Machu Picchu to Punta Arenas


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South America » Chile » Magallanes » Punta Arenas
April 19th 2011
Published: April 19th 2011
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AlanAlanAlan

Having fun
So the adventure ends for some……….
But may be the beginning for others……

Leaving La Rioja, we headed down to check out Parque Ischigualasto and the Dinosaur Museum, some people really enjoyed it, others, thought it was just another pile of rocks…..

Leaving San Augustin, bright and early, well some of us did, but Alan, discovered a flat tyre as he was about to leave the car park, but he had his pit crew with him and was soon back on the road.

I caught up with Robin, Diane, Wim and Paul as the lunch stop, as Paul and I were texting each other about Wim’s back pack that he had left at a coffee stop during the morning ride.

I waited here for an hour to see if String and the others were going to turn up, but they were away on their own adventure. We all managed to meet up at the newly opened café at Termas Villavicencio for an afternoon snack, before the great ride over the mountain to Uspillata.

With the last day of the adventure from Argentina into Chile, via the Paso Redentor, the morning dawned overcast and a bit threatening (String was determined for a last wet!) we headed off into the mountains.
Well it was not long before I shut the window on the truck and not long after that that I put the heater on (just a little of course) and the wind had got up to gale force down the narrow mountain gully we were in.

Just before the tunnel we were to regroup for the option of riding over the original unpaved pass.
By the time I got there it was snowing and blowing a gale…The first group had made themselves welcome in a coffee house with a wood stove burning, as Alan and Hans arrived, Alan was consumed in a dust storm while Han’s bike was blown off it’s stand.
About now the decision was made to go through the tunnel, as both motos and riders would have been blown off the road up there…..a good decision on the day.

We all arrived back in Vina del Mar, with all the bits we left with, well sort of, apart from the odd bit of luggage that got destroyed on the way, along with the odds and ends left in the hotel room
Faunando and FleurineFaunando and FleurineFaunando and Fleurine

Living the life style
and a back pack along the way….. but all the bodies and motos are pretty much intact along with the odd modification.

With all the motos packed in the container and ready to ship home, my next adventure began, with a 3,000 plus km dash down to Punta Arenas to return the truck.
This involved really long days, with985 km longest day from Caleta Olivia to Punta Arenas and short nights, with snow, slush, another two border crossings, bloody Patagonia winds and unchanging scenery, that has not changed since my first adventure down this way in 2005.

So for me it is the end of our High Andes Adventure for 2011 and I must say that this group of adventurers were all outstanding riders, along with exceptionally resilient pillion girls and the camaraderie was just great.
So until next time,
un abrazo,
Rosco



Additional photos below
Photos: 26, Displayed: 24


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PaulPaul
Paul

Missing his Pussy??
Hans's moto blows overHans's moto blows over
Hans's moto blows over

String to the rescue
BuggerBugger
Bugger

A truck falls over down paso Redentor
Reflecting on our AdventureReflecting on our Adventure
Reflecting on our Adventure

Back at the Ankara
Ankara WorkshopAnkara Workshop
Ankara Workshop

Lowering the standard out side the Ankara
Wash DayWash Day
Wash Day

Paul and the guys all got involved
Hurry up and waitHurry up and wait
Hurry up and wait

Waiting for customs clearance
Farewell PaulFarewell Paul
Farewell Paul

Packed and ready to go
Enzo and RodrigusEnzo and Rodrigus
Enzo and Rodrigus

Ready to fill the container with Motos
Paso SamorePaso Samore
Paso Samore

A good dumping of snow
Patagonia foreverPatagonia forever
Patagonia forever

I took a photo from here in 2005
Moon over Tierra del FuegoMoon over Tierra del Fuego
Moon over Tierra del Fuego

Arriving to Punta Arenas


20th April 2011

Thanks for Sharing The Trip
Rosco - thanks for sharing the trip with those of us watching from the comfort at home. The regular updates kept us in touch with what our adventurous sister and b-in-law were getting up to and gave an insight into the spectacular scenery on the other side of the world. Thanks for a story well told. Bruce.
22nd April 2011

Always Exciting to Follow Your Travels
Hello Rosco Dean visited me for dinner 2 nights ago and mentioned that you were away again on one of your excursions. I hope all is going well for you. I truly enjoy your stories and photographs. HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS. Toni
26th April 2011

USA BUDDIES
Rosco Thanks again for sharing. Now thta Trapper is back I will show them to him. YOUR PAL ART

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