tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10895733314040483892024-03-19T01:48:24.775-07:00Super Biker Woman's Bike TouringColleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.comBlogger1627125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-10500621737562719162024-03-10T21:42:00.001-07:002024-03-10T21:42:14.323-07:00Remembered My Boots This Year, But…This year’s Shasta Gravel Hugger in Montague, CA is in the bag. The Olympia/McCleary/Edmonds crew this year was Brad, Makaela, Stewart, me, Lolo the pup, (Olympia), Billy, Courtney, Scott (McCleary), and Piper (Edmonds). <div><img id="id_bb23_a24e_33b9_8b2b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1LGOeZm-rD0j-beCqM8l4cseYzeoDplJU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The crew!</div><div><img id="id_18e5_7cd3_bb98_7c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15RBbncQEqyu4fflvbMJ4atXuU3yNdZ_j" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Thanks to Karlye for loaning out her 4 bike rack!<br><img id="id_d4f3_8c38_5b32_661f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BZKKtNc6mgwLCGu72BSpLL4hmMckeSpr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The three of us girls in the back. <br><img id="id_61f1_fe1d_f47_f844" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1aGBYjpfzZWwu_mpzqKqdtcT4tNcKhjLH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lunch in Eugene. <br><br></div><div>We rented the Gillis House in Yreka, a huge Victorian mansion. Here’s a few photos. Notice in each of these photos there is a bike (or two).</div><div><img id="id_21d9_ccf6_30d2_ffe8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zN3TLVv_dQUGZZBGHOFjdkKvyr7t8WM7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The game roon (2 bikes)<br><img id="id_7b71_2452_24cd_6ba9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15cr2q6K3MVRQJHg2l1EPfHQIwijU7jMw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Dining room (2 bikes).<br><img id="id_8200_b8a9_affc_c8c1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14t2ilOKMTd6JBoQvqOxCLOj0ko3VzVvv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Foyer and bike<br><img id="id_9a37_3cd7_16ee_5b69" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JBrxJF1q5Nhv_06QahGwQ6UoYpqHw9gL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Front living room…and bike. <br><img id="id_1525_f4ca_756c_ac67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19kt_DIM_l2FpuekFh5gAmmwEPYNi6y3W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Main floor bedroom and Stewart’s bike. </div><div><br></div><div>The house supposedly sleeps 16. It slept the 8 of us comfortably with Piper and I sharing the twin beds room. </div><div><img id="id_cdf2_faad_b6ff_5010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uJD-eFPMSMfwtXUUvqRd_uT95BCvY2d2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Me and Piper’s room<br><img id="id_1077_fae1_c70a_7cd6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m4xf9wqQ9XyIQ19r-3GLWJw3GY47HuT8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Brad, Makaela, and Princess Lolo’s room. <br><img id="id_3096_61f3_76d7_bbe6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FL1i-ev1qChVE92r4un-ywj0qZIBj7LE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Billy and Courtney’s <br><img id="id_d896_f2bc_8d94_59a5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19VgKnbGBiuKohC-ByirQByxKkbtOCrIm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Scott’s. </div><div><br></div><div>The house had 4 1/2 bathrooms and two kitchens. </div><div><img id="id_bc91_88a1_d76d_a097" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16LbAR22R9LOUBQBU2YlOYYd5b6tDd2Ur" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The “Master”. <br><img id="id_9885_2820_1729_a632" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-ulm4SxCcAE8G-TWf1djITX4B9BfFF89" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The upstairs full bath and half bath. <br><img id="id_211a_4059_9017_aece" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qSTpiihMKgrznk1hOjJPO8PB_Wv_o_5H" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Main floor kitchen. <br><img id="id_8bab_c15e_3265_1969" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qK2rqdBoPQ1nb6_QrSZUUGTcmN9Yweil" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Brad and Lolo. <br><img id="id_bf28_de3c_a875_aeb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rqiVFViXut0Sm2U7v-_M1xHZ0SypKkYH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Upstairs kitchen. </div><div><br></div><div>It took awhile to get the lay of the house. There were also two staircases. </div><div><img id="id_c41c_22a6_36ec_cff7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bXldMvvEKETuNvu8ZkZAAUGwXogiR0-H" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Main entry<br><img id="id_cd23_be2d_f9ed_4c38" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NXmInGmewxgqfmrzAOpkp_uwlT8fy5xs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Back stairs to the kitchen. Lolo would go up these stairs, but wouldn’t come down them. She would find her way to the front stairs. </div><div><br></div><div>After a great pasta dinner, we hit the sack in preparation for the race the next day. </div><div><br></div><div>This race doesn’t start until 11:00am, and that’s just the women riding the Full Hug Route (100 miles). The Full Hug men went out at 11:15. Piper, Brad, Makaela, Stewart, and I went out at 11:30 for the Half Hug Route (65 miles). Scott, Billy, and Courtney went out at 11:45 for the Handshake Route (30 miles).</div><div><img id="id_3699_52e3_db4d_6be3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xfHgcS2BTpd3UXlv0jt5mrIqaKGGc7ZC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Waiting our turn. <br><img id="id_ecea_1ccc_8aa8_4388" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1firkAQRNXhglMlPQJbacFbDemVrCW06r" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5bbc_5755_94d1_63d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CLl5z3L8C1mvHk-x5kn-Cn2nVP4oD63b" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4926_4ff_7223_c7d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1u2PXcPVC0Da-moijnayc-0mz2v2m5YC9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bf48_5684_8f8e_dd61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DVR2LEn3-x1stqUSxl_9WTgKIpp97nBZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And they’re off (photos courtesy of Scott). <br><br>Same as last year, the group pulled away from me quickly (even though I was wearing my own boots this year). As you can see from the above photos, the weather was much much better. We even got intel from Jason that there was NO snow on the entire course (a first in all the years they’ve been doing the race)!</div><div><br></div><div>Last year they had shortened the course due to snow, and pushed the start back a half hour. This year we would do the whole route. Last year I was in pretty good shape. This year, not so much. My biggest ride since getting back from South America was 37 miles. </div><div><br></div><div>I watched everyone pull away. I thought I might catch Piper later, but that was not to be. I passes a couple of people, but they soon passed me. Rode with one guy for a few minutes, then I stopped to take a photo (I planned to take more photos on course this year…I didn’t).</div><div><img id="id_f635_9d2b_6e6d_4d18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gaUBmvJiXDn_iKARGVHLj90fIrgmLr5n" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We could actually see Shasta this year!</div><div><br></div><div>This year we got to do the Jeep Road. It was my favorite part (no, I did not take a photo of it). It’s a rutted, rocky, big puddle section. Fun! Also much better if you are going through it alone (pick whatever line you want).</div><div><br></div><div>After the Jeep Road, I realized I actually didn’t have the route on my Garmin (I downloaded it, but didn’t check to make sure it was there). I wasn’t sure which way to go, so I stopped to check my phone. I was going the right way. </div><div><br></div><div>Eventually came to another turn with course flaggers. Así made the corner, the guy yelled, “Now for the tailwind!” It was also largely downhill. I was flying! I came into Little Shasta, and past the cemetery. I followed the road to the left, and continued on. Awhile later, I saw a sign for Big Spring Rd. What? We already did Big Spring Rd. I stopped and checked the route on my phone. Well, crap! I was headed back to town! How did that happen??? I had a decision to make. Go back to where I missed the turn, or just give up and go back to town (I was at 34 miles)? I looked closer at the map, and could see there was a road a little way ahead that I could take to cut back over to the route. Since I was feeling good at that point, I opted to take the road over to the route. Turns out, it was where the Handshake Route had turned off from the Half and Full Routes. </div><div><br></div><div>It was just a couple of miles when I rejoined the Half Hug Route. It was just at the base of the big climb. The climb was different than last year. It was pretty rutted and a bit muddy. At one point it got to steep for me to ride (remember, not in the best of fitness).</div><div><br></div><div>The one and only Aid Station was at the top. I had a half of a banana, and a small can of Coke. At this point I figured I had gone about 3 extra miles…no big deal. Besides, next up (or I should say down) was the big descent (the one that was completely in the snow last year). Wow, that was so much fun coming down on a dry, snow free road!</div><div><br></div><div>With the downhill (and the Coke), I was kind of rejuvenated…for awhile. I even stopped to take this photo!</div><div><img id="id_ef79_8118_c4d2_48f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14eM8dognH_Stf9HehCn95g0RZB056CP_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The hills were so green!<br><br></div><div>Then the headwinds…again…only this time I was considerably more tired. Plus, at this point, I remembered the course, and how far there was left to go, in addition to the extra three miles. Only, at one point, I thought I had less than 10 miles to go when a Full Hig rider went by and said, “Only 11 more miles!” What? Noooooo!!! That meant I was going to be doing close to 70 miles! Well, it was what it was. All I could do was keep pedaling. It also looked quite probable that I was not going to finish before the sunset. At least, the wind had died down a little bit (those who finished earlier…and by “those”, I mean <i>everyone</i> else) had experienced much higher winds on the last 6-7 miles. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally, I came into town and dodged the last bit of mud puddles, made the turn to the finish line, and the cheering of all my friends!</div><div><img id="id_25a3_568_b4f9_1d7b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qKRePJ7B4xGLOAYNN-iVVJNgekOSzc4p" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Done…finally!</div><div><br></div><div>Instead of 65 miles, I had done 69.8. Piper and I were the only ones in our category, so she took 1st, but I won for most miles (and stupidity). Piper and I did a podium photo (and we even got prizes).</div><div><img id="id_4670_7aba_ab6b_c61a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1T5BJ6Ck3NLg_MSXkMHdjLH98b4JJWPnr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See? It was dark (and Piper is doing a great job of holding me up)!</div><div><br></div><div>In fact, all the Olympia/Edmonds women (and Billy) ended up on the podium. </div><div><img id="id_7a58_2b62_2be_330f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PX16jkCuJAOuv-Y_wZPZxlYEH0n5G1S6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Makaela 2nd for Open Women Half Hug</div><div><img id="id_b90_8789_7959_6add" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bubE7Mv-z9JaVfWEyapkdjlpUHGihg90" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Courtney took 1st (and she wasn’t the only one in her category).</div><div><br></div><div>Since I had finally finished, we were all able to go back to the mansion for some much needed food and relaxation. Jason came over with a box of his bars, and some new stuff to try. All was delicious! </div><div><br></div><div>We all retired for a well deserved night’s sleep. Morning (and daylight savings time) arrived. To check out of the mansion, all we had to do was turn down the thermostats, turn off the lights, and lock the door. But by bit we all headed home. </div><div><br></div><div>It was another great weekend with good friends. Although I swore while I was riding that I would not do the Shasta Gravel Hugger again, I may change my mind. At some point, I need to get everything right!</div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-17020433685221870202024-02-19T11:45:00.001-08:002024-02-19T11:45:14.726-08:002/19-Billy has Survived and a Few StatsIt seems Billy has survived his journey in a suboptimal box. He is pretty durable. <div><img id="id_450_4fc3_7a85_3823" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pYlg5p3pc7d-wYPOLkDgETsdQO6aOzqR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Nice thing about not needing to reuse the box, I can just cut it open. <br><img id="id_7c84_d751_2384_6a68" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1LeC4MiyuzQdoBk637W6raQulm1hDzw5g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>All put back together. Ready for the next adventure. <br><img id="id_207a_c3ae_a4ad_ed37" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HC4oKjyduzglAm1aSzOeoUDbQvEmY3gx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Thank you suboptimal box for holding together. </div><div><br></div><div>I’ve compiled a few stats:</div><div>Kilometers/miles ridden from Puerto Montt to Ushuaia: 2092.6kms/1300.3miles</div><div><br></div><div>Kilometers in Chile on the Carratera Austral: 1208.4</div><div>Kilometers in Argentina: 884.2</div><div><br></div><div>Total days in South America: 92</div><div><br></div><div>Days spent riding with forward progress: 41</div><div><br></div><div>Days off, not including Ushuaia: 36</div><div><br></div><div>Camping in Chile: 15 nights out of 44 days</div><div>Camping in Argentina: 8 nights out of 25 days (not counting Ushuaia)</div><div>The rest of the nights were spent indoors. </div><div><br></div><div>If you’ve followed my previous tours, you may notice this tour was different. It was by far the most relaxed tour I’ve done. It’s also the only tour where I have lost fitness, and gained weight. However, I very much enjoyed getting to do this adventure with Alex and Markus. Their previous experiences in South America were invaluable. They made it very easy for me. And, we laughed…a lot!!! In the end, spending time with great friends while having amazing experiences is what it is all about!!! Thank you Alex and Markus for letting me tag along!</div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-2098778607293751542024-02-17T15:59:00.001-08:002024-02-17T15:59:01.338-08:002/17-Leg Three…Home At Last!Yep, after 40 hours of travel time, I am home!<div><br></div><div>The flight from Houston was quite fun for the first 45 minutes or so. There was a lot of turbulence coming out of Houston. Then things settled down, and it was just another boring flight. Funny thing though, of all three flights, I slept more on this one than the other two combined! I think the lack of sleep finally caught up with me. I was watching Oppenheimer on my phone, but kept falling asleep. I got the gist of it though. </div><div><br></div><div>Coming into Seattle, Rainier was mostly cloud covered, but Lake Washington was clear. </div><div><img id="id_2027_3968_595c_9935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fWyVeAWbxyQyZX_FbhGk4T-AQJH0YNW9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>Gathering the bags went smoothly as I was able to get a cart. Of course, I had to pay $8.00 again. SeaTac is the only airport out of 7 airports where I had to pay for a cart. And $8.00 is a ripoff! </div><div><br></div><div>Best part of the day was Makaela pulling up!</div><div><img id="id_e363_ab6b_36a_c9e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GhTnZkMrLltC6HEnX7NZ310LjW1lyP2j" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>She took me to the airport back in November, and picked me up three months later. She is also brought me food! She’s the absolute best!!!