tim, Markus and myself donned the hiking boots for a little bit more of a serious excursion. Ascending a final snow ramp with a little climbing at the end presented the fun and challenge for the day. Beers and "back patting" followed later in the evening.
Day 92 (Jan 23). Rest and Get Ready
Markus and myself prepared our gear for the next excursion.
Days 93 and 94 (Jan 24 and 25). Two day Trek of the Valdivieso Circuit (50 km, 2,200 m elev gain)
This was a challenging trek due to a number of factors ... first off the trail was non-existant at times, deadfall due to ravaging beavers destroying parts of the park, Day 2 was done in the fog. I guess this last factor was due to our own demise ... the trek is described as requiring four days ... we did it in two days. Two long days.
OK, I´ll try to be quick (but it´s difficult for me) ... Day 1 of the trek was a 12 hour day in which we put a serious dent into the amount of terrain covered. We ended up right in the heart of the beautiful Fuegian Mountain Range (Tierra del Fuego Mtns). The big challenge was extremely slow initial progress due to constantly climbing over deadfall and "bush wacking".
Day 2 of the trip had different challenges ... with only about 22 km left with thought we were "golden" ... however, we woke up and our campsite was COMPLETELY "socked in" (aka "foggy-doggy"). So, Markus shows off his orienteering prowess big time! With a compass, 1 to 50,000 map and the Lonely Planet route description we warily left our camp. It was like going on "treasure hunt" looking for the next landmark. Visibility was about 20 to 30 meters. We hiked like that for about the first three hours (very slow progess as you might have gathered - only made it a few kilometers). We eventually found the last col (Valdivieso Col). After descending into a different valley the fog eventually "broke". Pheeeew.
The last challenge was a "little deviation" from the route which put us on the wrong side of the final river (Río Olivia). It forced us off course. We had a difficult time crossing the river because it was too deep and the current too strong. We eventually found a wide enough spot. Added to the excitement (and to the time required).
Total trekking time was about 22 hours over two days. Fun factor 10.82 (out of 10).
Day 95 (Jan 26).
Internet, laundry, resting, packing up.
Day 96 (Jan 27).
I start my journey back home.
Some questions were raised ...
Fine wine it has not been ... maybe some "economical" (read cheap) red wines have been consumed. Hey, I´m a budget traveller.
Photos ...
More photos are posted for your viewing pleasure if you so desire.
www.picasaweb.google.com/darryl.mekechuk
PS.
It continues to be a grand pleasure to be travelling at the End of the World.... and to have your company!
PPS.
I am sure that you know that some terms don´t apply ... like "It´s not the end of the world". Just doesn´t make sense down here.
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Bristling winds at the "Fu"
Winds are from the West. If all holds true, hopefully, I will be faced with cross winds for the next 1000 km. However, today was all headwind.
This is Futaleufú, Chile
OK, it is tiny but its beautiful around here
Crossed into Chile on Dec 11
No problems crossing the border ... even smuggled in a tiny quantity of cheese.
Gravel rode riding towards Chile
This will be my last day in Argentina for a while .. until I hit the deep south
Riding towards Chile, Dec 11
Nice views of the snow covered Ande
These Andes form the border between Argentina & Chile
Riding on Dec 10th. Will be heading west and back into Chile through a mountain pass (Futaleufú) on Dec 11 ... if all goes well
South thru the Lake District, Dec 10
Beautiful ... but ferocious winds
Tiny Hostal in Epuyén, Dec 9
I was the only one there. It´s a little of the beaten track.
South of El Bolsón, Dec 9
Nice Lake District riding
Lake District with the Andes in the background
Nice riding all day long
Typical Lake District Riding
Very enjoyable riding. A little gusty at times though.
Just south of Bariloche, Argentina
The beautiful Lake District
Had a nice Argentinian style steak
I must say it was delicious. People have dinner around 10 pm (or later) around here. Also, from 1 pm to 5 pm most shops are closed.
Entering the town of Bariloche, Argentina
I was very interested in seeing this famous Patagonian city that I have heard so much about.
Riding along the lakeshore into Bariloche
Typical riding for day 44 into Bariloche. Thank goodness, I had a nice tail wind for most of the day.
Descent into Argentina
Was a little chilly. This was the ride from "El Crucero" to the beautiful village of Villa La Angostura. Was a long day. Stayed at a rustic Argentinian hostal.
Welcome to Argentina
As you can see there was plenty of snow at the top of the pass. Was a cold, windy, and rainy descent.
Heading East to Argentina, Day 43
The mountains in the background form the border with Argentina. Ended up passing through the mtns and descending this day.
Short Cut after "El Crucero"
Ended up flatting on this road. Bike could handle it but had to ride slowly .. about 16 to 18 km-hr
Waiting out the rain
Waiting out the rain at an antiquated rural bus stop (Day 41, 40 km out of Pucón)
Another view from the top of Lanin
I forgot to mention, the top of this mountain forms the border with Argentina. Our Guide, Rodrigo, demanded documents from the Argentians that arrived.
