7C BROWN. BUST IT BIG: Welcome to Chile

20 Feb. 2012

Cacheuta Argentina-Rio Blanco 160 miles

Today we found our way to the border. Which by the way was pretty confusing to say the least. Along the way we passed the highest peak in the southern hemisphere , as well as the western hemisphere. Aconcagua 6960 meters HIGH. It was a clear day and we could see just about the entire mountain except for the very top. What a beautiful day it was today. Clear sky's and big big peaks. Oh how we love the mountains. The boarder is at the top of the pass and Wow! it must be the most beautiful border so far. We just chilled in line with all the cars and flew Camille’s Kite while waiting in line. We actually had to do the boarder procedures twice. Don’t ask. The borders are suppose to be easier than Central America right?? So far it really has not been any easier for us. In Central both boarders are right next to each other and everything is close by. Here you can cross into Argentina and not get stamped in for another 15 miles??

21 Feb. 2012

Rio Blanco- San Fernando Chile 180 miles

Today was Agriculture riding down the main hwy. of Chile. Hwy. 5. Grapes,Grapes,Apples,Apples,Peaches,Peaches, and so on. Pretty flat and uneventful except for the fact that we are covering ground quick on this Hwy. Which is exactly why we are here. There are no roads that stay in the mountains here. They all just go east to west up and over the Andes criss-crossing from Argentina to Chile or the long and fast freeway north to south.

22 Feb. 2012

San Fernando-Salto de Laja Chile 223 miles

More freeway riding again today. Now the scenery is starting to change from fruits growing everywhere to huge tree farms for as far as the eye can see. Still pretty flat. The temps. are really good now though. Its not hot anymore and the days are starting to get longer. Tonight we camped on side of the Hwy. next to a little creek with some nice big shade trees. Oh and it was free camping, or “squatting”. This is nice because nothing is free or cheap down here.

23 Feb. 2012

Salto de Laja- Lago Villarrica Chile 190 miles

Well now the scenery is getting better. The road is starting to get hilly with some turns. Trees are everywhere now. We have just started to enter what they refer to as the Lake District of Chile. Today we have officially enter the Patagonia area. The lake Villarrica is big and very beautiful. There is a huge snow caped volcano in the, not so far, distance. It’s “touristy” here for a reason. Its very nice. Tonight we are at a pay campground with full amenities, We are right on the shores of the lake. Camille prepared a beautiful dinner once again. This one was with all local things. Redwine,Apples,Nectarines,cheese,crackers,basil,blueberries,and salami. Wow it was so so delicious. EAT LOCAL!