We are entering what many consider the true Patagonian region. In fact, when we depart this lodge we are just few hundred clicks from where the extreme clothing founder of North Face, died of hypothermia after his kayak capsized a few years back. The lake we have followed for the majority of the day today which is the 11th deepest lake in the world at 586M.
The color of the lake is owed to not only to cold waters, but also an artifact of glacier activity. As the glacier melts, it leaves stone particles in the lake silt which then reflect the blue-green color. What is more remarkable that if this location was closer the to populated world, every inch of the landscape would certainly be infested with million dollar condos.
The color of the lake is owed to not only to cold waters, but also an artifact of glacier activity. As the glacier melts, it leaves stone particles in the lake silt which then reflect the blue-green color. What is more remarkable that if this location was closer the to populated world, every inch of the landscape would certainly be infested with million dollar condos.
Our weather routine is becoming ingrained. We will mount up in the morning under the banner of rain sizzle. The when we are 30 clicks from the end of the day, the sun will follow us in. Only to allowing enough time for the rain to catch up as we unload the bikes again.
We are beginning to notice huge changes in the rocks. While they are still very tall and jagged, now the rock is wonderfully colored with wide bands of reds, greens and grey colors.
We are beginning to notice huge changes in the rocks. While they are still very tall and jagged, now the rock is wonderfully colored with wide bands of reds, greens and grey colors.
Goat with funny fur coats. Why they don't get hit and killed on the road is beyond me.
These purple flowers have popped in and out of adventure for days now. Today however, they have been flourishing. The best I can tell they need 3 parts wind, 2 parts rocky soil and 1 part moisture
Ever feel like you are not alone way out here?
In a few short years, the last stretch of the dirt road will be paved. In fact, they close the road every day from 13-1600 for rock blasting. We do get an incredible giggle as we navigate this section. We approach a man with a sign, red circle with a white outline. And the word "Para". Given our excellent mastery of the Spanish language, we deduce that red is bad and we elect to stop.
The next vehicle construction vehicle has female driver wearing a construction vest and the word "Inspecion" emblazoned on the back of it. Soon enough, this red Toyota truck decides that he is just going to go around us and the above mentioned "Para" sign.
They say that communication is 80% body language. The Inspecion female jumps out and trots up to the driver of the red truck. She commences to wildly point to the "Para" sign and look otherwise aggravated at Mr. Red Truck. Bruce has very good commentary he chats along with in our comms. With that, we are given the Green Circle "Siga" sign and proceed through the next 20 miles of construction. Mr. Red Truck was given a bit of an adult time out, and now is relegated to the back of the 5-7 cars.
The next vehicle construction vehicle has female driver wearing a construction vest and the word "Inspecion" emblazoned on the back of it. Soon enough, this red Toyota truck decides that he is just going to go around us and the above mentioned "Para" sign.
They say that communication is 80% body language. The Inspecion female jumps out and trots up to the driver of the red truck. She commences to wildly point to the "Para" sign and look otherwise aggravated at Mr. Red Truck. Bruce has very good commentary he chats along with in our comms. With that, we are given the Green Circle "Siga" sign and proceed through the next 20 miles of construction. Mr. Red Truck was given a bit of an adult time out, and now is relegated to the back of the 5-7 cars.
We've been on the road for a week now, and the bikes are starting to feel like home. My CB500X is a very capable bike for this ride, with two very noticeable glitches. The first issue for the life of me, Bruce has become my automatic kickstand retractor. Just an odd combination of my leg length and the bike saddle girth. Also, the bike certainly carries it's center of mass up much higher than I am used to.
The Africa Twin however has been getting accolades because it makes "cool noises". However, wheelie pulling machine it is not. I have giggled a bit as Bruce explored the off-road settings, especially the one with the overzealous traction control that cuts all his power as he attempted to power through some washboards. *snicker*
The Africa Twin however has been getting accolades because it makes "cool noises". However, wheelie pulling machine it is not. I have giggled a bit as Bruce explored the off-road settings, especially the one with the overzealous traction control that cuts all his power as he attempted to power through some washboards. *snicker*
An ode to Canada. This section of high speed gravel certainly brings back excellent memories! The road surface is superb, nicely packed and no dust
Living north of an active bridge in Maryland, we know that the traffic conditions can change instantly. So, on holiday weekends we normally don't stop for dinner on the far side of the bridge. The same with intuition, we don't stop at the recommended lunch stop, but rather the next town. We find this nice hole in the wall place and get salmon. And now that we know that salmon is cheap and plentiful since it farmed just a bit up the road, it is certain to be on every meal from here on out. Reminds me of when Bruce was in Afghanistan traveling and hit the 'surf and turf' menu for days on end. He refused to eat either for months after coming home.
The only thing maddening about lunch was the group of 12 or so backpackers. They were trying to split the bill like 26 ways using only pennies. Needless to say, they were there a lot longer than necessary to figure out that mathematical mess.
The only thing maddening about lunch was the group of 12 or so backpackers. They were trying to split the bill like 26 ways using only pennies. Needless to say, they were there a lot longer than necessary to figure out that mathematical mess.
No doubt, I see how easily one makes riding a moto a full-time obsession and returning only to see everything in their name to follow the pursuit of happiness. Soon enough though...soon enough.
For now, these will be our casa for the next 36 hours. There is a slight advantage to being a bit on the shoulder season, the tour company was able to get us some top notch reservations. A few days ago, we were talking to gent and he said we should stop at Terra Luna lodge, it was the best in the region. He wasn't kidding.
For now, these will be our casa for the next 36 hours. There is a slight advantage to being a bit on the shoulder season, the tour company was able to get us some top notch reservations. A few days ago, we were talking to gent and he said we should stop at Terra Luna lodge, it was the best in the region. He wasn't kidding.
A view to die for to boot! Can even hear the waves crashing in. However, it's 945pm and the sun is just now dropping behind the horizon. Crazy long days!
