Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Back Home
I received an email from Aerostich Rider Wearhouse in Delouth, MN. today. The email contained an interesting video of what it's like to ride through southern South America near Tierra Del Fuego. Two years ago I rode alone to the most southern city on Earth, the city of Ushuaia in Tierra Del Fuego and one of the more lasting memories of that trip was the five days spent riding in the 50 and 60 mile an hour cross winds in southern Argentina. Watch this video. Go to FULL SCREEN!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Lunch On The Pacific Ocean
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| All of us on the Pacific Ocean in Matanza, Chile |
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| Guillermo, Luciano and myself |
Sun. Feb. 20
On Sunday, I was up early and on my way out of Santiago at 8:00am on the bike heading for the Pacific Ocean town of Algarrobo, Chile an hour and a half away. I was invited by Guillermo and Luis to lunch in the ocean side town of La Boca. I left the bike in Algarrobo at Luis’ condo and we drove his car to La Boca along with his family to meet up with Guillermo and his family. After a very enjoyable meal with good friends we all drove to the nearby beach of Matanza to watch the surfers and enjoy the ocean air.
At about 10:30pm I headed back to Santiago fighting all the returning traffic all the way back.
Monday, February 21, 2011
El Rancho Del Che
My steak sizzling on the grill
Sat. Feb. 19
A few years ago I discovered a new restaurant on the outskirts of Santiago called “El Rancho Del Che” http://www.cajondelmaipo.com/el_rancho_del_che.php were you can sit and enjoy some of the best hospitality and some of the best Argentine beef around. Rita Soto, the owner, greeted me with open arms as she remembered me from visits to her restaurant in past years as did some of the rest of the staff that has been there for years. After another very enjoyable meal I spent some time outside by the open pit grill chatting with a few of the staff who I've known now for a few years.
Some of the staff
Sat. Feb. 19
A few years ago I discovered a new restaurant on the outskirts of Santiago called “El Rancho Del Che” http://www.cajondelmaipo.com/el_rancho_del_che.php were you can sit and enjoy some of the best hospitality and some of the best Argentine beef around. Rita Soto, the owner, greeted me with open arms as she remembered me from visits to her restaurant in past years as did some of the rest of the staff that has been there for years. After another very enjoyable meal I spent some time outside by the open pit grill chatting with a few of the staff who I've known now for a few years.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Lunch In The Best Place Around
El Chiringuito Restaurant
Mon. Feb. 14
Today I treated myself to lunch at El Chiringuito. What is a Chiringuito you might ask? Well, probably the best restaurant in the most spectacular location you will ever experience. El Chiringuito is located on the Pacific Ocean in the town of Zapallar, Chile. When I say it’s on the Pacific, I don’t mean it’s near the Pacific, I mean it’s ON the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant is actually built on the rocks that surround the bay of Zapallar. If you dine outside, you will share your table with the seagulls quite literally. It has to be the most beautiful location for a restaurant that I have ever seen. The food there is great as well as the drink, and if you like seafood, you’re in the right place. Sharon tells me the fish is to die for, and I take her word for it because I don’t eat fish or any kind of seafood but of course, you are in Chile. Chile is famous for it’s seafood! Zapallar is a three hour bike ride from Santiago, and well worth the trip!
Fisherman's Bay
Zapallar coastline
Mon. Feb. 14
Today I treated myself to lunch at El Chiringuito. What is a Chiringuito you might ask? Well, probably the best restaurant in the most spectacular location you will ever experience. El Chiringuito is located on the Pacific Ocean in the town of Zapallar, Chile. When I say it’s on the Pacific, I don’t mean it’s near the Pacific, I mean it’s ON the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant is actually built on the rocks that surround the bay of Zapallar. If you dine outside, you will share your table with the seagulls quite literally. It has to be the most beautiful location for a restaurant that I have ever seen. The food there is great as well as the drink, and if you like seafood, you’re in the right place. Sharon tells me the fish is to die for, and I take her word for it because I don’t eat fish or any kind of seafood but of course, you are in Chile. Chile is famous for it’s seafood! Zapallar is a three hour bike ride from Santiago, and well worth the trip!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Back to Chile
Crossing the border into Chile
Sat. Feb. 5
Part of the group headed back to Chile on Friday, and the rest of us stayed until Saturday before retuning. Guillermo and Veronica, Luis and Miriam and myself left Mendoza at 10:00 on Saturday and headed to the border. The ride was beautiful with a cloudless sky and warm temperature until we approached the summit of the Andes Mountains where there was a marked drop in temperature for a while.