</div><div><br></div><div>I haven’t taken Billy out of the box yet. The box survived Ushuaia to Buenos Aries, BA to Houston with hardly a scratch (plus 20 hours in the BA airport). I get it at Oversize Baggage in Seattle, and one of the handles is ripped, the top is only partially retaped, and there are other tears. This is all because TSA opens it! When they put it through an X-ray scanner, I don’t see why they have to open the box. Or at least they could completely tape it back up! This is why there is nothing but the bike in the box (well, that and the AirTag). I hope Billy is okay, but I’m too tired to check today. </div><div><img id="id_f3b6_701b_69d5_c329" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sEjRx_1Qo0m7gg2V_GJW6KFypF58otrx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Can’t really see the damage. Oh, the IKEA Fracta Bag came through unharmed. It’s a pretty sturdy bag! I can definitely recommend this bag for flying with bikepacking bags. </div><div><br></div><div>I will probably do a wrap up post soon, but for now I’m enjoying having had a nice long shower, and wearing different clothes!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Stay tuned for the stats (if you are interested).<br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-61286622508619535562024-02-17T04:50:00.001-08:002024-02-17T04:50:27.645-08:002/17-Leg Two and I Am Tired!After the last post, I did find another spot to crash for awhile. I was under a stairway. Almost felt like my tent. I think I slept about 1 1/2 hours. There was another cyclist sleeping not far from me. Another guy got creative and made himself a cubby with a couple of carts. Yet another guy almost seemed like he had moved in. He was there before I got there, and was still there after I left to go check in. I thought that because there was access to outside, what would stop someone from periodically staying in the airport (like in that Tom Hanks movie, only easier because you could come and go).<div><img id="id_7b3f_93f5_a5f0_c660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Eg4STJE7ttfxfljf8Q6BcGUZVGuwdEbM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I went out for a change of scenery (plus, it was warmer outside). </div><div><br></div><div>Finally it appeared the United counter was going to open at 5:30 instead of 6:00. But first, I kid you not, they spent a good 30 minutes arranging, then rearranging the “path” to the counters. At one point, I was talking to a young guy as we were watching them do this. We thought maybe they were arranging the maze so that it didn’t actually go to the counter. They had hidden cameras, and they were going to film all of us trying to navigate the maze to nowhere, then put it on some show. At 6:05, they quit futzing around, and opened the counters. </div><div><img id="id_f816_8788_b037_56fd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10uO5YGTcM2K-gSe0gC2NvTC8pAFDmViG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>“No, let’s move it over here…yeah, make that a dead end.”</div><div><br></div><div>Where they just put Billy on the belt in Ushuaia, I had to follow the nice lady to Oversized Baggage. Once rid of the baggage, I headed to International Departures. First stop, “Migraciones” (aka Passport Control). There were three women behind me heading to Atlanta, then California. We had a nice chat while we waited in line for quite awhile. </div><div><br></div><div>Once through that, the next stop was security. Funny thing, you could take water through security, but not on the plane, even if you had bought it after security. Couldn’t quite figure that one out. </div><div><br></div><div>On my way to the gate, I stopped for some food. A final couple of jamón y queso empanadas. They were good. </div><div><br></div><div>I was in Boarding Group 3. I was waiting patiently for my group to be called. One of the gate crew came over and said if I gate checked my rear dry bags, I could board now. As usual, they would run out of overhead bin space. Since I didn’t really like carrying them anyway, I agreed. It was after I was on the plane that I realized my electronics were in them. No big deal for me, as I still had my big battery bank in my backpack, but you’re not supposed to check battery banks. They are supposed to be in carryon. Oh well, they had even searched the bags at the gate (but only looking for liquids). This whole no liquids on the plane thing seemed inefficient. They searched every single carryon bag before boarding. </div><div><br></div><div>The flight was uneventful. I only slept in short catnaps. My pillow disappeared behind me. I was chilly sitting next to the window. Only watched one movie…Barbie. It was pretty good. </div><div><br></div><div>We actually arrived quite early in Houston. Customs/Passport Control had just opened at 5:00. It was a quick breeze through that, then onto collecting the baggage. Billy came out on the carousel. Got all the bags and proceeded to Bag Drop. Had to bob and weave to get through the ropes. I did mention to the baggage guy that the battery banks were in the bag. He said it was fine. </div><div><br></div><div>Final stop was to go through Security again. Now waiting at the gate for my flight to Seattle. One more to go!</div><div><img id="id_e0dc_b741_5c7c_76cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kGSU_yGArj1HaJg2jPI1511tXUb8WJn9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-11247753879151539922024-02-16T01:01:00.001-08:002024-02-16T01:01:40.079-08:001/15-16 Leg One of the Journey Home<div>Leg one is complete. Everything made it to Buenos Aires (of course, I knew that because I saw Billy and the blue bag get loaded on the plane).</div><img id="id_5ae4_34ab_77f7_c1f8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qZR4fcDliECA5pXMkMchXlYSVmijcp9J" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Billy waiting to board. <br><img id="id_c7a4_826d_3d83_373" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19a1BvgBkuyRsUMMW16H2mDyLYgBCAj-4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And here comes the plane! Had a moment where I was reminded of the movie “Airport” where the plane keeps coming. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. <br><div> I managed to be in the last row of the plane. Turns out, I was the only one in the whole row.</div><img id="id_fcfe_75a6_6491_5db0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TH2pMQwIZk42g-i4-o-dF1_adZvXlDxx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Nobody else in my row. <div><br><div> Yes, I did lay down across three seats, and yes, it was somewhat comfortable (not as comfy as those seats that become a bed…I’m guessing). Of course, I was right next to the toilets, so lots of people got to be envious of my ability to lay down!</div><div><img id="id_40c9_a895_3d70_f075" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sf-F9V4DwlVewi5QXyuiuffIMjHxVo42" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Last sunset in Ushuaia. <br><img id="id_e5df_6ef_a87f_cad8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hokUOtfL9zabbRUG6dJSIyNICoTn1fSt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Goodbye Fin del Mundo!<br><img id="id_2051_73ad_43f5_d290" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1en5Rj4_vkf-qsUwcJKh7LrPt7g9w1AVz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Sunset AND Ushuaia. <br><img id="id_982_a8bf_3c0d_2d79" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18nq3PaX2ql53SnMksBSF5_lvShXw1XSI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Buenos Aires<br><img id="id_60b7_9938_c61e_4214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BuHXyIXoHFUFp9XxjrHKSh53ipuhuYc0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The Capitol of Argentina is quite large!<br><br></div><div>At the baggage claim in Buenos Aires, Billy came out 3rd! Yep, no oversize baggage place here! He made some pretty wide turns going along the snaking belt until he got to me. Fortunately, he didn’t knock anyone over. </div><div><img id="id_c441_eced_df60_8810" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19XKK793cKVehWMPfdjR44aH8QjRwyCtl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Wide load making the corners. </div><div><br></div><div>I wanted to figure out where Check-In was for United, my next flight. No luck finding it, so I decided it was something to deal with in the morning (later…I mean, it was already morning, but 2:30 is a little early).</div><div><br></div><div>Since I have to keep my bags with me until I can recheck them, I set out to find a quiet spot for a rest. There were people laying all over, in all the chairs (of which there aren’t many), against open walls…I found an area that was strangely quite quiet. </div><div><img id="id_2cd4_cbb8_e09c_e7d8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OafG0hT4jX6aXh8LaigFE91CRu_ujuVd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Just me and a bunch of carts. People would walk by periodically, even official looking people, but not nearly as much as the other parts of the airport. </div><div><br></div><div>I got out my sleeping pad, and even the pump. Made a pillow out of the bag my quilt is in, took my shoes off, laid down, and draped my buff over my eyes.</div><img id="id_3b2c_f2a5_3fbd_4e77" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13DdBrpVGjr7ZZpOauxQ1L8D1vcruL68k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><div> I’m not sure I slept much, but I did rest. I think I was dreaming about trains of carts going by…oh wait…trains of carts were going by. Eventually, more of the space was filled with carts. Then row by row, the cart locomotive took them all away again. </div><div><br></div><div>Eventually, I had to pee, so I packed it all up, and headed back into airport central. I finally found the information booth, and there was even someone there! I asked which check-in counter would be United. The woman told me H46, but that it wouldn’t open until 6:00…PM (my flight is at 10:05pm). That means I have to lug Billy and the bag with me for, now, another 12 hours! It’s gonna be a long day! If I was wealthier, I think getting a hotel room might have been a good idea. But then again, unless I paid for two nights, I’d still have to check out probably by noon. Of course, if I was wealthier, I’d just pay for two nights. Sadly, I am not. </div><div><br></div><div>So, I think I will go find another place to park it, and maybe sleep/rest some more. <br><br><br></div> </div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-21518021929838836792024-02-13T14:00:00.001-08:002024-02-13T14:00:01.341-08:002/13-I Can Still Hear the Drums<img id="id_cb4f_3538_43d9_473d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NLSJCIW7YHFfr_0VdcSpLATeK0AB9YdU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Carnaval Del Fin Del Mundo!<div><br></div><div>I took myself for a walk this afternoon to see what was happening on the Carnaval scene. I walked down to the water. I could hear the drums long before I could see them. </div><div><br></div><div>I made it to the stage where a couple were saying something I couldn’t make out. I think maybe they were talking about the various drum groups. I moved on down a bit. </div><div><img id="id_35cc_e10b_ee4c_b367" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xnAdjeubAAy1tIlkWaB70mN7WymPPg_g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This group had some dancers in front of them. I did some video that I’ll post on FB. </div><div><br></div><div>I continued down the street looking for a better vantage point. </div><div><img id="id_fd30_aa5a_c7f5_5bcd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uXWcIe1OgKBTFHBxcpML4EGU7qWH8np2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Waiting to perform? Or done?<br><img id="id_ba63_3077_edcb_b316" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XJ4bH3QA5eJg18sEs9_2MSw6qq1kpzKd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>That’s a good spot up there, but where I was ended up being pretty good too. </div><div><img id="id_11b7_6b4c_d938_ed9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Z4hilOUjqOHHQdYEr2la6ULIAW_khKHS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This group was pretty enthusiastic…<br><img id="id_b86d_b687_1a61_39ef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11jYI8Fz0pwhmjt9rSjWUvbJWV8O6IWl3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b7b1_50c5_9ded_4bb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AbbKl-sRqQdkmpCXkhmFYIynhdZ_xdoP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Except for this little guy. I think his dad was the leader. The woman behind him was really enthusiastic. </div><div><br></div><div>One thing that I could see the kids really enjoying was spraying streams of foam. </div><div><img id="id_fb6b_1481_ffe1_fdaa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14MJ2jztAC2ktnLQQgLpaHhv9H5ISP-zf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This little kid was especially enjoying it. </div><div><br></div><div>People had the stuff all over them. Fortunately, I emerged un-foamed (afterall, I only have a few clothes), and headed up to San Martin before I got caught in the foam crossfire. </div><div><br></div><div>I’m back in my room in the hostal, and I can still hear the drums. I would have looked to see if a panadería was selling King cakes, but my stomach has not been happy the past couple of days, so I thought it best not to add that to my system. Instead, yogurt, banana, and crackers, washed down with electrolytes, has been my Fat Tuesday sustenance. </div><div><br></div><div>I arranged my transport to the airport on Thursday. It’s another Jorge (I was driven to the apartment in Puerto Montt by a Jorge). I think it’s funny that my bookend transports have both been guys named Jorge. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow I’ll be able to get more tape (of a stronger form) to further tape up my flimsy bike box. Might end up looking like more tape than cardboard. Oh, and there are two Italian cyclists here who have also finished. They asked me where I got my bike box. I told them how we found ours, and wished them luck. <br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-55392412017842645032024-02-12T12:00:00.001-08:002024-02-12T12:00:35.507-08:002/12-Who Woulda Thought…I would know someone coming into Ushuaia on a cruise ship! Awhile ago I saw on Facebook that some friends were in Buenas Aíres. I commented saying they were at the beginning of Ruta 3 and I was at the other end! Turns out they were doing a cruise to Antártica. I asked if they were coming to Ushuaia. They were, but not until Feb 12th. Well, I am here until the 15th! I’ve been following their trip, and we made a plan to meet for lunch when they got to Ushuaia. <div><br></div><div>Today’s the day, and we met at Tante Sara after they did a tour into the park. They did the Tren Del Fin del Mundo, and a bus tour to the end of Ruta 3. Sounds like renting the car like Alex, Markus, and I did, was a better idea. </div><div><br></div><div>After lunch they wanted to get a couple of souvenirs. We took this group photo outside of the big souvenir store. </div><div><img id="id_71fb_180c_99b7_6c83" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15u439MF3Pv8zvEoL-SElw3uRO-g424_8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Taunya, Jim, Penguin, and me. </div><div><br></div><div>We walked a bit along San Martín, then went down toward the water. Apparently, tomorrow is a holiday, but I can’t seem to find out what the holiday is. Anyway, part of the main road is closed down, and there was loud music playing. Also, earlier this morning, I tried to go get more tape at the Imcofue store, but they are closed today and tomorrow. </div><div><br></div><div>We walked to the “Ushuaia” sign, and I took their photo for them. Then we walked back to the port. They had to be back to the ship at 4:30. When we got to the port entrance, there was a long line waiting to go through Port Security. They got in line. Then a guy comes by and says the line is only for the Holland America boat (its anchored out in the bay, so they have to take the tenders from the port. Jim and Taunya are on the Regents Seven Seas. We walked up to the security entrance where we said our goodbyes. </div><div><img id="id_d528_9ab7_6901_7a03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XKyq5D9FLHZaMAB-UwMuduciYCPqBcIP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Long line for security, but only theHolland America boat. <br><img id="id_8eb1_9cc7_47a5_13b4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sNVN6-DFXRH5zjovR9-XkTwt-wwahpsw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Regent Seven Seas. </div><div><br></div><div>It was really great to see someone I know in Ushuaia! They said it was great to see the town with a “local” (yes, I’ve been here too long). </div><div><br></div><div>Even though I wasn’t able to get more tape today, I did go ahead and pack Billy in the box. I just need to reinforce the box with some better tape. I’ll get that after this mysterious holiday. Three more days, then I’ll be headed home!