(November 16 – written by Dave) Today was a great day – it mostly sunny in the morning.  We boarded the Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo ferry at about 8:15 with blue skies and great views to the surrounding mountains.  We were early enough to be first in the queue and got to wander the decks … Continue reading Ferry, short ride and more bikes – Hornopirén to Parque Pumalin (16k/24,522k, 1,200ft)

(November 15 – written by Dave) Today’s forecast was spot on and we loved it – blue skies in the morning, a few clouds and then more blue later in the day.  Repeat this to the bottom and we’ll be happy campers. We slept well in our tiny room, nice and cosy.  The owner’s dogs … Continue reading Sun and fun – Contao to Hornopirén (47k/24,506k, 2,540ft)

(November 14 – written by Dave) Today we started the Carretera Austral, but we almost didn’t.  The forecast was pretty ordinary, rain most of the day and both of us could have used another rest day to kill off our pesky colds.  But we rode anyway...  The trouble with the forecast was that wet is … Continue reading Wet start – Puerto Montt to Contao (56k/24,459k, 1,660ft)

(November 13 – written by Dave) It’s raining here in Puerto Montt today – perhaps a good day not to be riding.  I think we are going to see some wet on the Carretera Austral, it’s just part of the territory.  So, we’ll have to get over riding and camping in the rain.  Oh well. … Continue reading Puerto Montt update

(November 12 – written by Dave) We finished Ruta 5 today – woohoo.  We’ve been on and off Ruta 5 for close to 1,000km.  It’s a fast way to travel, if not overly scenic.  The shoulder remained wide every day we rode it.  Today was no different.  The shoulder is not always clean and there … Continue reading The end of I-5 – Osorno to Puerto Montt (108k/24,403k, 1,660ft)

(November 11 – written by Dave) Our two relaxing days in Osorno come to an end tomorrow.  The usual “let’s stay another day” pull is there, but our wonderful tiny house is booked for the next week so we have to move on.  Since moving next door is just about as complicated as moving to … Continue reading Osorno and the plan ahead

(November 9 – written by Dave) Yesterday’s extra miles meant a short day today, very short.  This allowed us to have a sleep-in.  It wasn’t as if we wanted to spend any more time in our lovely cabana than we had to however.  It would seem that all of the spring rains this year have … Continue reading Escaping the potato bugs – Rio Buena to Osorno (34k/24,295k, 870ft)

(November 8 – written by Nancy) Last night the owner of the hostel came by our room to ask us what time we wanted breakfast, as it was included with the room rate.  When Dave suggested 7:30, the host commented that that was very early, but after hesitating a moment he agreed to the time.  … Continue reading No room at the inn – Panguipulli to near Rio Buena (118k/24,261k, 2370ft)

(November 7 – written by Dave) We spent a nice day today riding the “Seven Lakes Route” in the Southern Chilean Lakes District.  We didn’t know that the route had a fancy name but we certainly enjoyed the scenery.  We saw four volcanos and three of the seven lakes.  The countryside was nice rolling green … Continue reading Seven Lakes Way – Villarrica to Panguipulli (64k/24,144k, 1,650ft)

(November 6 – written by Dave) Back on January 3rd of this year, we took the ferry from La Paz, Baja, Mexico to Mazatlan.  While standing in the dinner queue on the ferry, I met a guy named Adrian Oh who was riding a skateboard from Vancouver, Canada to Ushuaia (yes, a skateboard).  We hadn’t … Continue reading Old friends – Temuco to Villarrica (82k/24,079k, 1,500ft)