The border crossing at Paso Libertadores has been simplified as promised by President Piñera of Chile and didn’t take nearly as long as it used to. Seems like the road construction delay took longer. Once over the Andes in Chile, we stopped for a break and refueled the bikes and had something to drink before heading to Santiago, arriving at about four in the afternoon. And so ends one of the best trips ever.
Sat. Feb. 5
Part of the group headed back to Chile on Friday, and the rest of us stayed until Saturday before retuning. Guillermo and Veronica, Luis and Miriam and myself left Mendoza at 10:00 on Saturday and headed to the border. The ride was beautiful with a cloudless sky and warm temperature until we approached the summit of the Andes Mountains where there was a marked drop in temperature for a while.
The border crossing at Paso Libertadores has been simplified as promised by President Piñera of Chile and didn’t take nearly as long as it used to. Seems like the road construction delay took longer. Once over the Andes in Chile, we stopped for a break and refueled the bikes and had something to drink before heading to Santiago, arriving at about four in the afternoon. And so ends one of the best trips ever.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Last Farewell
Some of the invited guests, Eduardo is at the head of the table
Eduardo's good friend Ernesto (Ayyyh Nooo Jodaissss)
Arrived in Mendoza, Argentina around one or two in the afternoon. Once settled in, I headed straight for the pool on the roof to take in some sun. The problem with riding a motorcycle all over South America is that you always have a helmet on, so your face never gets a tan. Come hell or high water, I’m going back with a tan!
Enough of that. After my time in the sun, I went back to the room to get ready for the cook out that we have all been invited to this evening. We left in two taxis at around eight in the evening and headed to Eduardo’s house a few miles away. He lives in a beautiful gated community with high security. The house is something to see, absolutely beautiful with a pool and a large terrace on the second floor.
Now, let’s talk about the meal. There was more meat than I have ever seen in one place unless it was still walking, there was wine, beer, soft drinks, whatever you desired. At the table there were fourteen of us total, and the smoked steak and sausage just kept coming, all cooked outside on a built in charcoal fired grill typical of Argentina. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Eduardo's good friend Ernesto (Ayyyh Nooo Jodaissss)
Arrived in Mendoza, Argentina around one or two in the afternoon. Once settled in, I headed straight for the pool on the roof to take in some sun. The problem with riding a motorcycle all over South America is that you always have a helmet on, so your face never gets a tan. Come hell or high water, I’m going back with a tan!
Enough of that. After my time in the sun, I went back to the room to get ready for the cook out that we have all been invited to this evening. We left in two taxis at around eight in the evening and headed to Eduardo’s house a few miles away. He lives in a beautiful gated community with high security. The house is something to see, absolutely beautiful with a pool and a large terrace on the second floor.
Now, let’s talk about the meal. There was more meat than I have ever seen in one place unless it was still walking, there was wine, beer, soft drinks, whatever you desired. At the table there were fourteen of us total, and the smoked steak and sausage just kept coming, all cooked outside on a built in charcoal fired grill typical of Argentina. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
A Day Of Rest In San Rafael, Argentina
Talking motorcycles with the Police in San Rafael, Argentina
Thu. Feb. 3
An extra day in San Rafael, Argentina is just what we needed after being in the road for so many days. A soak in the hotel pool, a beer or two at the sidewalk pub next door, an ice cream cone from across the street, just a walk around town, these little things have left us all a bit more relaxed and this morning we will leave for Mendoza, Argentina and our last official stop in Argentina before returning to Santiago, Chile via the Paso Liberadores (Liberator Pass) over the Andes Mountains. One last “Going Away” party awaits us at the house of Eduardo, in Mendoza this evening. He has graciously invited us all to one last blast at his home, a cookout (Asado) Argentina style, and I’m ready for that. So far, this trip has been an unforgettable experience with some very good friends, that’s what life’s all about!