</div><div><br></div><div>Here’s a couple of random photos…</div><div><img id="id_e5cd_f4cd_2692_e411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12DFenFbtk1nlXmVt06LwKw9U4TTqGaSH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9986_70e9_b0aa_bc61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dnLUqFg5ItujPI3EU5dJcKHtrm2BsLzM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Soon I will be saying adios Ushuaia!<br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-12930489442409725452024-02-10T12:18:00.001-08:002024-02-10T12:18:07.977-08:002/10-A Final Little Bike Ride and Building a BoxThis morning I said goodbye to my roommate, Miranda, from Holland. She was taking the bus to Punta Arenas, then Puerto Natales to hike in Torres Del Paine. After both Miranda and I had gone to bed last night (but we weren’t asleep, just reading), we got a new roommate. He is “Feliz” from Turkey. Happy guy. He’s been traveling for two years. He doesn’t appear to be hiking, and he’s not cycling. He came on the bus from Rio Gallegos. He’s been all the places we went (in Argentina). Seems like a nice guy. <div><br></div><div>Today's weather has been spectacular. High 60s. I decided to take advantage and go for a ride. I wanted to see if I could ride toward where the lighthouse is in the Beagle Channel. I had doubts I’d be able to get far enough. </div><div><img id="id_460f_5662_d88_c557" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CZbvgIdGdplFMcQrs6CK-Dfay9DrQJtm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A naval boat watering the…water. <br><img id="id_d62c_51ed_242a_851a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JBKOxMXkO9vILxULiGdbFPaj9wdnzRfg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Onto gravel now and looking back at Ushuaia. <br><img id="id_c520_3fb3_65c9_eac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19_M2yGnDbfNJWfNe6v6NprJijlnqZ86M" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Playa Larga Reserve. <br><img id="id_e1_15d6_f097_8679" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1oykgPD0g7K1Ev23dBdq71m-EY7RJVoRn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And there’s camping! I could see numerous sites. <br><img id="id_6f69_ccb7_d0fc_8cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zMZMYxl3ALzGKomPu3yo3YkDPQxE_i8m" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Here’s an indication of how much the wind blows. Today, however, there was no wind!<br><img id="id_2183_b9ff_234f_ce8e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qgIpYYUr62KuKuVWQEZOQb1-OZZSMXu7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>People are swimming!!! Don’t they know how close we are to Antártica???<br><img id="id_57c9_892d_2779_8010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TYsiWxuebXXGlbPbgkYv7hrU5MM6CPDU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Channel marker for the Beagle Channel. Not the lighthouse. <br><img id="id_2a50_3dd3_a69d_7f87" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1T6T_4K-dDluEVUngwnoqEZPVzMaYxFJE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Selfie time. <br><img id="id_2e66_91df_7496_1a7d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Cw14e-47NraDG-yUQaHi53_mIpr_1FDm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>End of the road. I probably could have ridden a bit further, but due to the nice weather, and it being Saturday, there were lots of hikers…oh and the fact that I don’t like singletrack. I opted to turn around. </div><div><br></div><div>Before I did, I took this photo of a Norwegian Cruise ship. </div><div><img id="id_86b6_e89_a2af_813f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HLz1VoXIPwOrFAydUKGXXByBsT8Tus3d" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I wonder if I could sell it to the cruise line?</div><div><br></div><div>I rode the gravel back to the pavement. It was dust bomb after dust bomb. Fortunately, I had my dust bomb protector. </div><div>Once I got back to the pavement, I decided I didn’t want to go back the same way (no choice on the gravel part). I continued up the hill (this is the road we had come down on our way into Ushuaia). It’s so much easier without all the gear. I actually enjoyed it. I got up to the roundabout where Ruta 3 continues out of Ushuaia, and back into town. Obviously, I headed back into town. This was a part of Ruta 3 that we didn’t ride. I was going along, when I noticed there was a bike path on the other side of the road. I made a quick turn over to the bike path. </div><div><img id="id_45b1_5f1_19df_87f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1S-eQNqxmXL3aWTMuW2o6nOlSeFH3kHPi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>How nice is this?<br><img id="id_8e5a_e8ca_7edb_6d18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/181KDCG1Q3ae6Nl7ffwNoeATQnaqRQJWv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Ruta 3 stays above Ushuaia, while Perito Moreno (the road we came into Ushuaia on) follows the water. <br><img id="id_ec2f_d431_456a_ef47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1295yKa6X_sG8HrCN3Bee_rpWfnQORyPl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>With perfect timing, the bike path ended at a roundabout where I needed to go left to get back to the hostel. <br><img id="id_2cb8_a47e_d6c6_1540" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gkC6Bjb0BiaE3YtSwjfDQ2cJfXf-zlP4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It wasn’t a very long ride, but it was quite enjoyable. </div><div><br></div><div>After I got back and took a shower, I fixed some lunch. Then it was time for the real work of today…building Billy’s box for flying home. Even though I’m not leaving until the 15th, I wanted to get the box built while it was sunny. Rain is forecast for tomorrow (100%). There’s not room indoors to build the box. I had drawn out a plan, so I got to work. The box needed to be taller, wider, and longer. The biggest change was in the length and width. It was very close to being tall enough. </div><div><br></div><div>It took me three hours and three complete rolls of duct tape (it would be nice if they made the rolls a little more than 9 meters). I still have the majority of one roll, but I think I’m going to need to get another roll for taping the box closed, and generally reinforcing. I had plenty of cardboard, and didn’t even use one of the boxes. </div><div><br></div><div>Once I got a pretty good semblance of a box, I took Billy’s pedals off and rolled him in to see how much I would need to lengthen the box. That end will need the most reinforcing once Billy’s inside and taped up. </div><div><br></div><div>I’ve gotten it as far as I can for now. I did some rearranging in the room, and bright the box inside. </div><div><img id="id_b225_fe43_c85e_3347" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Vel_3PoIvlS8zq_DEEsmmYJ1r1f1Rk0r" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I’ll probably pack Billy the next nice day (Tuesday or Wednesday). Everything is already off (bags, fenders, pedals, and the kickstand) that can be taken off now. Putting him in the box will be much faster than building the box!</div><div><br></div><div>It was a lot of work, but I’m glad I’ve got it done!<br><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-7567303604042808032024-02-08T11:51:00.001-08:002024-02-08T11:51:42.979-08:002/8-Goodbyes and New DigsThe day has come to say goodbye to my dear friends and traveling companions, Alex and Markus. Not gonna lie, I’m very sad. I think it would be easier if I was leaving too (I’d still be sad, but I would be busy). While Alex and Markus enjoy a week of warm weather in Buenas Aires, I will spend another week here in Ushuaia. As I mentioned before, it was far cheaper for me to spend an extra week here than to fly this week, even with paying for the hostel ($200 for the week).<div><br></div><div>Last night we went to a very nice restaurant for our last dinner together. It was called Kaupé. I had the Chicken Bengali. It was delicious. Unfortunately, I completely forgot to take any photos. Before dinner, I was able to drop off the stack of cardboard at the hostel. We still had some time to kill before the restaurant opened. </div><div><img id="id_fbf_6cf9_904e_3169" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M_UHjUhhZ7OOzse1uL6-jeM88rBIElBF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In front of one of the big souvenir shops. <br><br><div>With everything packed, they just had to wait for the van and taxi to arrive this morning. </div><div><img id="id_fed6_c002_a18_8c65" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11OujxXiZGZA_YByE-FdLUNIVZtfFP_FA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Sure won’t be hard to spot these bags!</div><div><br></div><div>The van and taxi arrived, and everything was loaded up. </div><div><img id="id_a8b6_2b9_b596_ca9a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1r_4l6awr9vx3XpfuMC72fAcEQX11RVYI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Violeta is out the door!<br><img id="id_ad8d_65ae_c03b_1ff1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1R4MkEscUTNHdTQ3p6mGeI7ZQUXe_LGTj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_fe4a_fac7_d1e2_3716" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tjngU0NsCobdrntGlAiuJN9vBpza_rjc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ecb_6606_e47_8745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1W8HSN9vwGs-0-WNZ-EPEMTXHygZhk-Wn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The van carried the bikes and the bags. </div><div><br></div><div>With hugs (and a few tears) all around, we said our goodbyes and safe travels. It’s been an amazing time with Alex and Markus here in South America. We’ve had some incredible experiences together, and I’m so so glad I got to adventure with them. Their previous travels in South America made it easy for me. I don’t think our roles changed much from the beginning. Alex remained the “Booking Queen”, Markus the “Master Route Planner”, and me providing annoying entertainment. </div><div><img id="id_ecac_317f_e5d5_f442" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14szdBbtjhOSwFSKhXo5Rx9DXvdCzSWc9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>One final selfie together. We took one at the beginning in Puerto Montt. Our hair is longer! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8a8e_9dda_c8c7_2fa4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wEGDMBxktqvdF7rEZiQnTAtxA6V2YlCY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Goodbye my friends! I WILL see you again!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Funny thing…just as I got back into the apartment, the power went out. It came back on after a bit, but the WiFi didn’t. Once I got everything packed onto Billy, and the dishes done, it was about 10:45. With nothing else to do, I decided to head to town. </div><div><img id="id_1a19_b698_9541_5067" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uqSI34rzn4PD01aRh_sGb2k4QzlfIgBL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Billy loaded up for the last time. </div><div><br></div><div>I couldn’t check in until 1:00, so I decided to have some lunch first. On the way into town, I stopped at the Ushuaia sign. Billy wanted his picture taken in front of the sign. </div><div><img id="id_9eef_af10_a427_4140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fvuK2Av8TabT5JlxGxkHLiBHcg5BZugY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Here ya go, Billy!</div><div><br></div><div>I went to Tante Sara for lunch. Then I rolled over to the hostel. I’m in a 4-bed room with, currently, two others. The one guy, Taku from Japan, leaves tonight at midnight. Fortunately I have a bottom bunk. </div><div><img id="id_7987_f258_e0be_2466" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XreUCofpc45qciVH5RR_i73Hbe0qEgYj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_81b8_5de2_57f0_fcbf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16IjkdhlDrQhyM9B3EYfe0OKnfmV4MMcv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c1f1_603b_a461_d5c0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1barFg-I5701tkrDgE8TvPFAJBbovd8u1" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Billy is locked up outside. </div><div><br></div><div>If the weather is as good as forecasted on Saturday, I think I’ll go for a ride. I want to see if I can ride far enough to see the lighthouse out in the Beagle Channel. I’m not sure if the road goes far enough. I already took the rear rack off, and the Pronghorn harness and one feed bag. I might leave the frame bag on until after I’m done riding. </div><div><br></div><div>Now I suppose I should go to the grocery store and get something for dinner…maybe something to go with my cous cous.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-52318918135265920482024-02-06T10:16:00.001-08:002024-02-06T10:16:55.708-08:002/6-A Short Hike and Packing Prepping It’s another reasonably nice day here in Ushuaia. Markus’ goal for today was to get Max and Violeta packed in their boxes for Thursday’s departure. Alex and I got out of his way by going on a little hike. <div><img id="id_59db_dbdd_77b6_d351" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UpZo6-6Wwk6oO8ZtdrRZULYIXN64oCz-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This trail is only about 500 meters from our apartment. We’ve been by it many times in the car and on the bus. It was an easy walk to here. </div><div><img id="id_e789_8271_acdf_5d2d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10go-ocRyXS47CUM-9p97oISiuc9czmPI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Definitely a well used trail. <br><img id="id_6723_71d4_2743_2320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MhUFwls7tL46OcUrEJY7VYOX-cEN8Vxo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A nice walk in the woods. <br><img id="id_9f18_5d81_936b_60d2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pWN9Ua0xc8TNZHOue2yxIKxqCuKM0GzV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On review mentioned it can be a little muddy…true. <br><img id="id_5544_a241_4d2a_dfc2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10v4W-Nl5MzPyVFAcaaoEUvXXVQGTrZz9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This was the end (1.7kms later).<br><img id="id_90f4_d10d_4d06_884b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HwOLyjzqvY9YDNpCw4WHUYUo_roKgKzT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We popped out to a dirt road. We opted to walk the road back to make it a loop. <br><img id="id_e4c1_5161_d2e5_9e18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19Z_t6Rsl7zyPocosqdvn-fxBqNK6lt9i" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Heading back. Cruise ship in the distance. </div><div><img id="id_883_8bb_6d78_ce01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mWQA5czddVcofWB581YzIFIq-hIt7obh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The route. </div><div><br></div><div>I’ve been going back and forth on how best to get the empty bike box to the hostel. Last night, I finally had the solution. I would flatten the box, and fold it up. Then I would strap it onto my bike. So, I did that. It was still an unwieldy package. I decided, since I have to make it bigger anyway, I would cut it in half (with the handy dandy box knife I bought yesterday). Then I could stack the halves, and strap them on the back of Billy. Then, thinking further, I realized since it’s now a much smaller package,</div><div><img id="id_44cf_a22d_92cb_ba2e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EmJvP42lvlpEHBBH8yixYQKFpsyYqBhr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I could take it to the hostel tomorrow, and have them store it where they store luggage (protected from the rain). We are going into town tomorrow for a final goodbye dinner anyway. Then I’ll just ride Billy in usual touring mode on Thursday to the hostel. Problem sorted!</div><div><br></div><div>Meanwhile, Max and Violeta are snug in their boxes. They’ll be packed until Alex and Markus get to Rome (after a week in Buenas Aires).</div><div><img id="id_7f66_7bd7_6c65_d178" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1boMv3TTpShetM9kgk5mUdJMZ3sGZlzIQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It took nearly three rolls of tape. Billy will probably take the same since I have to put it back together and add more cardboard. </div><div><br></div><div>So, a productive day…<br><br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-91732339092846209132024-02-05T08:48:00.001-08:002024-02-05T08:48:53.187-08:002/5-Photos From Wanderings in Ushuaia Here are some photos taken around Ushuaia. Since it was a nice day (a little windy, but not raining), we decided to walk into town. In the process, I bought a box knife to assist me when I construct a bike box for Billy, and Alex and Markus got tape (I’ll get tape later from someplace closer to my hostel).