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Argentina
Looked up a place for a Saturday night out dinner and found “Downtown Parilla” about a 20- min walk away. The Internet was right! Great food and service! We had a delicious veal carpaccio and this 9$ steak (roast), which was cooked perfectly.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3651/1...88b56087_c.jpg Mendoza 144 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2575/1...c87a1f37_c.jpg Mendoza 145 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr One of our favorite wines on the trip has been Luigi Bosco, so we booked for a tour and tasting on Sunday on the way out of town. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/1...57c56dac_c.jpg Mendoza 146 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3247/1...dcc2b965_c.jpg Mendoza 147 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The have storage for 9 million liters at the production facility. They use American and French oak, but are doing an experiment using Chinese and Russian barrels. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3546/1...874d8fa2_c.jpg Mendoza 151 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3033/1...0d66ea6b_c.jpg Mendoza 157 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3095/1...cf540c13_c.jpg Mendoza 160 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2206/1...38c9ebf0_c.jpg Mendoza 152 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr They have 37 products including table wines, fine wines, exclusive vintages, sparkling, and even 1 late harvest. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3504/1...e1cb7daf_c.jpg Mendoza 162 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3053/1...8408e2ff_c.jpg Mendoza 150 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
The first flat
Now we are headed to Santiago again for tires and service, but we have a few days to kill so it’s a short 50 km to Porterillos to camp on the lake and then 70 to the town of Uspallata.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2159/1...395e6bfd_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-11 at 11.00.55 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/1...78c2a53f_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-11 at 11.01.16 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We had a good night at the campground, but woke up to the first flat of the entire trip! He and I had no trouble breaking the bead using my bike and side stand, but Dan had a bit of help with the hard part from fellow biker and camper Sergio! We also had no issue setting the bead on the Heidenau with our electric pump. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3265/1...abf18605_c.jpg DSC02484 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/1...79860c81_c.jpg DSC02487 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3009/1...9f0b5b85_c.jpg DSC02488 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The day sure got better though after the cold cloudy day yesterday. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3646/1...f3f8554b_c.jpg FILE1546 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr From Porterillos to Uspalatta there are a few cool tunnels in the “zona de tunnels”. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2508/1...44227ee0_c.jpg FILE1563 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2372/1...cfb2dbce_c.jpg FILE1554 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Back to Santiago
We had a big day planned with the border, new tires, a stop at BMW for parts, a stop to drop off gear at the hotel, and last to drop off one of the bikes for service at Johnny Moto, so we set out early.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/1...f6705b41_z.jpg santiago part 2 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/1...71af25ee_c.jpg santiago part 2 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/1...5b5e968d_c.jpg santiago part 2 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The drive over the pass to the border is on a nice curvy road. We were glad of the heated jackets when it was 5 degrees. The descent from the Chile border in on this crazy snake road. After this it was quickly 27 degrees for the ride to Santiago. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/1...e2dd368f_c.jpg santiago part 2 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/1...1d61f210_c.jpg santiago part 2 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The border crossing took a bit longer than usual, because some of the paperwork done at one of the southern small crossings must have been done wrong or not eventually entered into a computer, but they gladly just fixed it up and off we went. We had a bit of a frustrating day trying to get all our errands done. Arriving at Motoavntura for tires we found the mechanic was sick….strike 1. Just down the road is the largest BMW dealership in the world. We went there to get washers for the rad fluid change, which since they supposedly service bikes they should have them. They have none and don’t know anything about them……not untypical and strike 2. Driving to the Hostal Matte we arrived, but the GPS did not record the address and there is no sign…..strike 3. Did I mention it is HOT and these places are up to 25 km apart. Well off to Johnny Moto at least we know where that is. We dropped off the 650 GS for and oil and fluid change and a rebuild for the steering head bearings. They were destroyed. Thanks “Johnny” for the photos for the blog. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/1...7959ffc6_c.jpg santiago part 2 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/1...340a1178_c.jpg santiago part 2 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/1...2fa444e1_c.jpg santiago part 2 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/1...ac5d4f05_c.jpg santiago part 2 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...ba61e9eb_c.jpg santiago part 2 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Casa Matte
Headed back to the Casa Matte with the house number we arrived and were welcomed by Cristian and his entire family. Our famous riding friend Alicia Sornosa dropped by the Casa with her friend Andreas.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/1...35016bdc_c.jpg santiago part 2 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/1...6ff37955_c.jpg santiago part 2 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/1...ee9201b9_c.jpg santiago part 2 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We also met fellow Chilean rider Alcides on his F800! http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/1...9bc1bbc5_c.jpg santiago part 2 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Cristian invited us to join them on the roof top patio for a party and parilla! This place is great. After months of poor nights of sleep from uncomfortable beds, noisy neighbors, doors slamming, dogs barking, roosters crowing, and cars screeching this place is paradise. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/1...a66b517c_c.jpg santiago part 2 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2754/1...5a7f4e88_c.jpg santiago part 2 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/1...649bfb31_c.jpg santiago part 2 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2382/1...fc6d6fd0_c.jpg santiago part 2 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2344/1...99ab6262_c.jpg santiago part 2 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/1...fe545b68_c.jpg santiago part 2 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2798/1...baff00c2_c.jpg santiago part 2 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Johnny Moto
We returned to Johnny Moto for the work on the 800. But first there was lunch at the famous typical restaurant El Pipeno and shopping for oil for us and part for his shop.