View from the Summit
Rodrigo making the final steps to the summit. View looking north along the Andean mtn range
Rodrigo ascending Lanin
My trusty guide leading the way
Villarica in the Shadow of Lanin
Getting close to the summit of Lanin
View of the High Camp
We ended up sheltering ourselves a little better by digging them out a little lower
Snow Caves
We each had our private rooms .. out of snow
Making dinner at the high camp
Rodrigo and Cristian from Rumbo Sur
Volcano Lanin
This is what we climbed
Valley of Yellow Flowers
These flowers only flourish in areas when volcanos have left behind ash or lava
Lake Toro (Huerquehue Park)
Mountains in the background are abou 10 km away from the Argentinian border
Snow on the Trail ... Huerquehue Park
The upper sections in the shade had snow. I thought I was escaping the snow.
Huerquehue Park (more)
Another nice lake
Huerquehue Park (close to Pucón)
One of the nice lakes
Countryside around Pucón
Lush green mountains and some open pastures
Villarica Volcano ... in the clouds
Thought I better take this photo in case the weather didn´t improve
Met two riders from Spain (Basque Region) on the way to Pucón
We ate trail mix together as part of the ritual between fellow cyclists
Villarica Volcano (look closely)
You have to look closely to make out the white cone and the cloud on top looks like an oriental hat!
Plaza de Armas at Temuco
One of the nicer plazas I´ve come across.
A Yellow Bridge and a nice valley.
You´ve heard of a yellow submarine right. Kind of the same?
Main Plaza at Mulchén
Nice place to sit and read for a few minutes
Hotel Mulchén
Very comfy. Didn´t have much time to enjoy at as I left this morning at 6 45 am.
Can you tell it was hot in Mulchén?
Dogs of Mulchén trying to escape the heat.
Locals Swimming at Mulchén
I later joined in the folly and took a dip. Proved to be a nice way to cool off on a hot day.
Bureo River at the village of Mulchén
Looks like clean water to me.
Typical riding close to the village of Mulchén
Around 500 km south of Santiago
Having a snack break
Pod asked, "what I´m on?", well, it is peanut butter, jelly, cheese and bread. And of course the awesome Chilean empanadas. Yum, yum. By the way, this was the first stop after 4 hrs straight riding.
Pit stop at a highway bus stop
Very convenient place to stop to take a quick snack break
Hostel in Chillán
Well, of course I had to stay at this one! .. truth is, it was full but the owners have another one across the street. Comfy & ... cheap.
Hostel in Linares
Got a little disorientated in this pueblo, ended up going for a long afternoon walk.
Plaza de Armas in Curicó
Here is aportion of the main plaza, this is a very quiet pueblo ... shhhhhhh, everybody seems to be having a siesta
At the Hostel in Curicó
In the atrium. This is a budget accomodation but very clean & comfy. By the way, I have started to make reservations in advance to avoid riding around town like a chicken with its head cut-off.
Roadside Fruit Stand
About 150 km South of Santiago. Fresh fruit & brooms for sale ... some type of "package deal" I suppose
LLama in Rancagua
Or was this an Alpaca? I don´t know but it was furry and cute.
Café con Piernas ("Coffee with Legs" in Santiago)
I am still trying to figure out why they call it that ..... great cup of coffee though
Sunset in Santiago
Yes, that is the Andes Mountains off to the East
Barrio (Neighborhood) "Paris London"
Just outside my Hotel enjoying a bit of the good life
Street vendors in Santiago
They were just selling books. This area is very close to the Univ. of Chile. I guess, this area has a high proportion of bookworms
One of the main streets in Santiago
I arrived on this street. It actually wasn´t too bad negotiating traffic.
Shoreline at Viña del Mar
I was kind of thinking that Chile was leaving their west flank wide open ... until I noticed these guns. Good on you Chile! Defend the beaches of Viña!
Pelican in Flight
I figure dogs shouldn´t dominate all of the animal photos.
More Chilean Coast
Very pleasant riding.
Chilean Coast, Day 28
I liked this yellow house
Village of Papudo
Unfortunately, I couldn´t enjoy the beach as I had to get the bike fixed
Welding (mechanical failure on Day 27)
Let´s hope that it "holds".
Preparing to Weld
Patrick & his helper Felipe
"Volker" from Germany
I met this other German solo cyclist, we had a coffee together, just after this photo he lit up a smoke before starting his ride. Must be a European thing.
Chilean Coast Close to Papudo
I liked this little cove
A Nice Beach 250 km North of Santiago
The highway is flanked by a barbed wire fence. If in a predicament, I think I could squeeze through and set up the infamous pup-tent.
Riding Along the Coast
By the way, the Panamerican is now a four-lane highway. It is in extraordinarily good condition.
Riding on the Panamerican Highway
The route between Termas and Los Vilos was constantly descending and ascending small valleys like this.
Trip Planning Over a Cappucino
This is where I nearly cried when I realized that I am still just scratching the surface.
Steets of La Serena
Just off the Main Plaza de Armas
Revelling in the Streets of La Serena
I think that this was a promotion for some theater. They seemed to be enjoying themselves though.
