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Published: April 16th 2008
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Paving the way
Rosco, lubricating the system.... All the Adventurers are back home in their warm beds and in the arms of their lovers.....
Here is another instalment from Mike...
Hola again (for the nearly final time)
Just a clarification on our side trip to Pisagua (you will recall the Boo Radley imitation if you have been paying attention!)
This town in all of its weird decrepidness was the starting point for one Augusto Pinochet (1915 - 2006) the dictator or as some would say, former right wing El Presidente de Chile (1974 - 1990). The town played host to Pinochet running the military there and has some interesting momentos. The cemetario which we saw but did not realise the significance of, has many unmarked graves of unnamed people who fell foul of Snr Pinochet. (apparantley once the subject of an international investigation) Also reportedly the rock wall at the rear of the cemetario is riddled with bullet holes/marks which bear witness to a different style of doing things from that which we are used to. The town was a prison for political prisoners during his regime - being in this town would be a serious form of torture without having to be locked up!
Keith
In one of those reflective moods A great example of the difference in attitudes/beliefs is that fact that many Chileans supported (and still do), his regime. In the last poll/election when he was weilding power - 48% of the populace voted for his term to be extended for a further 10 years. I guess this says something (a bit scary) about human nature. Each for his own interests and never mind the collateral damage. However in spite of what your beliefs/feelings are he did huge things in Chile. The Austral highway (amongst others) at a cost of around $US350mil (Peurto Montt to Patagonia) opened up the Patogonian area of Chile to the markets of the north and in one fell swoop endeared him to farmers and manufacturers in this remote southern area plus probably negated the risk of Argentinia "stealing" more of Patagonia from the Chileans. Easy to see how he built and kept strong support!
More interesting (or not) information will follow as/if I can be bothered.
Cheers
Mooy Bueno
Mike V
Wow, was this an adventure or what, it certainly was 'not a holiday camp', a phrase coined by Tom about 3 x days into the adventure.
One very interesting
A Long way from home
Taking the Long Way Home... fact emerged yesterday when I looked at the Adventure Itinarary that I gave to the riders before we left, the total estimated milage was 9,280kms. The milage on my bike when I left NZ was 48,600, it is now 57,874, so my actual milage was 9,274 kms ! bugger, I must do my homework with more care as I was 6km (SIX) under my estimate !!!!
We had an interesting mix of motorcycles on this adventure, the 3 x Kawasaki 650 KL's performed very well in general, the riders had to make time to check all bolts and screws, as they tended to work loose and distribute themselves about the country side, so time was spent locktighting every bolt and screw. The Kawasaki team were the only ones to carry their luggage the whole way, there are two reasons why they were able to aceive this, firstly, they took advice from the packing list, secondly they had soft luggage.
Of the 3 x BMW 1200GS's, not one rear plastic mudgaurd thingy came home. Two of them destroyed their plastic pannier boxes, along with the odd rear veiw mirror. The two 1150 GS's also suffered some dammage, one having the aluminium
I'm sure this is the road...
Follow me, I'm sure it's OK... bags, just ripped off, but they stayed shut, holding their contents inside. The Suzuki DL was modified somewhat with grey sticky tape. The KTM with Greg on board just ate rubber....
The choice of bike is a complex question, as some riders have no problem with the bigger bikes, while others struggle, so the key is to match the bike with the rider and riding conditions.
This adventure was a challenge for men and machines, not only in a physical sence, but also mentally, as the the altitude is something that we can't experience here in New Zealand, and it can affect even the biggest and most phisically fit men. The conditions drew out all the emotional highs and lows of the riders and they had to cope with what confronted them.
We are well on the way with the plans for our next adventure to Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia in November 2008. Get in touch with me if you have an interest in this adventure. (rosco.rr@ihug.co.nz)
The next 'High Andes Adventure' will be in Aprill 2009, I will be in touch with those of you that have confirmed your interest in this one shortly. Don't forget....Tu pasaporte
Camera Art
Bolivian Camera Art a la aventura (We are your passport to adventure)
I will try and load more photos....Still having major problems with photo's, as I enter each photo, explorer crashes and I have to restart, log in again for each photo, a bloody pain...but here is a selection to keep you going.
The bikes are still in Chile, as we are waitinig on confirmation of a boat....will keep you posted (after I sort the photo problem)
un abrazo, Rosco
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