Thu. Feb. 3
An extra day in San Rafael, Argentina is just what we needed after being in the road for so many days. A soak in the hotel pool, a beer or two at the sidewalk pub next door, an ice cream cone from across the street, just a walk around town, these little things have left us all a bit more relaxed and this morning we will leave for Mendoza, Argentina and our last official stop in Argentina before returning to Santiago, Chile via the Paso Liberadores (Liberator Pass) over the Andes Mountains. One last “Going Away” party awaits us at the house of Eduardo, in Mendoza this evening. He has graciously invited us all to one last blast at his home, a cookout (Asado) Argentina style, and I’m ready for that. So far, this trip has been an unforgettable experience with some very good friends, that’s what life’s all about!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Neuquen to San Rafael, Argentina
The long haul to San Rafael, Argentina
My very good friend Guillermo
Lunch stop after a tough ride
Tue. Feb. 1, 2011
The plan was to leave Neuquen, Argentina at 9:00am and head to San Rafael, Argentina, but the two friends from Mendoza showed up about an hour late, so we left Neuquen sometime around 10:00 instead. The beginning of the ride was pleasant, but the farther north we went, the warmer it became. A few hours into the ride we encountered high winds and blowing dust that at least twice left us in a cloud of dust that you couldn’t see where you were going, zero visibility.
Extremely dangerous! Immediately I thought of my friend Vaughn Pembroke back home, who last year encountered a similar circumstance, but wasn’t so lucky. He and a friend were in Utah in a freak dust storm, when a car crossed the center line and struck both of them when they stopped on the shoulder of the road due to the fact they could not see to drive. Vaughn was unfortunately left paralyzed from the waist down due to his injuries. Vaughn’s friend Ron was badly injured, but recovered.
The ride was very exhausting and we were all glad to make it to the hotel in San Rafael to relax and soak in the pool.
My very good friend Guillermo
Lunch stop after a tough ride
Tue. Feb. 1, 2011
The plan was to leave Neuquen, Argentina at 9:00am and head to San Rafael, Argentina, but the two friends from Mendoza showed up about an hour late, so we left Neuquen sometime around 10:00 instead. The beginning of the ride was pleasant, but the farther north we went, the warmer it became. A few hours into the ride we encountered high winds and blowing dust that at least twice left us in a cloud of dust that you couldn’t see where you were going, zero visibility.
Extremely dangerous! Immediately I thought of my friend Vaughn Pembroke back home, who last year encountered a similar circumstance, but wasn’t so lucky. He and a friend were in Utah in a freak dust storm, when a car crossed the center line and struck both of them when they stopped on the shoulder of the road due to the fact they could not see to drive. Vaughn was unfortunately left paralyzed from the waist down due to his injuries. Vaughn’s friend Ron was badly injured, but recovered.
The ride was very exhausting and we were all glad to make it to the hotel in San Rafael to relax and soak in the pool.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Latest Update
Sharon's bracelet from the craft fair in El Bolson, Argentina
Plaza in El Bolson
One of the locals from Villa El Chocon, Argentina
The group
On the way to Neuquen
Tue. Feb. 1, 2011
On Sunday morning the group of seven bikes left San Carlos de Bariloche and headed south for a day ride to the town of El Bolson. El Bolson is a small town known for its craft fair where local crafts people and artists sell their works in the towns plaza. The ride took approximately an hour and a half. After walking the craft show we all had lunch in a restaurant across from the plaza. Seems Like everywhere we stop, the bikes draw a crowd, and people ask all kinds of questions and want to have their picture taken with them as well. In the late afternoon we headed back to Bariloche, encountering a persistent rainfall most of the way back. The road between Bariloche and El Bolson takes you right down the middle of the Andes Mountains, so the scenery is spectacular and the road has many twists and turns that keep you very focused when riding in the rain.