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/1...6a597b0f_c.jpg santiago part 2 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2689/1...f7e107d1_c.jpg santiago part 2 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/1...efe3eeeb_c.jpg santiago part 2 39 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/1...da24e879_c.jpg santiago part 2 40 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr Then it was time to get to work. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/1...a0056003_c.jpg santiago part 2 41 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2284/1...8b64d6b7_c.jpg santiago part 2 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/1...c6384188_c.jpg santiago part 2 43 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/1...5139b839_c.jpg santiago part 2 46 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/1...0a3d9273_c.jpg santiago part 2 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Just a Saturday drive
Saturday we were invited to join Alicia and her friends on a ride to Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. We did do a circle route, but the roads we took back are not on google maps.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/...a3d18fdf_z.jpg santiago part 2 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2417/1...8aa4d5cb_c.jpg FILE1666 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We started in Valparaiso where the streets get very steep and narrow so riding with a few bikes can be a challenge. We stopped for a snack of seafood. Still hungry we drove along the coast road in search of good seafood soup. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/1...ab43caf0_c.jpg santiago part 2 53 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/1...43eae354_c.jpg santiago part 2 57 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/1...840cb7ed_c.jpg santiago part 2 58 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/1...20847f64_c.jpg DSC02558 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/1...9c15423f_c.jpg santiago part 2 62 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/1...28430d3d_c.jpg santiago part 2 64 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/1...508b73a8_c.jpg santiago part 2 65 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We were 8 on 6 bikes from Spain, Chile, Colombia, and Canada. We met up by chance with Peter and Fredrick from South Africa at the lunch spot. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/1...7fae9671_c.jpg santiago part 2 66 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/1...9ea0869a_c.jpg santiago part 2 68 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/1...602eb29d_c.jpg santiago part 2 71 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/1...0507e77c_c.jpg santiago part 2 74 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/1...03405170_c.jpg santiago part 2 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/1...6ae9df1c_c.jpg santiago part 2 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...797cfbe1_c.jpg santiago part 2 83 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The plates from the meet. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/1...ffc769fa_c.jpg 1557454_10152010369509562_1939316645_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2763/1...788b8229_c.jpg 1896847_10152010370029562_870643813_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2786/1...86422f73_c.jpg 1069420_10152010369899562_303926198_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2741/1...14a11245_c.jpg 1982067_10152010369744562_701341985_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...cb5b81b2_c.jpg 1798517_10152010370179562_1421484104_n by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Casa Matte
Another nice night on the patio at casa Matte.
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/1...36d179a9_c.jpg santiago part 2 103 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/1...ebf557f4_c.jpg santiago part 2 105 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/1...ea80a045_c.jpg santiago part 2 110 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/1...5f98d7e8_c.jpg santiago part 2 102 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/1...3f520b01_c.jpg santiago part 2 100 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
crazy road
Today we had a 5 -hour visit to the Canadian Embassy In Santiago. WOW our tax dollars at work. We needed our signatures witnessed on some documents. By email they said just show up and we will do it for 25,000 Pesos (50$). In reality it took hours and several calls to Ottawa and 5 hours to get the 6 signatures, for which they agreed to take the fee they quoted, but they wanted 550$ per signature!! I feel sorry for the Chileans using the embassy services, we ARE citizens of Canada!
