In the desert

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Arrived in San Pedro yesterday - like nowhere on earth, or like nowhere any of us have ever been.

When we landed at Calama, we wondered why we had come here - as the airport was in the middle of the most desolate desert. Nothing grows in that desert: and nothing lives there. It is so hostile.

But we drove 1 1/2 hours though mountains and salt flats to arrive in the most spectacular setting. We are surrounded by mountains and volcanoes on all sides - all about 1 hour or so away, and in a basin that is made up of turquoise blue lagunae with flamingoes nesting on them, salt flats where the salt that is washed down from the volcanoes is so thick that it looks like snow, and desert with scrub, trees etc trying to grow through.

The weather is fantastic - but apparently the sky is clear blue for more than 90% of the year so it probably isn't surprising. But the blue lights up the whole magical landscape.

The hotel is a centre for exploring the landscape. So we've been cycling (Marianne and me for 20 km today) or horse-riding (Lauren Marcus and Polly exploring the oases) or walking. Tomorrow, we're going to be bolder and venture a bit higher now that hopefully we are a bit acclimatised. We are staying at 2,500m and have walked up to close to 3,000m. Tomorrow, we're going to do two training hikes in the cactus forest and in the lava ravine to take us closer to 3,500m. And then, if we don't have problems, Polly, Marcus and I are going to do the big walk up to close to 5,000m on Friday - which might give us views into Bolivia and Argentina (don't cry for us, though).

The people here are lovely - so friendly. And they make life fantastically easy and enjoyable for tourists. I wish we were going to see more of the country, but are off to Quito on Saturday.

Polly (in particular) and Marcus and Lauren are trying to keep up with everyone by email (Marianne and I, I'm afraid, are much more erratic) - so that quite often meals start with the question "What's new from Blighty...". So do let us know how London, Cley, France, Corsica, Solihull are and how the summer is - apart from very hot.

Love from us all

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Comments

[Emma]

You said you wanted to know about how it was back in blighty, well up in Manchester we've actually had 2 days of almost continual rain, which I'm getting news has translated down to London as well, mum's allotment has been enjoying the drink. Apart from that everything is well, and in 2 days I'll be able to let you know how things are in Prague... see not just you jammy lot that get to go exploring places they've never been before, hehe!!! Glad to hear you're all still having a good time, still very jealous, talk soon!! Em

[Helen, Nick and Izzy]

Happy Birthday Lauren from London and Berlin
Hi Lauren - not sure if it's still your birthday or you are about to have your birthday but it's the 5th August here (and in Berlin) so we are sending you love and best wishes. Have just caught up with your blogs and comments - Sounds like you are having a fantastic time - munrows in Scotland are much smaller than the mountains where you've just been (and a lot wetter). Scottish highland landscape (especially Glen Coe) looks a bit like the south island in NZ according to Jan, so we sought of had a feel for what you might have seen whilst there (seems ages ago since you were in NZ). Haven't much news from London as we only got back 2 days ago but Scotland was a blast, especially the whale watching trip - no whales but seals and purpoises and loads of different sea birds. Loads of photos to show you when you get back - might have to book a long session to look at yours!!!! Keep having a great time. xxxxxx Nick, Helen and Izzy