"Andes from the Panamerican" That's a great shot of 3424 meter Nevado de Longavi in Spring! I assume you took it from the Panamerican overpass near Parral before you turned off for Caquenes. The "Longavi Circuit" is one of the finest backpacks in Central Chile. It's actually a Volcano and has permanant glaciers on the summit, as well as steaming vents...
Good Luck Good Luck with your journey around the world! From what i heard it got off on a bad start with your bikes going missing.
It was nice meeting you both anyway, and im glad you enjoyed the short time in Sunny old England.
Best wishes
Chris (Charlotte's Boyfriend)
the roads of chile i've enjoyed reading your travel journals and especially liked that you bothered to photograph the various road conditions you've cycled through. this helps to imagine what it must be like to undertake such an adventure for us "armchair"traveler-types. one thing, though, where do you get the notion that the roadside shrines are a combination of the beliefs of the "original people" and catholicism? i haven't heard that that was a belief of the chilean indians. such shrines are found everywhere there have been roadside tragedies in latin america, and even in the united states. just wondering if you knew for a fact it was an indigenous belief or if was just an assumption of yours. keep the journals coming.....
Meat is Murder The 'Meat is Murder' graffitti may not be from a vegetarian, but maybe from an aging fan of The Smiths.
Chile looks amazing - such clear roads, I wish ours were like that. And the mountain with the snow - get on the slopes and ski! However the mud roads and the rocks must be a bit harder to negotiate. I can't decided whehter it's warm or cold there. On some shots Dave is in a T-shirt and in others the coats are on.
How are the bikes holding up on the journey?
Mark and Becky.
great pics, great stories and typical that you should be in a wine growing region. Not much has changed other than geographically. Wonderful travelogue and I feel so much a part of your trip. Thankyou,my friends for the updates. The highlight of my week is hearing from you guys. Cheers!!!!! Jules
cueca Hey guys,
Thanks for explaining the cueca. We were supposedly dancing the cueca in our community choir musical theatre last week, so that was very informative for me. Fabulous journal! Luv, Katina
La la la la la la 'merica You're there! It doesn't look as warm as I imagined it might be. You must be quite high up - any good skiing? You blog is so well written and the pictures are so good to see.
Love,
Mark and Becky
Happy Trails Hi: I love getting your travelblog and photo's. You guys sure seem to be having a great time with lots of experiences and memories to bring home. I have just got back from a trip upto Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Had the opportunity to go scuba diving and I loved it. Was a little apprehensive at the start but once in the water I was fine. Sadly it was the day after Steve Irwin was killed so everyone was a bit sad. Jim and I have just got back from camping at Neurum Creek Folk Festival and it was fun.
Love Pam
Hola amiga. Sounds like you're having a bloody fantastic journey ... bummer about the bikes (hopefully you've been re-united by now). Great journal, mate. Love Sam xx
Bon voyage! Well done! Happy riding.
I've just bought a second-hand Dahon folder (20" wheel) to get back into commuting with. I'll think of your rugged riding as I pootle down the street.
I wish -- ! Your mum said "Take a look at their blog Jenny - hearing about all your travels, I'm sure that you'll be interested" Sure was!! How I envy you both - not only all the sights sounds and smells, but the wonderful new people with their different customs and of course, the food!! Ask what it was after you've eaten I always say! Enjoy!! Jenny and Frank x
poor bikes Glad you got your bikes ok but oh what a sorry mess the boxes looked!
I can imagine how devastated you must have felt on first seeing them especially after waiting so long to get news of them. Let's hope you don't actually need the missing spare tyre!
Enjoy Patagonia, don't get too cold! Although we did try and get you aclimatised by taking you fell walking in the Yorkshire Dales. Hmm.. maybe not quite as cold as Patagonia! Looking forward to your photos.
Sheila xx
great blog Hi Clare n Dave - the whole family is enjoying your adventure. We watched Motorcycle Diaries recently and hope your journey is not as arduous but just as rewarding!
love Barb
Boxing Clever Did you learn your skills with sticky back plastic on Blue Peter? The Tate may be interested in your sculptures.
Glad to hear that you are back on the saddle, and look forward to the next exciting instalment .... daaa d dit daaaaa!
glad you're back on two wheels After the hassle over the bikes its good to know that you are now back on track to discover South America. Don't get saddlesore
Cuban Mystique You write so wonderfully Claire. I can hear, see and smell what you are experiencing. I can feel the heat the day and cool balmy breezes. I am even moving to a distant Cuban beat in my head whilst in the comforts of my study. Thanks for being my eyes and ears to all the wonders of Cuba, a place I don't think I will get to. Keep up the good work. It is an absolute delight to read and so exciting to receive. Stay safe you two!!!
Cuba How many cigars have you smoked?
The people sound very well off complared to how they're often portrayed in the Western media. It's good to hear their standard of living is so high.
What is the mood in the country with the recent illnes of Fidel? Are the people expecting his return or looking forward to a change of leader?
So much to know! More blogging for you!
Mark and Becky
Bikes Good to see that loss of your bikes is not slowing you down! I have just bought a second-hand little Dahon folder for scooting around town. Very exciting! Humidity is already rising here, though all is forgiven the weather for treating us to a whole week of rain! Have fun, Helena
Hope your bikes have turned up by now! And you are well on your way. We are off in four days time will arrive in Brisbane on 13th September Will be seeing Claire's Mum and Dad at Rainbow beach end of September
In July 2006, having packed up our homes and jobs, sold the children and robbed the bank, we left Australia for a year-long cycling and hiking (and mountain climbing) adventure, mostly in South America, via Cuba. Since then, we've been plotting how to do this again. Until it comes off we've made the most of what opportunities have come our way for smaller trips.... full info
Stephen Paul
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
"Andes from the Panamerican"
That's a great shot of 3424 meter Nevado de Longavi in Spring! I assume you took it from the Panamerican overpass near Parral before you turned off for Caquenes. The "Longavi Circuit" is one of the finest backpacks in Central Chile. It's actually a Volcano and has permanant glaciers on the summit, as well as steaming vents...