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/1...5e309221_c.jpg santiago part 2 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr We have a few days to kill before we head off to Easter Island, so we decided to explore the nearby ski area and it’s crazy 50 hairpin curve road. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/1...635d91b1_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.44.32 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/1...bd02f38d_b.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.45.14 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/1...d21ac116_c.jpg DSC02603 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr First we went to the end of the road at the Valle Nevado resort. We were treated to soaring Condors. http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/1...0c3915f3_c.jpg la parva 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/1...9502d7f8_c.jpg la parva 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/1...b835933a_c.jpg la parva 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr It’s no Whistler for sure and is 90$ a day to ski! Next we back tracked to the villages of Farellones and La Parva both of which were deserted at this time of year. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/1...4b2d2509_c.jpg la parva 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/1...75828250_c.jpg la parva 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/1...6a81dbe8_c.jpg la parva 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/1...06511a7b_c.jpg la parva 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr The road is a must do and is so close to the city!!! http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/1...352ba8c8_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.46.21 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/1...8c19d48c_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.46.04 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/1...03819950_z.jpg Screen Shot 2014-03-19 at 5.45.42 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/1...52d41943_c.jpg la parva 48 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/1...b1644667_c.jpg la parva 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/1...f6a336e7_c.jpg la parva 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/1...d865bff1_c.jpg la parva 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/1...c33d62aa_c.jpg la parva 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/1...b808c602_c.jpg la parva 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr |
Easter Island
Today we got up at 430 am to get to the airport by 615 for our 815 flight, that finally left at late at 1215! The 3800 km flight from Santiago to Easter Island (Isla Pascua) takes almost 6 hours.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/...a69de169c4.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/...825aab4c39.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/...0c66f1fc98.jpg This is one of the most isolated inhabited islands on the planet and is formed by 3 extinct volcanoes. It was originally settled by people from the Polynesian island of Marquesas 3200 km away around 300-1200 CE. The Rapa Nui people began creating the Moai statues to venerate their dead ancestors, who could then they felt transfer power and fortune to their descendants. At the peak there were about 15,000 inhabitants, but because of over population and deforestation it dropped to about 2500 by 1722 when the first Europeans arrived. Diseases and slave trading dropped the population to just over 100 in 1877. This caused the loss of everyone who could read the only written Polynesian language known. The battles between the tribes involved toppling of other tribes Moai. It was called Easter Island because it’s first European visitor arrived here on Easter Sunday. The over population and lack of resources allowed the warrior tribes to gain power over the Ancestor (Moai) Cult and this formed the Bird Man Cult. The power of the ancestors was cast in to the Birdman and this began about 1540. The idea was a warrior from each of the 15 tribes competed to get the first egg of the Sooty Tern that nested on the islets nearby. The competitions began around 1760 and ended in 1878. We checked into our cabana at the hotel, which actually has a view of the Tahai Moai in the distance. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/...16200813_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/...ba72382f9a.jpg Then we celebrated with a glass of bubbly and then a great sunset on the beach at Ahu Te Peu. https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/...c5f4e2ac_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/...3b5108290e.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/...2167f32f_c.jpg On the first morning here we had a beautiful day to start out as we joined a tour to a ceremonial cave, the Ceremonial Village of Orongo, and the volcano Rano Kau. This gave us a good taste of the history here before we set off on our own in a rental jeep to explore. The first stop was at Ana Kai Tangata. This cave was used for ceremonial purposes and has paintings of the Sooty Tern. Next we headed to the Ceremonial village of Orongo. This was only occupied during the Bird Man Competition. The houses are round and made totally of stone. They have only one narrow entrance accessed by crawling only. This was designed for safety of the leaders inside. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/...265a0cbb_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/...afbaef37_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/...0bab192f_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/...2987f7c0_c.jpg We toured the site and got stuck in a rain strom, but then we were treated to a rainbow over the islets Motu Iti and Motu Nui. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/...fae83ae2_c.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/...eaf9a3585c.jpg The path then leads to the crater of Volcano Rano Kau, which is filled with fresh water. Nearly all the flora and fauna of the island can be found here in the crater. We stopped at the other side of the crater for a view of the rest of the island, the town, and the days plane arriving. There are also some petroglyphs here. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/...4ac4d1d7_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/...0c649865_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/...524443db_c.jpg The adventure began when we rented a jeep to tour on our own. Then we were off to Ahu Akivi to see the 7 standing Moai, which are the only ones on the island that are placed facing the sea. Next it was off to Puna Pau, which is the quarry in a volcanic crater where the red hats for the Moai were made. This is over 12 km from the first settlement and the crater where the Moai are made. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/...bb65d228_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/...9e2dab90_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/...64d86263_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/...e8b39e03_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/...c531e36f_c.jpg Today we went back to try and find a Moai Huri A Urenga that was listed on the map, but hard to find. You could see it was not visited much by the tall grass we had to get thru. The plan for the day was to drive up the south coast road and stop at all the Ahus, some of which were better than others. Now for some relaxing for our tired feet. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/...f6dca6b5_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/...28f34bf8_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/...6a2d2ba3_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/...21db8d38_c.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5144/...0240f2d0_c.jpg |
