We´re still around...

Sorry for the lack of posts everyone, internet is few and far between round these parts. I´m writing this on satellite internet, so won´t post any pics as it´s quite slow.

We arrived in El Chalten yesterday, an absolutely beautiful place, surrounded by the Fitz Roy range and a massive glacier, just stunning! I´ll post some pics and videos of where we´ve been riding in a couple of days when we get to El Calafate, but let me say this, it´s the windiest place I´ve ever been! Quite challenging on the bike on gravel roads.

Love to all xoxoxo

Into Argentina...

The border crossing was definitely tedious... After 30 km's of dirt and gravel roads (pretty hard core) we arrived at the Chilean part of the border to find that the customs people were on strike! Bastards! So we spent the next 7 hours waiting for the private contractor (yes, just 1) to arrive. Wasn't a bad spot to be stranded, next to the volcano, but after 7 hours the sun did start to take it's toll on us.

So after finally getting through the Chilean and Argentinean border we had another 15 k's or so dirt and gravel, only to arrive on some of the best bitumen I've ever experienced, period! Amazing curvy roads that motorcyclists dream about. Only slight issue was that it got dark towards the last 100 k's into Bariloche (not so good with a dark tint visor...)  So this arvo we're going back to ride some of it again and also the Seven Lakes Drive, check back for more pics and video on the way.

The dogs are some new friends we've made here at Bariloche, they know how to turn on the cuteness, just like Cash.

Much love to all xoxo

Some pics for your viewing pleasure

We'll start this post with an oh 'so romantic' pic of us in front of the volcano in Pucon at sunset...ahhh... absolutely glorious. A nice relaxing evening before we head off for Bariloche in Argentina.  Our first boarding crossing which we have been told can be slow and tedious. xoxo

The damage

Here you go Mum, photographic evidence of my topple injury.  Nothing to worry about, just a bruise!  But a goodie.  Hopefully my first and last one... although my bum is still a bit sore after yesterday's marathon ride.

Pucon

We got to Pucon last night, and wow what an amazing place. A massive volcano all covered in snow towers over the town. Pretty special.

Had our first day on the bikes today with a half day ride to get used to them. They are pretty damn hot bikes! Really easy to ride...most of the time. Cate had her first spill at very low speed. Think gravel but large pebbles the bikes slide around on. Mainly her ego bruised but we will post evidence once the bruise comes up nicely...it´ll be a goodie!

Cate was a bit disappointed being the only chick on the tour and the only rider to tumble...but hey, Ewen dropped his bike quite a few times on Long Way Round so I am sure there will be a few more. Particularly as part of this mornings ride was to orientate ourselves with the bikes, but also with dirt and gravel roads.

Soaked ourselves in natural hot springs in the afternoon in readiness for our first border crossing into Argentina tomorrow. Exciting stuff. I would use an exclamation mark if I new how to with this keyboard. :-?

Av. Libertador Bdo O'Higgins, Santiago

Av. Libertador Bdo O'Higgins, Santiago, originally uploaded by simonthepom.

This is the view from our hotel room. There's been protests everyday, unions demanding pay rises, 14.5% they want... So it's been less than quiet with the protestors blowing whistles constantly all day, must work for I suppose.

Tomorrow morning we leave for Pucon, a 10 hour bus ride south of Santiago. We are so ready to get out of the city and start riding through the Andes and then Patagonia in about a week.

Here we are in Santiago

After quite a long flight, we've arrived in Santiago de Chile. We now have 3 days here before leaving for Pucon to jump on the bikes.

Santiago is really nice, much like Europe. We enjoyed a nice dinner with some cracking Chilean wine, yep will be having some more of that!

More exploring tomorrow in very very broken Spanish - which will hopefully improve by the end of the 6 weeks.

Buenos noces!

Simon & Cate