<div>These first 4 are from yesterday when we met Mathias and Carmilla for the last time (they fly today) for brunch. <br><div><img id="id_2581_2650_d249_2b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EF2_lH-jm58AGg-Xymls3cWQYMR5OBBp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This is Tanta Sara’s version of French Toast. It was quite good. <br><img id="id_9ce2_edf6_bb7b_adb0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Nb3u-W2qdxQ9KWrm7kyo24yf1LpSNVqG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Yellow paint seems to be the most prevalent paint color. <br><img id="id_f241_b5fe_1fde_bd2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nfRb3hlExJ6r4ePuye4qfoGpCM7XTd8A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On our way to catch the “B” bus. Had to climb up several blocks. Later, on the bus app, I saw we could have caught it at an earlier stop. Oh well, good exercise. <br><img id="id_b0db_2303_8484_d775" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11pVCFAHfIRfTF2bXRzYBehf1kJQBRi_t" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This pitbull always wants to play, but won’t give me the plastic bottle so I can throw it. </div><div><br></div><div>The following photos were taken today. </div><div><img id="id_998_3710_5511_6e25" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zSPw1ISeP8MvdTN7KoVTjyep253RvCLX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>An “antique” house (1923). <br><img id="id_2924_196c_8c18_2167" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QUcTDsBjI4Rji5dpMvk4x0bGJrL8VgNS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Not sure what this building is, but it’s a nice plaza. <br><img id="id_ecbb_b8bc_1738_8fcd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1trk6_U894SN4WdAAeESQlfODWGAg5OUt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Obviously, no cars go on this road. <br><img id="id_9446_3ce8_8fb6_ef66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qCxQgTwRRZkJrx68wFNaM844PGDM4-Ex" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The gaucho. <br><img id="id_eabe_dccc_d2a6_7294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gEOHcvX0u7ZkmMOp3c5jWIf0JLv4mMy4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Along the shore of Bahia Encerrado. <br><img id="id_872b_9ec3_d8b6_2941" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15ZnK539MSOFqX9Ym_aFQx-xOmMN5Kg30" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And there’s the Ushuaia sign again. <br><img id="id_64b3_6fc4_3ac8_7f40" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1K2UXmWRWATthe8mIl8908R7jZ6MkLCVR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Another barco wreck. <br><img id="id_d7ba_3063_d4fa_f4f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a2UdB4yuAtS1TUs-ZqD8NdUXem8_UbxJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Haven’t seen this kind of bird. <br><img id="id_9550_6ba3_2a00_453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B6vOmJk1B0sSPvO0wg368gw0u3TYZEMF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I think this is the wreck of the San Christopher. <br><img id="id_2359_e585_ac70_3e0e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UKAUmqKYTHXsJxN52zN1syr_aqyMjnNG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Bahia Encerrado</div><div><img id="id_2af2_5d74_eb68_4ee5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GwOzKaVGIQxJnw4f4ANZmRYNckkIZo8u" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stopped at a cafe called Ana & Juana. Do you see the face in my hot chocolate?</div><div><br></div><div>We caught the “B” bus back. Funny thing, the driver was the same guy from the “A” bus that we first took into town. </div><div><br></div><div>That’s it for today’s meandering around Ushuaia. <br><br><br><br></div></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-89275516871753880682024-02-03T11:57:00.001-08:002024-02-03T11:57:05.270-08:002/3-Checking Out the Old PrisonWho knew that Ushuaia had a convict history similar to Australia? Today we thought we might do another hike, but since it rained all night, and snowed in the mountains surrounding Ushuaia, we opted for a visit to the Maritime/Prison/Art Gallery Museum. <div><img id="id_b9b4_d0be_d2b6_9878" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1W9CxJDAXNCrAlQfHJLIw3QwTVh9_f2KE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Snow that wasn’t there yesterday. You can see it is even below the tree line. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, you are probably thinking it’s no big deal, but remember, I am in the Southern Hemisphere (although perilously close to Antarctica). It’s the middle of summer here!<br><img id="id_559f_ad07_708b_b95a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SMm_5MhXOgt1vIKM9nwePThCMDuvBVIG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>An old Cutter (and the Naval Hospital) outside the museum. <br><img id="id_6208_69ce_9b2e_dda1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19SJmC-N-SUjD8qoZK0Mulj8vuGwvfhNH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In addition to the prison museum, there are other museums. </div><div><br></div><div>We started in the Maritime museum wing. There were models of various ships including the Beagle. </div><div><img id="id_c59b_4aed_ae02_b3cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1O8MhLhrulBnc9NIlFhLTzm3myYpLsTSU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ee42_12c4_b45e_6e24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Im2SeaP3_nt-Zt4JIhAEE63pq1jIqtVQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Darwin’s time. </div><div><br></div><div>The prison part had various accounts of some of the convicts. The convicts built a railway along what is now Ruta 3 into the National Park for the purpose of harvesting timber for buildings in Ushuaia. It is still possible to take an old steam train into the park. We thought about doing it, but it was far better to take the car. </div><div><br></div><div>I wasn’t so interested in the art gallery wing, but there were several painted penguins throughout the non-prison parts of the museum. </div><div><img id="id_1df1_e61f_b288_e9db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PNHdg7Ry8-N8LEvzINgXTdOI8p_PovC6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bd47_2b93_5b3_f6b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1g7r2QSCBrWryv15aoIid6AyoEixD5EQT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b059_480c_11e8_dbe8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xXwc1y9LJP4_uPRdwtYsa0q2unMakLlP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3341_6540_5024_86a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1at1PVg98gBV3LPTjeefhwBAnUW8K1x94" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a2b4_54c5_6e4a_b434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HyEpNICiGKFsyc38cG2fB-nugDukm38f" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This one was called Colors de Fin del Mundo. </div><div><br></div><div>Here’s some photos of the prison wings. </div><div><img id="id_a023_bfa3_5b21_2940" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Q7-M990mE71Yn65gvBnefkphRLrkHVvA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There were exhibits in the old cells. <br><img id="id_673b_a6b4_cd7e_74a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BJcGGiQsZV4-Hg47aDbLqahYEkA-q-o8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This part has been left as it was. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall, it was an interesting glimpse into the past history of Ushuaia. <br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-48833239345022740462024-02-02T12:49:00.001-08:002024-02-02T12:49:04.155-08:002/2-A Hike and a Visit to a Post OfficeYesterday we did a lot of walking even though we rented a car. The first walk was to a car rental place. On the way we found another one of those shops that sells appliances and stuff, and the occasional bicycle. Did they have a bike box? Yes! They did have a bike box! Now we had two. We just need one more. <div><br></div><div>At the car rental place (really looked mostly like someone’s home), no one answered. We finally gave up and, because Markus was already taking the box, we decided to get a bus back. We found an outbound “A” bus. All the buses run on loops, so it’s not too hard to get on the bus and get off when you want. It was a nice ride to the ‘burbs of Ushuaia. </div><div><br></div><div>After some lunch, we got a taxi to the airport to try again to rent a car (and look at the airport for a bike box). This time we got the car (no bike box). We went back to wait for one final bike shop (box opportunity) to open. They opened at 4:00. We went there, and lo and behold, they had a box! It’s a small one, but it’s a start. I’ll have to gather more cardboard to make it big enough for Billy. I’ll make it work. Tricky part was how do we get the box back to the apartment in the car with three people? The seats folded down, and the box fit in through the trunk. As for me? I sat on Alex’s lap! There are a lot of speed bumps in Ushuaia…but, we made it back. </div><div><br></div><div>We immediately went back to town after dropping off the box. We parked at the Carrefore mercado, and walked to Av. San Martín. It’s the main tourist street. I’d already been up and down San Martín the day I got my shoes. But Alex and Markus hadn’t. We popped into several souvenir shops looking for stickers for the bikes. I finally found an Ushuaia sticker that I liked. We also found a shop that sold Chinese shopping bags for Alex and Markus’ stuff for flying (I still have my IKEA bag). </div><div><br></div><div>We did a little shopping at the Carrefore and went home. Fortunately, we stopped in at the restaurant we had eaten at the night before and picked up some pieces spinach quiche to have for dinner. It was a long, but productive day. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, onto today’s post…</div><div><br></div><div>With the car, we wanted to go to Tierra Del Fuego National Park. There was a shortish hike that Markus found (thank heavens I have shoes now). In the National Park is also the end of Ruta 3 which we had ridden from Rio Grande to Ushuaia (we also rode part of it into Rio Gallegos). It starts in Buenos Aires and goes 3079kms to the end in TDF NP. </div><div><br></div><div>We left at 9:00am. It’s only about 15kms to the park entrance, but most of that is gravel (and, of course, all gravel in the park). The weather was good, but rain would be coming. We were prepared. </div><div><br></div><div>It costs 12,000ARG per person to get into the park. The gentleman at the entrance showed us some places on the map. There was a place he suggested we wait to go to after the hike as the first bunch of tour buses were heading there now. We took his advice and continued out to where we would start our hike. </div><div><img id="id_12a2_3934_2fb0_20dc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ktGaMIJo2EDtWJxYyUaaZvz41d2sVTf_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our car. Notice there are no other cars or buses. </div><div><br></div><div>The trail was nice. <img id="id_25cf_d1f8_295e_4ff3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yS6-K6YGpSLu_cMVCKs4veDkXoQOu_dc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_a844_3d29_eb3d_3595" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1X41N-qYdjdwzvGz-wmGM9lAsomv4RWgn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I think those mountains are in Chile. <br><img id="id_fb83_ddd_2d1d_9d55" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/129hE5mW4ulfUxdXvct_DzTlBfz1mW7-8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>One of several lagunas<br><img id="id_38c7_1591_981c_c6b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JAoeJ4vK8rmGZqgeXJPFTqzdXuTogq8Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Nice grassy trail <br><img id="id_fe05_276a_c8f6_da9a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1k3sKCOX5W6ZE8m0I9zjnrB4GUWphte2-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_db3f_559d_73fd_44e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1eMNmmIWv2eal7XqIrMsBraPAeZtdgAUx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These yellow posts marked the trail. If you look closely, you can see the next yellow post. Funny thing, right after I took this, Alex went down the wrong trail. Oops. <br><img id="id_60ef_852f_aceb_8b99" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1e-FFHpBhuIyy5aZ_1l4nH06xPdhZHONb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Back on the right trail. <br><img id="id_a767_d66f_2aa6_8d8f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UEK81ypico4w9S_aPxDxxQ01oBxts7KB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8c73_1885_891c_6965" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HEnf8lxcI3wK0MRfywRashM0Vf8NHlpB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And now for a little section of road walking. Here we had to look out for the dust bombs (buses and cars). </div><div><img id="id_8275_d1a9_661d_8350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1z1M1hZnG94qrfzTLYtcI7Aqszs-XAiSn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There was a campground (free) on this side of this bridge, and the other side of the road. There were a number of people camping. </div><div><img id="id_ca1b_dcd5_c9b8_ce03" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QSRbl01V77W6FYQgEH6BrXHlJVwFbmEl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Bahia Lapataia<br><br><img id="id_e9f_27c_163b_a3ed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1u5_h7BFB96DZROXOwLXpCZP7__KsHVAc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See all the buses down there? Don’t want to hike? You can take a tour bus!<br><img id="id_53c1_7033_7c33_7fd5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sqHFa_BLa-9bSm_poHacvCxAcpl8RVXU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_49ff_7b95_d37a_c23b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SMIROFL8VcfQHIv4PnW_o5cZ590Fkb0W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The last Ruta 3 sign. <br><img id="id_902e_1ad6_a256_11df" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MCafRMcmg7PYezSPRHcMnm0ibgk406uW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Truly the end of Ruta 3. Some consider this El Fin Del Mundo. Notice it’s 17,848kms to Alaska. So, that’s how far it is to do the entire Pan American Hwy!</div><div><img id="id_4515_a125_37a2_d910" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_zOYpDMGUtNaEl7vznFfDJAksgSAKxYJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There are also wild horses. This was a colt or filly. </div><div><img id="id_c935_506c_c660_dd56" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wG4LLEVQpwJEPXStNQuzv4hyfpU6Ig8h" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We spotted a final Matt sticker at the end of the road!<br><img id="id_1af7_e15d_a40b_88e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AIkYsXuxgxKhnY-Ip5Lef-Z8DcTw9GV0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Some pretty berries. <br><img id="id_9fe4_239f_2c51_e178" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CO0DRFE8rKrTZsQ9acVIrtTFT1E1EYsE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A “Markus through a hole” sighting. <br><img id="id_d351_d0ed_d62f_bd36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-l6LoeaaPrdHO4Zseig7Rbr11ciEtkHq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lunch spot. <br><img id="id_90a3_3091_e36a_d4d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1snbViKnLhNXiDziMYqYQ3wrINBUtpYkC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We were joined by two of these birds (it looks like the same kind of bird that was guarding our bikes the other day).<br><img id="id_d377_f387_b116_bf18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Ki7iwawLfp-glAzrWqHcTJJhgcjO_Hvt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They were quite persistent in their hope we would feed them (we didn’t). The one behind Markus was very whiny. I’ll post a video on Facebook. The other was quiet. I named them Willy the Whiner, and Silent Sam. <br><img id="id_c36d_f415_10ee_9f74" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KjYY2iXcVresHSnu2-h_-zSCafoiu_5X" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Silent Sam. </div><div><img id="id_c114_f7ac_e337_6c40" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13JKZ7ntWEjxMRC82ApKusPDe7QgIMHtP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We finished, and said goodbye to the birds. Willy followed us for a bit. It would fly overhead, then land in front, and hop along the trail. He finally gave up, but we could see him whining across the water. Silly bird!