Monday morning, we left Bariloche to ride to the city of Neuquen about 622 kilometers farther north. The day was bright and sunny, and the farther north we rode, the warmer it became. The scenery reminded me of the south west in the USA.
On the way we stopped at Villa El Chocon where we visited a Hydro Electric Dam, (-39.25436 latitude, -68.78809 longitude) as well as a natural history museum filled with dinosaur skeletons unearthed in the area. The remains of a T Rex were found in the local vicinity. After stopping for lunch we continued to the city of Neuquen were we settled into the hotel before going out for yet another meal before turning in for the night. In the morning we will continue north to the town of San Rafael, a six hour ride north.
Plaza in El Bolson
One of the locals from Villa El Chocon, Argentina
The group
On the way to Neuquen
Tue. Feb. 1, 2011
On Sunday morning the group of seven bikes left San Carlos de Bariloche and headed south for a day ride to the town of El Bolson. El Bolson is a small town known for its craft fair where local crafts people and artists sell their works in the towns plaza. The ride took approximately an hour and a half. After walking the craft show we all had lunch in a restaurant across from the plaza. Seems Like everywhere we stop, the bikes draw a crowd, and people ask all kinds of questions and want to have their picture taken with them as well. In the late afternoon we headed back to Bariloche, encountering a persistent rainfall most of the way back. The road between Bariloche and El Bolson takes you right down the middle of the Andes Mountains, so the scenery is spectacular and the road has many twists and turns that keep you very focused when riding in the rain.
Monday morning, we left Bariloche to ride to the city of Neuquen about 622 kilometers farther north. The day was bright and sunny, and the farther north we rode, the warmer it became. The scenery reminded me of the south west in the USA.
On the way we stopped at Villa El Chocon where we visited a Hydro Electric Dam, (-39.25436 latitude, -68.78809 longitude) as well as a natural history museum filled with dinosaur skeletons unearthed in the area. The remains of a T Rex were found in the local vicinity. After stopping for lunch we continued to the city of Neuquen were we settled into the hotel before going out for yet another meal before turning in for the night. In the morning we will continue north to the town of San Rafael, a six hour ride north.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Having A Great Time With Friends In The Andes
At the gas station in Osorno, Chile
Chile on the left - Argentina on the right
The line waiting to get into Chilean Customs
At the Argentina border check point
Kickin back in Bariloche
Overlooking Lake Nauelhuapi in Bariloche, Argentina
Friday morning, bright and early found us on the way out of Puerto Montt heading north toward Osorno, Chile. It was a chili ride at first, but by the time we reached Osorno, it began warming up. In Osorno we stopped to fuel up all the bikes before heading east toward the Chile - Argentina border. It took about an hour to get through the Chilean border check before heading a few kilometers down the road to the Argentina part of the border crossing. That took a little less. Once the border formalities where done, we continued east on Argentina Route 231 to the beautiful town of Villa La Angostura, where we stopped to have lunch. It’s unbelievably inexpensive to go out to eat here in Argentina, and the meals are great.
After a wonderful lunch we continued toward San Carlos de Bariloche arriving around 4:00pm.
Chile on the left - Argentina on the right
The line waiting to get into Chilean Customs
At the Argentina border check point
Kickin back in Bariloche
Overlooking Lake Nauelhuapi in Bariloche, Argentina
Friday morning, bright and early found us on the way out of Puerto Montt heading north toward Osorno, Chile. It was a chili ride at first, but by the time we reached Osorno, it began warming up. In Osorno we stopped to fuel up all the bikes before heading east toward the Chile - Argentina border. It took about an hour to get through the Chilean border check before heading a few kilometers down the road to the Argentina part of the border crossing. That took a little less. Once the border formalities where done, we continued east on Argentina Route 231 to the beautiful town of Villa La Angostura, where we stopped to have lunch. It’s unbelievably inexpensive to go out to eat here in Argentina, and the meals are great.