Easter Island
Today we planned two of the most popular spots on the island to visit. First we went to the Moai Quarry in the crater at Rano Raraku where the carved figures are all over the slopes.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/...02a0ddaa_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/...0939271e_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2888/...23ee7f84_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/...51d68a86_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/...4bfae764_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/...b7f1db1f_c.jpg From here you can also see our second stop at Ahu Tongariki where the largest standing Moai are found. When you climb up you can see partially carved ones, and how the hillside has been carved away. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/...c8f079b1_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/...db27a85f_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/...4de2a414_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/...988470e1_c.jpg Around the back-side is the only sitting Moai found. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/...c7fdaeee_c.jpg Then you can climb into the crater and see the Moai on the slopes inside the volcano. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3773/...716f79dc_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/...4e366c71_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2834/...9b652cd9_c.jpg It’s a short drive to the Ahu where the Moai had all been toppled long ago and then scattered by a tsunami. The Japanese Heritage society paid for the restoration on the statues. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/...4fe517c4_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/...65b489b3_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/...880ce478_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/...e3acae11_c.jpg For our last day we went back to the north shore to check out the beaches. The first is the isolated beach at Ovahe surrounded by volcanic rock. Next we headed over to Anakena, which is the site of the first settlement on the island. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/...5ff60b05_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/...af0011b8_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/...e7f951ee_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/...ab7de14e_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/...cc1edb4b_c.jpg I have a lot more pictures if anyone is interested on the blog worldwideride.ca |
Down time
It is time to go back To Argentina for a much deserved months rest in la Falda. Retracing our route for the third time it was no less spectacular on the snake road or on the stunning view in the Paso Libertadores. It was even more stunning in the evening light on the way to Uspallata. Camping here was 6$ for both of us.
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3808/...f6705b41_z.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/...4543f78d28.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/...3af2981f_o.png https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/...9c3d2ec3_c.jpg From here we headed north 421 km from Uspallata to Chepes. The first 115 km was paved to Barreal and then there was 36 km of mostly good ripio on the 149. Coming south from here the ride along the river the road is mostly one lane and hugs the hillside. When we got near to San Juan at 5 pm we said we would stop at the next “spot”, but we did not like San Juan, and then after this there was nothing except a few shacks on the road for 200 km. We luckily found an ACA Motel in the town of Chepes. https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5146/...bb314e29_b.jpg https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/...34817832_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/...59c5f9e6_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/...0260c9b1_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/...998b374e_c.jpg Today we rode 377 km to Cordoba. There were several police checks for paperwork. The last 60 km from La Falda over the mountain to Cordoba in on the Comino del Cuadrado. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/...c84ec6b45a.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/...a9d316d5c6.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/...b06dab49_c.jpg [url=https://flic.kr/p/mB9tiq]https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/...bc5036a3_c.jpg[/ |
I emailed Merriam Webster about you guys earlier today. They're going to officially remove the current definition of EPIC and just put a link to your link to your blog instead.
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Wow thanks al lot! We are really having a great adventure! We are having a rest for April and then we head to Bolivia and Peru! Cheers. SP & DP |
Cordoba
Cordoba is a nice city and is famous for the number of churches. There is the large main square with the statue of San Martin as usual in Argentina.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/...05c3556e_c.jpg The Cathedral here is very beautiful and inside it spectacular with the gilding. We were here on the weekend so there were services on and so we did not take photos. https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/...140411e4_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/...3867870f_c.jpg An interesting thing they do here with the heritage buildings is to mirror the facade on the cobble street or square outside using marble. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7134/...ba027969_c.jpg The statue of the founder of the city in 1573. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/...8dbbf342_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/...79960342_c.jpg Also a regular sight in this country is the Maldives are Argentinean signs. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/...2bab19f9_c.jpg The oldest university here is Jesuit and is over 400 years old. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/...4166934b_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/...03a6156a_c.jpg https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/...50320862_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3769/...0b3f85aa_c.jpg This is the famous Capuchin church that is very ornate. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/...070f942a_c.jpg https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/...2284a3e0_c.jpg There is a large city park here with this centennial sculpture. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3815/...df32749a_c.jpg https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/...b1d6b09a_c.jpg No day here is complete without a Malbec. https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/...2391595d_c.jpg |
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