</div><div><br></div><div>Then we saw this family. They are Upland Geese. </div><div><img id="id_7507_9af5_467f_d740" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MW1A0pvBRd42YGJHhdIYyJnSmx__QRqA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Fuzzy baby by the mama. <br><img id="id_a5cd_ea5f_bf4a_6ebf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_eg6ZiOmVaDWm2irttlesPQbdiZk6MSQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Dad<br><img id="id_935c_3cdd_4e70_8d1a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/107MWf27d1YP8qVMbbq2xTF4Zc36pUzZ4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Mom. </div><div><br></div><div>We made it back to the car after a little more than 10kms. </div><div><img id="id_7947_b39a_ff06_84c0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RdLpx_Mrz9cN3wytWmCH251hK2TRY_kE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>We went to the restaurant and had some hot beverages. The clouds were rolling in, and it was starting to rain. </div><div><img id="id_8a66_b91a_7d33_951d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VGEZtwJ8BqQp-lZNLis8kqBbbG749Lm8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The peak in the distance is Cerro Guanaco. <br><img id="id_9c3b_134b_dd1b_2b1c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fecbI4EXSJb5rfaFd34vOWowSjTXYAvQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>While we were in the restaurant, I opened up Google Maps. Here you can see how close we were to Chile. No road to get there, but maybe a person could hike or bushwhack. </div><div><br></div><div>We departed the restaurant just as a tour bus of cruise ship people came streaming in. Good time to leave. </div><div><br></div><div>Our next stop was back at the place the entrance guy told us to do after the hike. When he was telling us, I didn’t quite understand what he said. Turns out, it is the furthest south post office in the world. </div><div><img id="id_c683_2e6b_8ac5_1393" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jNnitj9AtAFgyrE5f0-BtMr2ePDO1lnR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Correo means post office. <br><img id="id_1a5a_a4f7_5453_c6c1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13WCIRHGN6szlBrDm16ElYfnKkG5l4AI4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Notice it’s only 1200 kms to Antártica. <br><img id="id_534a_5a1f_9f1d_b088" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PyLP9FF7Iucp_Lg9dBYlxlTtOcTVC1wi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Yes, you can really send mail from here! I bought a postcard and postage and sent it to my grandkids. <br><img id="id_bbd_37b0_e9f3_f9a9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BWUDqNXud_uL2XyvPZ1w-uO7zXjRbfRt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Inside the post office. <br><img id="id_d9bc_d0b8_5076_3610" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mhVeO3A4k7YvgOc0X_KD78A66bkDNllk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The postmaster has been there for a very long time. There were photos of him when he was younger. He is even on the rubber stamp that he stamps on whatever you want. <br><img id="id_f165_bcd2_ff39_9981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1J3EGhLSdcNkiVl8ofhs1LYosQlBMmGHs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The old “mailbox”.</div><div><br></div><div>All in all, it was another awesome day in Ushuaia! Now it is really raining, but we managed to stay dry while doing what we planned to do!<br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-17982118304467951572024-01-31T17:24:00.001-08:002024-01-31T17:24:04.629-08:001/31-On a Mission…For Bike BoxesOn our first full day in Ushuaia, we spent a chunk of it looking for bike boxes. We were able to score one box when I noticed bicycles in a shop window. None of the actual bike shops have any bike boxes. I think I’ll be fashioning a box out of pieces of cardboard and a whole lotta tape. But, I have some time…maybe I’ll get lucky. <div><img id="id_1621_6673_a5e0_6dbe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zXxeOJllY0GVZ0XIRQE3OQ_UzMA30GmZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On our way back from our first foray to a close bike shop and a different mercado, we came back to this bird guarding our bicycles. <br><img id="id_5fdd_ee63_cac1_c25a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RBCGvoC42nXBrVxX6FhT4Sn5EUOdHKTf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It looks very serious don’t you think?</div><div><br></div><div>We also experienced the bus today. It costs 70 pesos (about 10 cents) to ride the bus. The owner of our apartment gave us a bus card that had 250 pesos on it. It was enough for the three of us to take it into town. Alex recharged the card with 5000 pesos. Not sure why so much as that is enough for 23 bus rides each! </div><div><img id="id_832_3043_c2e1_a3fe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14gjCixhmHWvXvAH68A05qLSiN0K9jr-C" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On the bus. </div><div><br></div><div>After getting the one box, Alex and Markus took the bus back with the box to the apartment. Since we were meeting Mathias and Carmilla in town for dinner, I just stayed in town. I wanted to buy some shoes. My Berkies are great for camp shoes and short walks, but not so great for longer walks. I got some Hokas. Now, maybe I’ll even go for a power walk if it’s not raining in the mornings…</div><div><br></div><div>I also checked out the hostel I will be moving to on the 8th. It’s right in the center of town which will be great. The young guy at the desk, Andrew, is very nice. He speaks English better than Spanish. </div><div><br></div><div>I killed more time before dinner by going to the “Ushuaia” sign. </div><div><img id="id_389d_a4c0_6c5f_27a6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1y-tZQw2t-hGIoKugsxFOWEHIrMTxXgv7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>When I walked up, a small group of Korean tourists asked me to take their photo. I did, then they asked me if I wanted them to take my photo. I said, “Sure.”</div><div><br></div><div>There are lots of monuments along the shore. </div><div><img id="id_f418_7f7e_b7f9_c65b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TUmCBAboq_8tlMS8w0DOroABMQ9aIP3Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I think this is for the lives lost in the Falklands war with Great Britain. <br><img id="id_1e9c_c5b5_bac9_91f9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QYdm-Gv60qlHq7dukpB-SG8apGjURbUg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In the plaza looking up into the town. <br><img id="id_e73a_caab_187b_261b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AnLkbg2xn-Hw8C6rbPzCdo1dhUHRvc3F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>More history stuff. </div><div><img id="id_76e1_1331_b4e6_58c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1t2K5n6E1b-n3CsHJ6o6LHIeUvOzuc3J-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Old ship and cruise ships. The big one left sometime after I took this photo. The water is the Beagle Channel. <br><br></div><div>I met Alex and Markus in front of the restaurant. Mathias and Carmilla joined us a little later. It was good to see them again. They were planning to take the bus up north to Mendoza, but the bus won’t take their bikes. Now they are flying to Buenos Aires on Monday. We’ll meet them once more on Sunday. </div><div><br></div><div>We took a taxi back to the apartment. Don’t know what is on the agenda for tomorrow. We’ll see what the weather looks like. </div><div><br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-43447395978749890082024-01-30T13:21:00.001-08:002024-01-30T13:21:58.488-08:001/30-Fin Del Mundo!The end of the world is hilly and crowded! But before we got to Ushuaia, we had to do a little bike ride. <div><br></div><div>I woke up to this view from my tent this morning. </div><div><img id="id_799b_3362_6c3_c240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1H2iYFFs_VdbsmbeJJHnv_dKJmQPgbNTW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Not a bad way to start the last day. Actually, when I got up at 5:30 to pee, there was a fox rummaging around in the fire pit not far from my tent. We have seen several foxes, even seeing one run across the road today. </div><div><br></div><div>First we had to get back to Ruta 3. Then we had to climb Paso Garibaldi. Even though it looked quite epic, it was actually not bad. The steepest grade I saw was 5%. The views, however, were spectacular!</div><div><img id="id_3fe5_eb42_6203_1e74" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10yLaAwifcJHlQBWHsBclP8YLJX8G3HOG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It looks worse than it was. <br><img id="id_efff_9459_5f77_5a34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1irWsrOD2qV_BzR8T1CiuPjnD-eThof2Z" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Mountains and the lake. <br><img id="id_c933_56d8_b397_f495" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1LZeuFm5E1cm2nfSj8u41Rz5oGie_9pR9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lago Escondido in the foreground, and Lago Fagnano in the distance. <br><img id="id_1055_5651_c474_bd45" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KhsDg_D25iUk1qNPiT35mrUrKY-Aroa6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And Billy, of course. <br><img id="id_5de5_55fe_3a1_d949" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XmFYeUO5YqjJE9kwSCjBq2r5thT2cg7b" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The top of the Pass is near! In total, it was about an 8 km climb. See the gravel road to the right? That was an alternative route. I’m glad we didn’t do that one!</div><div><br></div><div>There was an equally long descent on the other side. Just after starting down, I saw a cyclist coming up. We both stopped. He was Rory from England, and it was his first day! He was basically doing the same thing as us, except in the reverse. He looked fresh! </div><div><br></div><div>Down at the bottom, there was a moto/cafe/museum/adventure place. We stopped for a cafe break, but the cafe part was closed. We walked around. Alex asked a guy if there was coffee. He took us into one of the…I don’t know exactly what it was…maybe a meeting room? There were tables, and they had thermoses of coffee AND hot chocolate! The guy poured cups for us. It was free!</div><div><img id="id_b976_a62e_b001_31ce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CsVgrchjylFTspqdrpdN8CGhxt7df3vh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_99da_7824_c7ef_ab75" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14xYTX6dKId4426ojiHkoCNoLvy2oWsum" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There were a bunch of different buildings and cabins. </div><div><br></div><div>We continued. We passed by numerous ski areas, and even a dog sled area. As you can imagine, winter is a pretty big thing here. There are numerous mountains at the end of the world. </div><div><img id="id_254f_ddec_75f0_75ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nRIMN3Eb_KlO6o-FyrEuo4dB7hVgKPCs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8fd7_23ff_c7e_d42a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ShxRERbo94AZW00RwXLlHCcH0uW5h19L" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b7c7_aaa0_c23_8d83" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pt4hNpXV2OtifYiT43Xi1izZ7fFEzDyM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>As you can see, the weather was pretty cloudy. It was about 14 degrees Celsius. Coming down was rather chilly. I managed to stay warm enough because of the uphills. </div><div><br></div><div>Finally, we were at the entrance of Ushuaia!</div><div><img id="id_46a5_dfeb_aa3a_5800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fK4kj4ob0XRgCWE7HeEs7iiw6sXPzeLL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Does it look like what you imagined the end of the world looks like? I’m not sure. </div><div><br></div><div>There were two main ways to get to the port. We took the way along the water. </div><div><img id="id_c9ae_fc25_f257_d42b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rfDwu6YGcpR2AhVDJfyjikLCAfNXnvWz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In the distance you can see the cruise ships. That’s the area we were heading for. There was a crap ton of traffic, and the wind was blowing clouds of dust. The traffic just got more as we got closer. Our goal was the “Fin Del Mundo” sign. We knew where it was supposed to be, we just had to find it. There were so many tourist kiosks for various tours that we couldn’t see the sign. Finally we found it. </div><div><img id="id_1e98_a07c_107a_f533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zfnW9sPF1PwiMna8ej4N_ablNNULzmEx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7d9d_616d_962e_bef3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Knp4AP0dBkAzHKJKU6AYB9UcvVqn9Gep" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A nice lady took the photo for us. <br><img id="id_808b_bcac_7e0_7dd7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tQN0M7Bsby7iJd6ro_P1LR9Ibn8wNJ3F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>By the way, notice that the DaBrim is back on my helmet. It’s been off for all the days across the Pampas. I wanted to put it back on for the last day. </div><div><br></div><div>After taking the photos, and fist bumps all around, we sought out some food (of course). Now, Ushuaia is basically surrounded by mountains and the water. From the water, the town is built on the hillside. To get to most of the town, you have to go up. It’s like most cities that are on the water (Seattle…Tacoma come to mind). Lots of very steep hills. We rode up one block, then found a restaurant. I think it was really more of a bar with snack food. Still, I had a filling “gas station” style pizza. Alex and Markus went for the pea soup. They were not thrilled. Really, it just looked like green water. </div><div><br></div><div>Back to the bikes, we were now heading to our accommodation. We went up, then over, then up, then over some more. Finally we went up a really really steep block, and we still had to go up another one. I gave up and pushed. We finally found the place. It’s a great place, and due to its lofty elevation, the view is pretty good. </div><div><img id="id_fd9c_7056_cc58_e331" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12s1IXtNOiWRGgDsJSbtZQCZydzIS8aAc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We are on the top floor too. Markus hauled the bikes up. <br><img id="id_4db2_fbc8_b233_aa9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12fAUV1HiEYlf43_7KTg8x8Cv_cqDoGO0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Kitchen<br><img id="id_2d5c_36e0_e8f2_7d92" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pWt6dCs_HpnjcsoShyu9sofhUImq0seY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>My room. </div><div><br></div><div>We actually walked back down a couple of blocks to a panadería and then a small mercado. The walk back up was sloooow. </div><div><br></div><div>We have until Feb 8th here in this apartment. Then I’ll move to the hostel when Alex and Markus leave. I’m not sure if I’ll do a post everyday. We do have some adventures we want to do while we are here, so I’ll do posts for those. </div><div><br></div><div>We have done what we set out to do. Puerto Montt, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina!<br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-44590442698944917442024-01-30T10:22:00.001-08:002024-01-30T10:22:40.457-08:001/29-Our Last Night Camping!