After a wonderful lunch we continued toward San Carlos de Bariloche arriving around 4:00pm.
By Popular Request
UPDATE
I've been asked by one of my long time readers, "What happened with the speeding ticket"? Well, as the story goes, Guillermo had his licence overnighted to him by Luis' brother who knows the Judge, so he could enter Argentina with us yesterday. Guillermo's license was waiting for him at the Hotel in Puerto Montt when he returned from the cruise on Thrusday. I got away scott free, and I believe Guillermo had to pay a fine. Case closed!
It's been bretty busy the last few days so I haven't had time to update you on what's been going on lately. I should have some time this afternoon or evening. Stay tuned.
I've been asked by one of my long time readers, "What happened with the speeding ticket"? Well, as the story goes, Guillermo had his licence overnighted to him by Luis' brother who knows the Judge, so he could enter Argentina with us yesterday. Guillermo's license was waiting for him at the Hotel in Puerto Montt when he returned from the cruise on Thrusday. I got away scott free, and I believe Guillermo had to pay a fine. Case closed!
It's been bretty busy the last few days so I haven't had time to update you on what's been going on lately. I should have some time this afternoon or evening. Stay tuned.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Lake Region Of Chile
Yankee Way Lodge at the foot of Volcan Osorno on Lago Llanquihue
Salto Petrohue
Mon. Jan. 24, 2011
The rest of the gang is now enjoying the cruise to Laguna San Rafael in southern Chile. We had a very nice time in Puerto Montt prior to their departure. I left Puerto Montt on Sunday, and made my way north about a half hour to the resort town of Puerto Varas located on the southern shore of lake Llanquihue, pronounced (Yankee-way). From Puerto Varas I followed the south shore road east until I reached Salto de Petrohue. Salto de Petrohue is a very scenic set of waterfalls that are located near where Lake Todos Los Santos empties into the Rio Petrohue. I have tried three times over the years to see this set of waterfalls and each time something kept me from reaching them. This time I made it, and it was worth both the trip and the wait. The pictures of the area should speak for themselves.
After seeing the Falls, I headed back to Puerto Varas and took a room at the Hotel Licarayen on the shore of lake Llanquihue, a hotel that I have stayed at many times before. Looks like I picked the right day to be in Puerto Varas, because across the street from the Hotel was the Festival De La Cerveza, in the plaza. I’m pretty sure most of you know what Cerveza means! If not, it’s BEER! Puerto Varas has a very strong German heritage, and many excellent beers are brewed in that area. At the festival you could find all kinds of beers and German food. The dark beer was my favorite.
I am now in the little town of Entre Lagos on the shore of Lago Puyehue. I plan to tour this area around the lakes until I head back to Puerto Montt to meet the gang on their return from the cruise on Thursday.
Salto Petrohue
Mon. Jan. 24, 2011
The rest of the gang is now enjoying the cruise to Laguna San Rafael in southern Chile. We had a very nice time in Puerto Montt prior to their departure. I left Puerto Montt on Sunday, and made my way north about a half hour to the resort town of Puerto Varas located on the southern shore of lake Llanquihue, pronounced (Yankee-way). From Puerto Varas I followed the south shore road east until I reached Salto de Petrohue. Salto de Petrohue is a very scenic set of waterfalls that are located near where Lake Todos Los Santos empties into the Rio Petrohue. I have tried three times over the years to see this set of waterfalls and each time something kept me from reaching them. This time I made it, and it was worth both the trip and the wait. The pictures of the area should speak for themselves.
After seeing the Falls, I headed back to Puerto Varas and took a room at the Hotel Licarayen on the shore of lake Llanquihue, a hotel that I have stayed at many times before. Looks like I picked the right day to be in Puerto Varas, because across the street from the Hotel was the Festival De La Cerveza, in the plaza. I’m pretty sure most of you know what Cerveza means! If not, it’s BEER! Puerto Varas has a very strong German heritage, and many excellent beers are brewed in that area. At the festival you could find all kinds of beers and German food. The dark beer was my favorite.
