Before I start talking about Chile, I want to thank all of you who send me comments and messages. I generally haven’t been able to respond individually due to intermittent and limited data service, lack of time, or just plain fatigue. But I always read them with great pleasure and appreciate your insights and clever quips. So thank you…you help me keep going on the tough days ( and there have been quite a lot of them 😅).
We are well into Chile now having just completed six straight riding days. Once again the riding has been tough with headwinds, some difficult roads, and lots of climbing. On the brighter side we have been blessed with abundant sunshine, no rainy days, and wonderfully varied scenery. We’ve seen the Chilean side of the Andes, fertile valleys with vineyards, orchards and lush farms…all with backdrops of mountains and hills. We made it to the Pacific ocean (therefore crossed the continent albeit at a relative narrow spot). We rode along the coast with quaint fishing villages, major ports, surfers and sand dunes. The next section takes us into a region called the Lake District renowned for its beauty and tourism.
Chile has also been interesting in the social and economic contrasts that can be fairly stark. For example, riding along the coast a couple of days ago I passed a beautiful modern beach house perched over a spectacular view of the Pacific with a Land Rover parked out front. On the other side of the road, a couple were out plowing their field with a pair of oxen while their neighbor plowed with a hearty work horse. Two very different worlds, one location. I didn’t feel it was right to stop and take their photo but the images are firmly in my mind.
Heading out again tomorrow. I haven’t been very good about stopping for photos on these long days so am grateful that fellow riders have allowed me to include some of theirs.
Here we go…
oldfolkswithbikes 
I’m loving riding along with you on this wonderful adventure. You are a champion. So glad you’re able to be there, be healthy and enjoying the ride. It sounds challenging at times but I think that’s the part you love!!! The mountains look daunting but spectacular. The scenery is magnificent and I’m sure meeting people along the way is an extra gift.
All is well here. I’m busy getting ready for a Bunco fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday we’re heading to Ocean Shores to take a toy hauler to Dan’s sister and brother-in-law who just moved from Montana to the coast.
We’re giong to have our first freeze tomorrow so I’ve been picking the last of the Sungold tomatoes for a scrumptuous pasta dish.
Can’t wait for the next installment.
Sending big hugs and encouragement for the next part…
helene
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Another great blog
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I am so glad that you have the mountains behind you, in spite of your love for climbing. The coast looks beautiful, inviting for the likes of me. Enjoy. Much love, Jutta
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Rest assured Barb we really appreciate your efforts to share with us some of your experiences and insights. No need to respond to our comments.
I can empathise with the effort and discipline involved to do the blog – it benefits us now and will be a great record for you in the future.
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looks beautiful as does the weather!
We had dinner with Jim last night, was good to see him.
We look forward to seeing you in December
Enjoy!
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Barb… every time I see the post from you, I zoom right in! It is by far my most enjoyable email I ever receive!!
I tell my friends that I have learned the world geography, virtually, through you. Thanks for broadening my horizons! Love you!
Jan
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Stunning photos. The flowers are amazing. Thank you for sharing – just what’s needed to brighten up dismal autumn days here.
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Those are great pictures! looks like beautiful scenery to enjoy while your quads get ultra buff fighting those head winds!
Christine
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