<div>The night before was my best night’s sleep in my tent. Last night was worst night’s sleep in my tent. There was a cacophony of dogs barking, people yelling, and cars going by all around us. In addition, my tent was on quite a slope, and it was not comfortable. Ah well…I should sleep good tonight. </div><div><br></div>We started our day with breakfast at the panadería. <div><img id="id_b55f_83b4_cb45_ad07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zgkpA30bg9V7Lwi5ShQjEfPxr3_tU8nk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I had a ham and cheese empanada, a pastry, some hot chocolate, and some juice. I also got an empanada to have for lunch. I forgot to mention that I swapped my Chilean pesos for Argentina pesos with Ben. I was telling him I needed to exchange my Chilean pesos in Ushuaia. He did he needed some (and had been wondering how he would get them). I had 77,000. He gave me 80,000 ARG (that is eighty 1000 bills…the Argentine govt is talking about making a 10,000 peso bill, but they haven’t yet. That’s also why you can’t get very much money from the ATMs…they can’t hold that many bills). Anyway, I can now pay in efectivo instead of using my card. </div><div><br></div><div>We were all packed up before breakfast, so afterwards we just got on the road. It was about 8:15. We seem to get going earlier and earlier (even though we get up at the same time). </div><div><br></div><div>Today we were guaranteed a headwind, but for a lot of the morning there was very little wind. That all changed just before lunch. </div><div><br></div><div>We spent most of the day riding along Lago Fognano. It’s a big lake. </div><div><img id="id_c0b4_5d65_2c5d_2428" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1v_TlMF-QdUXlRgWdO_6AhzMtpyY_XmZ_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>With the lake and the mountains (and trees) we were thinking we were back in Chile again. <br><img id="id_f5db_3498_43f7_48a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1w4Zjdjp3dnuiOFtMo7XVlLM1g7s69Hxh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_13eb_2b7a_b849_2151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dAgBK5LQ69xlsbhtgWtqYYBU4yTii58a" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>The road was primarily up and down, but there were only three climbs that initiated the climb profile (the third one, we only did part of it…the rest will be first thing tomorrow, and it’s a long one).</div><div><br></div><div>We stopped for a break after about 17kms. </div><div><img id="id_433b_c710_bf90_a805" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gdcfamZ3T6TqI_NBQDkZ3SqVzXcufKl2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e286_f6e7_502e_a76" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a27shPJZQvwAkWRQBzeMlOgCEaymVqjz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The bikes by the road. <br><img id="id_4c34_a57c_cfd_f093" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VlvVEmlmQC48caoMNd4GW2qTPet9sTo-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Not a bad view. </div><div><br></div><div>Later we came to this sign. </div><div><img id="id_4ce3_cd7c_eae7_9cde" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZoeQwRUp2Ucq4Bh1hSCWP6yqt-1VBpOt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You know what that means! We are almost to the end of the world!</div><div><br></div><div>Shortly after, we stopped for lunch at this shrine thing. </div><div><img id="id_5184_d6af_ab9b_9ec8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m9pd5KXKpHNbmkjKxpPzDa-ieOPAhHZs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We say on the side that blocked the wind. </div><div><br></div><div>The trees had those parasite things. </div><div><img id="id_7242_82d1_8ed1_977b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m11uNFv1FPFwY135RNWfoP8ctUxOZpRG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They look like Christmas balls. </div><div><br></div><div>We got back on the road. A lot of the trucks today gave us no space. It got so we would get off onto the gravel shoulder. Fortunately, it wasn’t too loose. Then we would get back on the road until the next, “TRUCK!” would be yelled. </div><div><br></div><div>We made one more stop at a cafe on Laguna Verde. </div><div><img id="id_43e6_e238_8134_6b3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HkKArWjd4FVQecolTBHPiDqdnPmgs-26" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>From there it was an 8 kilometer ride into the wind to where we are spending our final night camping. We also got a view of the climb tomorrow. It will be epically beautiful. </div><div><img id="id_50a1_d61c_2f63_a8af" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xcdl3Mc9ppgNLwyxF1McNdmlT0ybh69t" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See the road in the distance?<br><img id="id_1934_4a5e_17ce_c3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gDyrcIOG4w1A7WfkWq7fYsvf0WuTk21h" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s a nice wild camp spot for our last night in our tents. <br><img id="id_9667_4916_dfa8_e17c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19fof_zsjTy1WXT5dpUoB8iq9DRh-mhRN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The lake is a bit too cold (and windy) for swimming, but my feet went in to get water to filter. </div><div><br></div><div>We will enjoy our last night camping. Tomorrow…USHUAIA!!!</div><div><img id="id_17e1_33e2_125f_2512" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PcAaV0CQVXbMNURBiX_wTvUuncrAFR46" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Buenas noches de Lago Escondido. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-5304239266634454802024-01-30T10:15:00.001-08:002024-01-30T10:15:54.713-08:001/28-Leaving the Pampa…Finally!Even though we weren’t in a rush to get on the road this morning, we were still ready to go by 8:15. The wind wasn’t too bad either, so that was nice. Before long, we were really getting into more trees, and more hills. Whereas yesterday there were no climbs that initiated the climb profile, today there were three. <div><img id="id_cafe_b8d_7f19_8ea9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11yyEIamdcSpgsJTkrhg3fMyVVZF53nWx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The last of the Pampa. <br><img id="id_ffae_979a_c49a_91c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1R-yhDEVulhZTHZwwYOvln455v_Ii9fwJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Break time. <br><img id="id_80ca_e4f2_be27_c1f0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Vvw8BQW033c1BbL3hBJbd-FlCferZqUa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>So much greenness!<br><img id="id_d044_c4ba_5603_97cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Fr-VmUZBijliwLGAkOVs7Eu4G3neVY68" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And mountains…with snow!!! Are we back in Chile???<br><img id="id_6895_db8b_6ce3_2cf3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PvQ1d1tg2nNWpohcA2bqDq-xFUop8vKF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Water!</div><div><br></div><div>Since we only had 37 kms to Tolhuin, we arrived pretty early. We stopped at this sculpture garden. </div><img id="id_edfb_b9bf_e228_1181" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11Ff7YSf2d9rnMhwemkuq5rzXR4gtzRCA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3244_5ddf_9ff2_a209" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1629aJXCvAMYQuHAf_WvroravdJmMXP-V" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_97e4_8496_b255_1b59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13vPi_4YGMZED-HKkNe75sYTE9KNDYvXh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Uh…it’s art. <br><img id="id_73ec_8dae_6184_1ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AMSGqhK9-eunc5Pjp5qAh9ycYyqrbvot" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Condor<br><img id="id_cfaa_a010_3d0a_5f44" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B_ax42RlRrQU4yUiCpEC1ll7cQvUKFVG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>He’s got the whole world in his hand. <br><img id="id_9b3f_1545_4895_3d77" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a5cfeevC1GhSmCyMNBx3APnKAaMj-jVt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Still lupine!<br><img id="id_f76f_bdea_2dc3_13ac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NOCbb5OK3xblDAsafqbCDjYCcHjOUvdn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Alex having a seat. <div><img id="id_8022_b1c3_4064_f009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RJYcHClA-nqCo5_321XNGP-5Ymf3MRRM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Another interesting thing. There are lots of things about this doctor. Don’t quite know why. <br><br><div>We were planning to camp at a campground, but we wanted to check out La Union Casa de Ciclista and Panadería. I mean…a place for cyclists AND a panadería! We pulled up, and a young man named Franco came running out and immediately asked us if we wanted to stay. So the Casa de Ciclista part was down in the basement of the building where they did all the baking for the panadería. Alex and Markus went with Franco to check it out. It wasn’t great. Instead they asked if we could camp. Franco said we could camp in the yard of the house next door. There was a baño and a shower in the bakery building we could use. The actual panadería was across the street. </div><div><br></div><div>The panadería is a very popular place. The choices were almost overwhelming. Since, by then, it was about 11:00, I opted for a pollo empanada and a churro (filled with dulce de leche…side note…everything is filled or has dulce de leche in Argentina). Both were good. We used the WiFi to book a place in Ushuaia for the three of us, and then I booked a hostel for the week I will be there by myself. </div><div><br></div><div>We set up our tents in the backyard of the house. </div><div><img id="id_f102_ee23_59ad_cb24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15RtELOFm0XkUjJC6PgXcBTW-32HSnjm8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>My tent is on a bit of a slope. <br><img id="id_5bf9_86b3_b3cf_19b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lt7mhmjHbv6AYrQxvMGHkPHQaZOGM7MU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The building on the left is where they do all the baking. </div><div><br></div><div>We all took showers. It always feels good when you haven’t had a shower (even if only for one night). It’s going to be much different from last night. We are kind of right in the middle of town. Last night was so quiet. Tonight I don’t think so. </div><div><br></div><div>We went to a small mercado. I needed some sort of protein to go with my dinner. I got a couple of eggs. I’ll fry them in my fry pan, and have them with some mashed potatoes. Gourmet…I know. </div><div><img id="id_219a_5843_c8e1_acd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1stAQmvKW4JgyDG358gRhE_HwcmioHzAa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Currently keeping them in my shoe for protection. <br><br></div><div>We went back to the panadería. We met a British guy named Ben. He’s been cycling for at least a couple of years. Seems to have been everywhere. He’s traveling really light since someone stole his panniers. He did finally buy a new tent, but hasn’t really replaced anything else. He said the only thing he really misses is his solar panel. </div><div><br></div><div>From Tolhuin, we have two more days until we get to Ushuaia. Seems strange that we are just a little over 100kms away. But, I’m glad to be done with the Pampa. I’m even glad to be climbing hills again!<br><br><br></div></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-65730756945049497782024-01-30T10:11:00.001-08:002024-01-30T10:11:55.952-08:001/27-I Remember When 60+ Kilometers Was a Big DayToday we did 69kms, and finished at lunch time. Sure, we probably could have gone all the way to Tolhuin, another 37ish kilometers, but since we have been off the bikes for 7 days, a shorter day was good. One reason we got here so early is because we left Rio Grande at 7:40 this morning. <div><br></div><div>The wind was already pretty strong, and to get out of town it was a crosswind. But, once we made the turn, it was back to tailwinds. </div><div><br></div><div>The scenery was still Pampa. </div><div><img id="id_712a_807e_d32e_e5bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jI7N5b-_1VbUx-a2NQpMat1kmXjBx58m" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>But there is a lake over there. <br><img id="id_b020_7f1_50f2_7737" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BNq35yzsM0Si7ku7kgZMDofUEd_IjrVw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And the ocean on the left. </div><div><br></div><div>We saw the usual amount of guanacos. </div><div><img id="id_19b1_9429_4148_3563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ipg0m-Ova59-Xq-IZD54hwg25jKjCQFY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Guanacos in clover. Fun fact…guanacos can drink salt water when fresh water is scarce. </div><div><br></div><div>At about 10:00, we stopped for a break. You didn’t realize how much the wind was blowing until you stopped. Then it is always the challenge to find someplace protected. </div><div><img id="id_761d_dadb_d31c_3c84" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uv2MVNyu2qlu0ibCxl8Rvwlh1NmlOiMp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Alex and Markus sitting in a hole out of the wind. </div><div><br></div><div>After the break, we only had 25k to go, but there was more crosswind. Still, we made good time. </div><div><img id="id_74e9_7ea8_d37f_b46a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hMcWK0nqPYkd3lqIlg6MhcvFY9EP2aTL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Notice what is different? Trees! </div><div><br></div><div>The planned destination was a wild camp spot on the Rio Ewan Sur. When we arrived, a guy came out to greet us. He looked a bit the worse for wear, but was super friendly. He gave us the scoop on the camping, letting us know we could probably get water from the police station that also happens to be located here. Alex and Markus took the dromedary bags and filled them up. </div><div><img id="id_81c6_c59e_8fd3_a2ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B8RfYTYxrj0B3pR5ty4DI4KG0EzQTHJu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The hillside protects a little bit from the wind. <br><img id="id_8ccc_6884_93db_cc4d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HuWvwypEOoeqm5LXOti0zzvqL8flLmlj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Ruta 3 over there. The police station is out of sight to the left. The green roofed building is shelter. </div><div><img id="id_9992_8e3e_3a01_5977" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13Bdbk-249fvoPVbQB8iMJ_grLAictzRN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Photo courtesy of Markus. <br><br></div><div>After getting back with the water, we had some lunch. When the sun is out, it’s quite warm. While we were eating lunch, several vehicles pulled in. The first two seemed to just be taking a break, and letting the kids run around. They left after a short time. Then a few more arrived. It seems that some of them are planning to stay. We moved further along the dirt road, and found a better spot to set up our tents. </div><div><img id="id_afa5_17e3_8d16_c5c8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rQfrQrucm8ceiIU-0LCRQr3KpI3Nx_p6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Those people appear to be camping too. <br><img id="id_c82c_b785_33fd_13d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13Ifh601YmhtLMdcYUHY5Ukuu_f_Jo3NL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our spot. <br><img id="id_9f1b_18b4_67f3_55dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16SafLuH-RVJpJsfM8wk-OQIvsnBjZd-E" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The river. It’s not recommended to get water from the river as it comes from several estancias upstream. If we had to, we could filter, but better if we don’t need to. </div><div><br></div><div>This place seems to have once been a campground. There are a bunch of concrete fire pits. Now it is free spot to stay. Unfortunately, as is common, people leave their trash behind. Otherwise, it’s a pretty good spot. </div><div><img id="id_92e0_104a_2623_411e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1A_comabXxIDJb4iYbKxfL4jieuS_-qWC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See all the concrete fire pits?</div><div><br></div><div>Alex and I went for a little stroll around the area. We saw this pair of birds. They seem to be some sort of bird of prey. It was clearly a male and female. </div><div><img id="id_6a9_9e97_7de1_7f66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1z8BB1JweeXLjR4JuH3zN5riQ7EjV7waD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The male. <br><img id="id_25bf_74ef_59f6_434d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11BFBGpgzxnN2bYopQb2kJS2unoRs8lko" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The female<br><img id="id_2179_8c8_57d9_883b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PoLUKVIvF2SytxpXMtiK3GPc9KCphGu2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Male in flight. <br><img id="id_8997_8f6f_c4ce_f947" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1iFaZHe1lLNJTv7HMK7ja0SQxM_vWYO8q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Female in flight. </div><div><br></div><div>Then we were sitting in our chairs when I happened to glance over on the other side of A&M’s tent. A fox was walking by!