Jan. 5, 2018
Hi, everyone! It’s the second to last day with the bike today. A sad day in many ways. It’s almost totally over.
This morning left a lot to be desired. I barely slept. It was fairly cold. The cold decided to invite rain. Then wind showed up… with an ax to grind. Wow.
The wind was insane today. I know I said that before, but man… unbelievable. It never relented all morning. As another added difference it was coming from the left now! Mostly because I was winding my way north instead of south.
Incidentally, today would send me nearly as far north as El Calafate, but on the Chilean side of things.
Because of the wind, and rain I took NO pictures all morning. I wanted to. The rolling hills were covered in wildflowers. The trees had moss in them. In some spots a solitary tree watched over the fields. So beautiful. Sort of haunting in a few spots. At least I got to see it, even if I can’t share.
Getting to Puerto Natales for fuel was an absolute slog. So much work to stay on the road. However, I did ride with another guy for a few hours. We chatted at the gas station. Another Brazilian. We rode for about fifteen minutes after fuel as well before parting ways.
The first shot below was taken in Puerto Natales, but I’m not totally sure what lake it is. I’m staying there tomorrow so I’ll find out.
As one heads north in Chile the scenery turns back to amazing as mountains rise out of nowhere.
The road I needed was closed, so a detour it was. I headed out more gravel roads towards Parque Nacional Torres del Paine.
There are some caves not too far along that are part of a national monument, the biggest cave is the Cueva del Milodon. You can pay to hike out, but I wasn’t feeling up to it. I did read some signs and things. Seemed alright.
As you go the scenery just gets more and more amazing. At one point I yelled “come on!” It seriously doesn’t stop. At times it makes riding hard because you’re staring at everything but the road.
I took my time reaching my hotel, which is basically IN the park. In it. Down in a valley. It’s unreal. Absolutely unreal.
The road to access the area rises above first and you can see the whole valley laid out in front of you. I sat on the edge of the cliff and just started at everything for a good 30 minutes or more (the video is from up there). Breathtaking. Nearly literally.
It’s hard to believe you can actually stay in a place like this. Everywhere you look you’re blown over. It’s insane. I love it.
I also noticed they’re cooking some lambs. I’m very much looking forward to that. So hungry! Only 45 minutes until dinner starts.
Gonna go wander outside in spite of the cold. Can’t get enough of be views.
-Ryan
P.S. great WiFi for being in the middle of nowhere!
Ryan Cavalier 