Back to the Chilean Coast
The city of La Serena is about 35 km south of this point along the coast
One BIG Tonka Toy
Mining is a HUGE industry in Chile. Gotta be real careful when you see one of these coming at you. As a matter of fact, there was a convoy of 3 lead by a police car about an hour later. I yielded.
Right in the Fog bank
Yes, at this point in time I quickly turned around and rode bank up to clear skies and waited until the fog burned off.
Fog Bank in the Valley
"La camachaca" is what they call this thick as pea soup (but tastes different) fog.
Early morning riding through the coastal range
The terrain has now changed and is supporting some vegation. Looks to me like something out of those Spaghetti Westerns with Clint Eastwood.
At the Pensión at Incahuasi
Little Simon is feeding the geese that were just outside my room.
Entering the Village of Incahuasi
As shown from the sign it appears that there is some woman who plays some strange shaped cello. Hmmm, I later learned that symbol meant Arts & Crafts. Learn something new every day!
Breakfast at the Posada
OK, I gotta come clean, this was my second breakfast of the day ... after about 2 or 3 hours of riding
Typical Posada along the Highway
This pooch was not interested in terrorizing gringos ... at least not in the early morning
Camping at Playa Flamenco
This little "Big Agnes Tent" has served me well so far. Oh, those yesteryears of Boy Scouts...
A little sunbathing at Playa Flamenco
Too chicken to go into the water though
Leaving the Atacama Desert
Had a nice descent here!
Dog Day Afternoon at Posada Bahía Taltal
And the next morning as I was leaving they were wide awake ... had to run the gauntlet. Didn´t get bit though. They seem to enjoy intimidating gringos.
Posada Bahía Taltal
Getting back to civilization!
Sunset in the Atacama Desert
It got chilly at night but nothing compared to a Canadian winter
Camping High in the Atacama Desert
I wished I had built the windbreak another 2 feet high. It got gusty!!
Typical Atacama Desert
It isn´t all flat. It was hot though!!
The Camera Fell before the timer went off ......
And here is how pi--ed off I got. (ps, large cavernous things are my nostrils)
Taking a break in the Atacama Desert
This was one of those time when pop leaked inside my panniers. I was not impressed.
Mano del Desierto by Mario Irarrazabal
The rest of the body apparently is another 300 m below the earth
The Main Promenade in Antofagasta
And the search was on for a hotel .. it sure took a while .... big Empanada convention going on?
Entering Antofagasta
fighting traffic ... shoulder check, signal, lane change left.
Sunset at Hornitos
just about beddy-bye time
Camping at Hornitos
Yes, I finally figured out how to use the auto-timer
More Camping at Hornitos
No charge for camping, just hide out behind this big rock
More Chilean Coast
another pleasant view from today´s ride
Chilean Pacific Coast
Enjoyable views during riding along the coast
Strange things at gas stations
Uncle and nephew from Argentina touring throughout S.A.
Camping along the Coast at Rio Loa
After nodding off I was kind of wondering about the high tide mark.
Northern Desert
Yes, it is flat and sandy
Darryl in Arica, Chile
behind me is the "muro" where the Chileans defeated the Peruvians in an infamous territorial battle
From Putre to Arica
This snaked all the way down to the valley below
Entering Chile
Leaving Bolivian border
Cholita guarding bike
Attempt of Sajama
High Camp
Ridge on Sajama
My Guide Sergio, up the ice ramp
Leaving Sajama behind
High Andean Plains
fixing a flat
Images from Bolivia
In Patacamaya.
Packing List (final)
11 comments:
Great photos - how many photos are you bring home with you?
Your parents arrived in Argentina on Friday morning and leave on their cruise today.
Safe travels.
Best,
B
Super cool pics D2!!
Que machera de lugares y amigos, nos vemos pronto.
Buen viaje de regreso a casa.
Abrazos,
E.
Rocket Man,
Primero que nada una disculpa por no haber mandado ningun tipo de comentario, somos unos malos amigos por no visitar tu sitio de internet. Hemos estado llendo con Michelle, Grant y Kaleb a hacer XC ski, afortunadamente las condiciones han estado muy buenas.
Fuimos a Mexico en Navidad, estuvimos tres semanas y la pasamos muy bien con la familia. Ahora con la noticia de que Monica esta embarazada y yo cambio de compañia, dejo Bantrel para entrar a SNC-Lavalin.
Muy buenas fotos, se ve que la has pasado increible, ahora que regreses a Calgary nos tendremos que juntar para que nos platiques mas a detalle tu viaje.
Recibe un fuerte abrazo, feliz 2008
Sergio y Monica.
Bring back a little bit warmth and sunshine!!!! We need it. :)
Ana
Have a safe trip home.
Nola
hi darryl,
my name is ashleigh and i am travelling with my boyfriend josh through south america.
I was fortunate enough to spend several days with Yukito and Markus in Chiloe whilst waiting for a ferry. I am very glad to hear they made their destination, such an incredible feat.
I didn´t however get any contact details for either of them.
If you can pass on that I would love to hear from then or perhaps there is a blog or website they put their travels on that would be great otherwise:
I too have a blog its www.ashjosh2007.blogspot.com or email me at ashleighvz@hotmail.com.
thanks
ash
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