</div><div><img id="id_12d1_a986_9031_6da4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12rUigU-4WxUADwftccGxk6EyvoNr_lmv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It headed down the road. Later, it came back with what appeared to be a sandwich in its mouth. It went partway up the hill, then stopped and ate it. Then it came back down and went searching for more. We saw it once more as it went back up the hill (empty mouthed this time). <br><br>Markus worked on a couple of unfinished spoons. They were from a tree in the part between boat rides from Chile to Argentina. Of the three spoons, two had cracks. He was going to throw them away. I said I would take them. He finished this one. The other one he didn’t want to put more time into it, but I took it anyway. </div><div><img id="id_2b57_3988_46fa_b2ce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12oTq6W5RUm_P6bQFgSlsDLwmkipQsgiq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You can’t even tell where the crack is unless you know where to look. I think it’s a really cool spoon!<br><img id="id_1707_8826_5f9f_7af3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UHps4YTVWegIY2ATWtaSgCb0KFZDhlhR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See the heart?</div><div><img id="id_8a32_17b7_8b0_5992" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VP0JQ_xfwLkyzb_CG6zYfW2KKhoAyDQN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The unfinished one. <br></div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is a short day into Tolhuin. I’m glad we stopped early today. My legs are telling me they haven’t ridden any significant distance since coming into Rio Gallegos. And, I would rather do consistent shorter days, than a long day followed by a day off. But, I still remember when we thought more than 60kms was a long day (and that was even before we got to the gravel part of the Carratera). Of course, tailwinds make all the difference…</div><div><br></div><div>Here’s a parting shot of my dinner tonight. </div><div><img id="id_8826_4240_aa5a_269" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sQis_SRmrLfZeRS1x8y5JSewLduVJLDv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Couscous with tuna that included peas, carrots, and corn. I cooked it in oil with garlic salt, chicken bouillon, and a bit of curry powder. It wasn’t terrible. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-91629274544892392082024-01-26T10:14:00.001-08:002024-01-26T10:17:13.112-08:001/26-Final Day in Rio GrandeAfter a leisurely morning, Alex, Markus, and I rode over to the same coffee shop I went to with Mathias and Carmilla yesterday. The same guy was there. Turns out, the coffee shop has only been open for about a year. It is run by just two guys. One takes one shift, and the other takes the other shift. Both speak English pretty good. Today, we had lunch too. I had medialunas con jamón y queso.<img id="id_82c7_6d5b_a631_851d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1d0IVIVGUNzVAYkXHYhaqVaAt13fHwUhg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Croissants with ham and cheese. Alex and Markus had avocado toast with an egg. It almost looked like a divide sign. <div><img id="id_f0ec_f828_64c2_8caf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ldK6nQDafS7Olqh6Ea4gAQiPmkY0gtcu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>When we were paying, the guy asked me if I was on iOverlander. IOverlander is an app/website we use to find wild camp spots. You can also find restaurants and other useful info. He wanted to put his cafe on iOverlander so more tourists would come. Alex did it for him. He was grateful. </div><div><br></div><div>We rode back, and I showed A&M where the mercado was so they could get their resupply. I did mine yesterday. Tonight we will eat dinner here. I need to finish off a few town food items I bought. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow we head toward Tolhuin. We were going to do a gravel route, but due to wind direction, we will stay on RN 3. We should have a pretty good tailwind. This is the wind forecast for tomorrow. </div><div><img id="id_56aa_2be0_3c6_7564" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NxOSJf3wtpoqQ1UsHro2n6hmZbW24gxV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s in kilometers. </div><div><br></div><div>I’m looking forward to getting back on the road tomorrow. It’s been 7 days. Hope I remember how to…nah, I’ll be fine!</div><div><br>Oh, and look what Alex brought me from their bus ride through Chile yesterday!</div><div><img id="id_cad7_640a_12a9_cd12" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UoyAU6uF_rHvenWnti37crQf8oP_gk_G" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>My favorite!!!<br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-81223243045048423252024-01-25T16:08:00.001-08:002024-01-25T16:08:04.281-08:001/25-Back Together Again!This morning I got a message from Mathias asking if I wanted to meet them at a coffee shop at 10:00. It was nearly 9:30. The location was about 3kms away. I would need to ride, which was fine by me. Garmin was not wanting to accept the address I put in, so I just used Google Maps. It was pretty straightforward…so I thought. When I got to where it was supposed to be, there was nothing. I went around the block. Still nothing. Then I had the bright idea to look on the other side of the street. Ah…there was Carmilla, and there was the place (note to self…look on both sides of the street, even if it looks like it should be on the one side).<div><img id="id_3d82_6fc8_52ec_20ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hJWWA_DpeIPdinrjqcLab8eEIxSSNehF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Also, when I came back, it took awhile to acquire the satellite, hence the weird straight line. <br><div><br></div><div>We had a nice chat, and made a possible plan for dinner when Alex and Markus get here. Speaking of A&M, they made it to the bus. Alex messaged me telling me that yesterday there was a general strike in Argentina that affected transportation. And, today's bus was full. That means, if we had tried to get the three of us, with our bikes, here by bus, it wouldn’t have worked. Good thing we rented the pickup. Just another example of how “It always works out.”</div><div><br></div><div>It was 4:00. Their bus should have been arriving in R. Grande now, but Alex just messaged me saying they just arrived at the border back into Argentina. Everyone has to get off the bus to go through border control. It would be awhile before they got here. But, once they were moving again, they would just have 68kms more to R. Grande. Of course, they would have to get a taxi to here once they arrived at the bus station. </div></div><div><br></div><div>6:00, and they were here! Mathias and Carmilla made a dinner reservation for 7:00. It was about the same distance as this morning. We rode our bikes there. I had a great dinner of gnocchi with a herb and butter sauce with prawns. </div><div><br></div><div>Now we say goodbye to Carmilla and Mathias until Ushuaia. They are leaving tomorrow, but they will be in Ushuaia for a week. We will see them again. </div><div><br></div><div>Garmin routed us back home with no problems. </div><div><img id="id_a158_31ff_83b3_552" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JZ7baII7OoXZw2pm7xKutJ5l_7S0ort0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Much more straightforward. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I didn’t take any photos today. R. Grande is not such an impressive place. Maybe tomorrow I will take some photos of the town anyway. <br></span><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-82426494823333753612024-01-24T11:15:00.001-08:002024-01-24T11:15:20.889-08:001/24-A Little Ride to a Punta, And a Little Flight BookingSince I’m by myself here in Rio Grande, with nothing to do, I decided to go for a short ride. I had a look on the map, and saw a Reserve called Punta Popper. The name made me chuckle, so I set that as my destination. I found the Reserve on my Garmin, and let it route me there. <div><br></div><div>In my limited experience around Rio Grande, it looks and feels a lot like Rio Gallegos. However, one thing R. Grande seems to have is bike paths. We saw one when we drove in yesterday, and I rode on this one today. </div><div><img id="id_c418_9a06_ea85_8287" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1aigImM5tP5gSmCjjM5T91etaynCKWiwc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s nice because the road (although it doesn’t look like it in this photo) had a fair amount of traffic. </div><div><br></div><div>I had to cross the Rio Grande. The path continued up onto the bridge. </div><div><img id="id_e900_88a1_474d_efa0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Yl0Ytwdlblq0LGJAqYit7oHc5SQIlTDN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These cement sections moved a bit. <br><img id="id_c403_47f9_4069_5b43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1L9JCrJlSYTRMS13fqZkmxgPVXQwtF9Nc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Rio Grande. </div><div><br></div><div>I made my way out to Punta Popper. The road didn’t actually go all the way out to the point itself. Beyond the end of the road, it was a hiking trail. It didn’t look like bikes were allowed. I just went over to the beach on the Atlantic side. </div><div><img id="id_4fbe_dfa5_11f2_cd3b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Gqe4RfwlwMkFjagdhSR3yEbWskcen8Pm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1cd5_3e89_73dd_1522" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QCmSV2nCdu1mHfjJ6YXPnwt3BUobXtyK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Looking to the end of the point. <br><img id="id_ba00_3eee_6ad9_959e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wsrK7mHUcj0PK4G7xflFIM214cr0_bLx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Looking on down the beach. </div><div><br></div><div>I had my Garmin route me back to the start. Interesting thing I’ve noticed about the streets. First, there are many one-way streets. When you cross them, if the cars are coming from the left, they often have a speed bump. This slows them down because the crossing traffic has the right of way (there are very few stop signs, and people don’t stop at them anyway). One-way traffic coming from the right has no speed bump. </div><div><br></div><div>In total, my ride was only 8 or so miles. Of course, since it was an out and back, half the ride was a tailwind, and half was a headwind. It was good to spin the legs a bit. </div><div><br></div><div>Awhile after I got back, I got a message from Alex that they were booking their flight from Ushuaia. They ended up with a flight to Buenos Aires (they will visit Ally and Alex) on Feb 8th. I had been looking at that date as well, but when I looked again, it had gone up in price almost double! There was still a much cheaper flight on the 15th, so I booked that. It is cheaper for me to stay longer in Ushuaia than to pay for an earlier flight. My flight ended up being almost a third of what it would have been had I booked for the week before! So, I’ll be in Ushuaia one week longer than Alex and Markus. We’ll see what I find to keep me occupied…</div><div><br></div><div>The end is in sight. Funny thing, I will depart Ushuaia exactly three months from when I arrived in Puerto Montt. <br><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-76146187088021895792024-01-23T12:21:00.001-08:002024-01-23T12:21:02.271-08:001/23-Adventures in Border CrossingsYes, crossings. This morning we left Rio Gallegos after loading all three bikes, and most of the gear (all of my stuff, and what Alex and Markus don’t need for the bus ride). We headed out at 7:20. <div><img id="id_2b98_e7aa_5c59_d9b2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pFCMpfh5EZN12r-fl-siPGEetP7zkytI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had to take the front wheels off, and I had to let air out of Billy’s rear tire to be able to close the tailgate. </div><div><br></div><div>It wasn’t too far to the first border where we leave Argentina. There was a long line. It seemed that everyone was getting out of their cars and going up to the building, so we did the same. </div><div><img id="id_282e_59b6_ee69_566d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EvQ8ZQgVMKtcWgBLmz1OWoBBXSTNGLlY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Checking out of Argentina. </div><div><br></div><div>We got in line. It was a rather lengthy line, but it was moving. Finally we got to the migración window. Passports were checked, and the vehicle papers were checked. Then we had to go to the Adunas (customs) line where only Markus (as the driver) had to show his passport. </div><div><br></div><div>Now we were in no man’s land for a short distance to the border office of Chile. There we had to, once again, park the truck, and go inside. First we got what we call, “the Holy Paper” (the paper you have to give back when you leave Chile, so by all means, don’t lose it), then our passports were stamped. Onto line 2, Adunas, but first we had to fill out the same declaration form we had to fill out when we came to Chile. Of course, there were no pens. Alex got one, and we took turns. Okay, through that line. We thought we were done, so we went back to the truck. They hadn’t taken the declaration form. We thought they would take it as we drove through the inspection. Ah no. There was “Step 3”. This time, only Alex went in with all the declaration forms while the officer inspected the car. We were concerned about the sandwiches because they had lettuce, avocado, and salami. But, sandwiches were okay. Then Markus and I pulled ahead, and waited for Alex. We were now officially back in Chile. </div><div><img id="id_ae51_5e88_94e7_2c9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lKyADVxsi_YL_5Eoy1CrUFUu-cBIgSq6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See the Chilean guanacos?</div><div><br></div><div>Alex gave the guy the stamped declaration forms, and we were free to go. </div><div><img id="id_1467_b1bd_1be_680b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VJCW8XGP62vTLBqXqC6TG5o4RFvLeAP6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Why did the Chilean guanaco cross the road? So I could get a photo, of course!<br><br></div><div>Next was the ferry across the Strait of Magellan to Tierra Del Fuego. </div><div><img id="id_ba06_521_b3d1_2467" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UUfkNSCELpt_Iiz9-Etv5wgwPe5zRSou" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_419b_93b4_328c_2dad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ehl9qBp3jUv1dridtWye_qKVBZMlrIJD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Strait of Magellan. <br><img id="id_5e38_2fe6_9d64_30cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EeBkTJ52Zvy-YkIoLfGIOLDW51znFZ26" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f984_2e86_8497_681a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CWMmOfHwZoy8eRsnZQex_tb9uzfYTAkp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You just stay in your vehicle for the crossing. </div><div><br></div><div>Funny thing, I couldn’t even tell we were moving. Then we were on the other side!</div><div><img id="id_48e0_dc06_6f7c_1561" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uqr7DMjPfobbOPDQtYhFbHzx-3cuHosN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5990_7c7b_b959_a722" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Z3qsO4musoCDBPIMflLyOqDAoFGXhBHK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Tierra del Fuego!!!</div><div><br></div><div>Next stop was to exit Chile. We saw many guanacos on the way. Even caught this one jumping the fence. </div><div><img id="id_f136_ac2f_1f00_70bb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vi6fkE4d9iozhWMQUtLw7aoHnFkvkWy3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Good job getting over the fence!</div><div><br></div><div>Then what should we happen to see? A couple of two-wheeled animales! Okay, maybe not really animales, but beasts nonetheless. </div><div><img id="id_62ea_d21a_6f9_437f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15inHxPvvURSOYuDQgHWTfq-hq959pS0_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Mathias and Carmilla! They had already ridden quite a long distance from Cerro Sombrero. They did 80-some kilometers before noon, and that was with no wind. Now (about 1:30) it was quite the tailwind, and they were flying! They wanted to get past the border back into Argentina. They only had another 24 kilometers to go. If we had room in the truck, I’m sure we would have picked them up. <br><img id="id_12f8_f090_5a76_7fb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1g3wOKrM8usYjCJLVHGHqOpiidHVpPISd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Vamos!</div><div><br></div><div>Four kilometers later we got to the border control to stamp out of Chile. This time it went much quicker, even though there were two buses. They had the car people go past the bus people. We did the first two steps (stamping out, and customs), then drove 13kms to stamp in to Argentina. As there are no signs really telling you where to go, we drove up to the front. The border police officer said we had to park and go in. Markus started to back up, but then the officer said we could just pull in front. Sweet! That saved us a lot of time!</div><div><img id="id_74d3_de5b_f6fd_7967" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1aJiZLeY8ZJIAD0erRHQTRaV7mR0izXwn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Pulling up to the Argentina border control. </div><div><br></div><div>So, now we were back in Argentina! It was just another 68kms to Rio Grande. We made it to the Links Apart Hotel where I am staying while Alex and Markus drive the truck (doing in reverse everything we did to get here) back to Rio Gallegos. On Thursday (today is Tuesday), they will take the bus back to here. </div><div><br></div><div>My apartment is quite nice. </div><div><img id="id_82d7_be4e_b3a6_370c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-PDdz48csSKhPqMsnlO59ClJXMfhEP3k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Kitchen, dining, and couch (and flat screen TV).<br><img id="id_bb9d_bacd_a033_60a1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M8rNY-IOsXN_kj1qekpITAtRCC95QHL_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Cubby for Alex and Markus’ bags. <br><img id="id_2839_283d_6c20_d10e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B3mFC3zr4opHJn-78nPUnJ2iHgP3H7pA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Baño <br><img id="id_cd5_de8d_c53b_b752" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yF8GUfEZgUoVBDd_34epmHBHtosTIFl9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>King size bed. <br><img id="id_6577_f117_5bda_e7dc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13oi7TtV1VORvUVsv6g6IL_U0oUh5RNVz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And the bikes have their own patio!</div><div><br></div><div>I walked to the nearby La Anónima mercado. It’s a smaller one, but has everything. </div><div><br></div><div>Now I’ll see what’s on the TV. Maybe I’ll learn some more Spanish…<br><br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-5466554425954571242024-01-22T08:22:00.001-08:002024-01-22T08:22:33.176-08:001/22-A Definate Plan, and Some Misc. PhotosIt’s been a trick trying to figure out the best way to get to Rio Grande from Rio Gallegos. Finally, a plan is in place! Originally, we were hoping to take the bus from here to R. Grande, but it was a crap shoot as to whether we could get on the bus with our bikes. We wouldn’t know until we showed up at the bus station the morning we wanted to go, and if the driver would allow it. If there wasn’t room for all three bikes, but only one, then I would go and meet up with Mathias and Carmilla in R. Grande, then ride with them to Ushuaia. Alex and Markus would leave their bikes here somewhere, and take the bus to Ushuaia, meeting me, Mathias, and Carmilla. Then they would return by bus to R. Gallegos, and fly to Buenos Aires from here. <div><br></div><div>This morning, when A&M returned the rental truck, they asked the woman if it was possible to cross the border into Chile with a rental vehicle. Turns out it is possible! So, a new plan was hatched! We would rent the pickup again, leave tomorrow morning (instead of Wednesday), drive all the bikes and our gear to R. Grande, and drop off me and the bikes. Then, A&M would drive the truck back to R. Gallegos, spend the night here (it’s booked until Wednesday), return the truck Wednesday morning, and take the bus on Thursday back to R. Grande to meet up with me. It seems crazy, but it is the only guaranteed way all our bikes get to R. Grande. Then we can ride to Ushuaia together (and maybe even with Mathias and Carmilla)! The end is insight (sort of).</div><div><br></div><div>And now for a few miscellaneous photos. </div><div><img id="id_8c14_c352_97ee_c646" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lrjcmbzCjh-W1sVeKE16LAYGW1F9haA7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This is how R. Gallegos handles trash collection. There are these little baskets all over. Some are pretty small, and some are bigger and with a lid. I can see why they don’t have trash cans. The wind would just blow them away. However, the ones without lids seem somewhat problematic too. When the wind is really whipping, what’s to keep the trash from blowing out? It could a safety hazard…there you are, just walking down the street, when a gust of wind picks up a bag of trash and flings it at you! Also, today I saw the garbage truck come by. Three guys picked up the bags out of the big one by our building. One bag was open, and trash was just flying out of it. They didn’t pick up the trash that had flown out. They also didn’t take the trash that was in the basket, but not in a bag. <br><img id="id_3cc9_40c5_6eaf_95aa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RbTz-X3DjqrGattY-AyddcCaNNymjvus" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There are two trash baskets in this photo. The one in the back tilts in behind the gate. </div><div><br></div><div>And for another miscellaneous photo or two…</div><div><img id="id_3ec9_9bea_6269_5d0f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qh-j8JXXPbGU41efY_m8VgDMRkXjhPVT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This is “Barkley”. He lives in one of the other apartments on our floor. I don’t know what his real name is, but Barkley fits. He is very cute and energetic. Looks to be purebred piebald dachshund (he has some patches on his leg).<br><img id="id_42b7_37da_6098_34de" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nR5uF566-qJSSlw5TDYmyotm7pDqvD1t" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>He comes out in the afternoons, and loves to play. </div><div><br></div><div>Now that we have a plan for leaving R. Gallegos, I have to pack up my stuff. <br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-66625049893850118362024-01-21T10:34:00.001-08:002024-01-21T10:34:30.940-08:001/21-The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald…Okay…not the Edmund Fitzgerald. Really, it’s the wreck of the Marjory Glen. <div><br></div><div>Because we couldn’t return the pickup today (Domingo), we went to Punta Loyola to see the Buque Marjory Glen. </div><div><img id="id_a77f_b563_d3d_9b7f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1E6wcirFllcy8BTrjJaOyqLsE0_Jl4-Qe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was a ship that was carrying coal. It caught fire, and that was the end of the Marjory Glen. There she lay, forevermore, near the mouth of the Rio Gallegos. </div><div><img id="id_939d_4d59_31a1_c7af" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tIkJ_tnKl2xv_2HXeD2C2TZcirgTm4Er" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Pretty big ship. <br><img id="id_c796_b329_fcbf_aa4e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Owp9lwKvtNCNcCGujOXQOvp-H_-mQ3Ru" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Looking inside through a rusted hole. <br><img id="id_8933_c9bd_1ee1_d60e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XQRydDbkJiHPgfcyWhFVViQs04F5WzHF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>La Punta on the other side of the mouth of the Rio Gallegos. </div><div><br></div><div>After checking out the wreck, we drove back to the strangest place. It is called Zona Franca, and it is a shopping mall. </div><div><img id="id_e985_a7e_ab82_d99c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m1SeohsWYowe_EbuM9_NqN8BCqhFPfNI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f8f6_41ee_d145_29fc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13zzgfn17KTOn_vbiJZweGYPfjhYhVD8o" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>What is weird about a shopping mall, you ask? Well, for one thing, it’s in the middle of nowhere. Secondly, and even more weird, it’s mostly a Duty Free shop (like at the airport). Best we can figure out, is that we are not far from the Chilean border. Maybe Chileans come to shop here??? To get into the Duty Free part, we had to put the backpacks and my fanny pack into locked bags, that we then carried with us. I even had to put my sunglasses in the bag. The above photo is outside the duty free part (no cameras allowed inside). They had similar things to what an airport duty free shop would have…perfume, alcohol, chocolate, etc. They had prices in pesos and USD. There was a big Toblerone bar on sale for 40% off. I thought if I bought it, and paid USD, that I would get pesos in change. So I paid with a $20. Nope, she gave me USD in change. I even asked if I could get pesos in change. Nope. I guess it was worth a try. Still, it was weird. </div><div><br></div><div>We came back into town, and went for lunch at the same coffee shop we first went to when we arrived in Rio Gallegos. A few minutes in to waiting for our food, the power went out (the power was out at our apartment this morning). I thought maybe we couldn’t pay with debit cards. I was going to offer to pay in USD (to get pesos in change). Nope, the card machine was working. Power was out at the apartment again, but now it’s back on. </div><div><br></div><div>Markus and Alex are going to drive Mathias and Carmilla to the Chile border (then they will cycle on). Hopefully, it won’t be too windy for them to ride. It’s about an hour and a half to the border. </div><div><br></div><div>Tomorrow the car goes back, then I don’t know what we will do for that day and Tuesday. </div><div><br><br><br></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1089573331404048389.post-75757571292888194672024-01-20T16:51:00.001-08:002024-01-20T16:51:50.317-08:001/20-Pinguinos!!!Today we drove to Cabo Virgenes, which is the end of mainland Argentina (Tierra Del Fuego is an island). It was a 130km drive, most of which was over rough gravel. We picked up Mathias and Carmilla at 9:00. C. Virgenes is the end of Ruta 40, and home to a large Megallanic Penguin rookery. There’s also a couple of lighthouses, one at the Argentinian side on the Atlantic, and another on the Chilean side at the beginning of the Strait of Magellan. First we went to the end of Ruta 40 and the lighthouse. <div><img id="id_edb3_985_dd87_883f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19BHrVRrFm0fhw6vDf-hYkH4LQ_yLx8ES" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The Cape. <br><div><img id="id_b82e_f1dd_8f33_fab2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Lav0qsW6voL3CLLy1PLbOV6oW9rltJU6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>KM 0 of Ruta 40.<br><img id="id_379e_9aed_e4bb_4383" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/128orrVGkcHNfg0Nr1GNvqXGsdoY_-i8u" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_d0af_9ed3_a2d5_da71" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11deGAf6y2Nu1PP7jU-ySzcYT-p_ca3vn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was very windy. <br><img id="id_9957_bcb8_52c3_3018" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12Dv5h74txj281qvqEgYkI_LdMwIpgus4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There was a small museum in the building next to the lighthouse. <br><img id="id_4e31_aaf0_be29_a43b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MoXsoKHmEPHkcsw17Rggr4SlZ6GTtMRR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The “Golden Hind”. <br><img id="id_974e_a517_97a3_55c2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15ROeR4HLn8y9HOz3DsmVy8f39UQfj2Uo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The door to go up in the lighthouse. It was locked. </div><div><br></div><div>There was also a cafe which, of course, we went to. After beverages and pie, we drove downtown the rookery. </div><div><img id="id_6272_916c_2440_fd61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YQEUlK-ePejA4F9lpmvknOxMG2ZPdQQI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>There’s even one by the sign!<br><img id="id_b0b7_26a0_c73f_8ce9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ES2Ls57LreL-ic0LmURJ5jnx8QFjBHA9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Yeah, I’m just hiding out here!<br><img id="id_fc53_d58d_c4df_1b21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vqn1VbbCYyjlSWVewHQPspbka0rV4xMs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>What you looking’ at?<br><img id="id_9ff8_da6b_3b73_3199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NkwvGh9Vn2AdjRmyAf5tV_2-yTUr73Zm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Chillaxin <br><img id="id_6b74_c96_d7f4_feac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1y917EBkBza7GGJnBg8KcaTq91j0ImUHm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Penguins on the road. <br><img id="id_f9a6_df01_ba7f_14cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13vVJuwgrzbSkOU9irQVzAudvkCHLSecY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Penguins and humans. <br><img id="id_54ee_6ec5_4895_77f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wMz5symUuqge5wwzAqtfXtPDzXdcWItM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Penguin selfie. <br><img id="id_2254_70b6_c065_a8fc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19OOjcgh6l2pccHjEsfFyx43sK1Gytdvs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s a rookery, so there are lots of chicks. <br><img id="id_db9d_b343_5b76_55cb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1svsyaWx3YXqUQPB-i0oiV3dBH8e1phLa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This is a game of “Spot the Penguins” (there are quite a few).</div><div><br></div><div>We drove a little further. Then walked to the beach. </div><div><img id="id_64b8_bc00_f7f8_a74" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17Z0KW4A-foONxydHGE49pQLJ2LA9i78j" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The penguin highway. <br><img id="id_6d44_3069_cb87_a170" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GVXqmqRcifFVZIMkZsPb28xCjeqlGdbQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_42e3_6018_2abe_ec57" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sctJbNNe-cufX-MTkfqX6VSFH11UcEK0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6c20_c752_5456_53f4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zT8wCmR8WCTPKzPo5tplnqbnYI70vPVS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3773_ecd7_a4cc_4db6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OJUphaykQQCMB3XnY31IaofwUH7xfF6F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The lighthouse in the background. </div><div><br></div><div>We just sat down and watched them. </div><div><img id="id_5a88_c7a7_3718_a5b9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WLDXKp_hwhWXGJVzuh9Fqpc3ywyTsptR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Alex. <br><img id="id_38f_b4c8_165e_3928" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sdbpKZ_72Q9n-BdTJYSgi33wuFSBTPY8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_f376_991a_1a0e_e138" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Jo6n8Pv-V3CRCo9RVihGbmv5j1RKrKS8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1004_f852_ad7d_be47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MsQ0_wwlA_x7Rpaza8OhsxqI4g1DQ9aS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>“Oh, that’s hilarious, Pete!”<br><img id="id_f020_1613_f7c9_f76f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PeFKHxpJsm67EamrMxxlkQdC2HUgqqgF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9ea1_d385_efb9_178a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tNt2nQnF6FRKeKdP0Zi98IBDHIiNo3WR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1fa_3dd_1b03_5fa4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sbkaUb0TQBSQsEcUV8YVlT5T8xd9qWat" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Stretch to the side!<br><img id="id_5abd_dba9_d632_8db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pO84YBPYArk-LEvdSlBLvt9avEiQFoVx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_384d_994a_331_87d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M6Bv3-Aru3O4-bJyjMfy4ggSAJbW0pTP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Penguin tracks. </div><div><br></div><div>Eventually, we headed back for the long bumpy ride. It was a great day! I’ve never gotten to see penguins in the wild! Now I’ve seen more than I could even count!<br><br><br><br></div><div><br><br></div></div>Colleen Welchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07688180575237455529noreply@blogger.com0