I am now in the little town of Entre Lagos on the shore of Lago Puyehue. I plan to tour this area around the lakes until I head back to Puerto Montt to meet the gang on their return from the cruise on Thursday.
Friday, January 21, 2011
License and Registration Please!
Sat. Jan. 22, 2011
I met Luis and his wife Miriam at their house this afternoon around 2:30 and we drove to a gas station where Martin and his wife Maria Ines were waiting for us. After checking tire pressures, we headed south out of Santiago in the hot afternoon sun. We were to meet Guillermo and his wife Veronica at a Copec gas station just south of Rancagua an hour south of Santiago on the Pan American Highway (Rt. 5) at around 3:30pm. When we arrived I found we had picked up another rider that was headed in the same direction and so Guillermo invited him to ride with us. His name is German Larrain, as I later found out at our first fuel stop. He was also riding a BMW R1200GS and as the conversation went on, German stated that he had worked at a company in Rochester, New York called Eastman Kodak Co. You might have heard of it! German spent 20 years at this little Company. He was an Engineer of some kind there. Well, right away we had something in common, he rides a GS and I ride a GS. He spent 20 years at Kodak, and I spent 27 years at Kodak. German also repairs BMW motorcycles in Santiago and has all the high tech equipment needed to do so. I’ll be calling on him!
Later in the afternoon we stopped in Curico to get a quick bite to eat before pushing on to Los Angeles. This is where we said goodbye to German. After passing thru one of the toll plazas, the group became separated when some of us stopped to change into warmer jackets as the evening began to cool. Guillermo and I where the last of the group to leave the toll plaza and as we approached Los Angeles, Guillermo wanted to make up some lost ground and catch up to the rest of the group. We were clipping along at about 135km when off in the distance we spotted some red flashing lights in the darkness. Hmmm, I wonder if those are for us, I thought. Boy, was I right! I don’t mind being right, sometimes, but this wasn’t one of them. Two of Chiles finest motioned us both to the side of the road and told us they had us on laser doing 135 in a 120km area. Well, I handed the Officer my International Drivers License and my New York State drivers license and tried my best to tell him I was from out of the country and here on vacation, bla,bla,bla. At first I thought he was buying it, but I soon found out otherwise when he stated we were both getting tickets for speeding. My friend Guillermo was really laying it on thick, telling the other Officer that he was owner of a large construction firm and that he did work for the municipality at times and so on and so forth. That wasn’t working either! Finally the Officer that was holding my documents had a change of heart, and stated that he was not going to cite the Gringo (Me) but that Guillermo was going to get a ticket. Now, One thing I failed to mention, when you get a ticket here, they take away your license on the spot and you don’t get it back until you have gone to court to settle the fine. Now, remember I mentioned something about going to Argentina in previous posts? If you get a ticket here, you can’t leave the country because you don’t have a license. Argentina won’t allow you into the country without a license. This was going downhill faster than we had!!
Guillermo and the rest of the group are scheduled to depart on a Cruise to southern Chile this coming Sunday for five days, and when they return, we are all going to Argentina. At least that is the plan. While I was counting my lucky stars, Guillermo was still trying to talk the Cop out of a ticket, but it wasn’t working, so Guillermo decided to go at this from another angle. He resigned himself to the fact he was getting a ticket and switched to, how can I get this taken care of and still make the cruise and the trip to Argentina. Well, as it turns out, Luis has a brother in Los Angeles who knows the Judge. See where this is headed?
Anyhow, bright and early tomorrow both Guillermo and Luis’ brother are headed over to see if they can get the Judge to show some leniency so that this will end happily ever after.
To be continued!
The Next Adventure Begins Now
Today starts the next motorcycle adventure. Along with eight other friends, I will be wandering throughout southern Chile and Argentina. We will ride to places such as Puerto Montt, Chile, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina and as far north as Mendoza, Argentina among others before returning to Santiago on Feb. 6.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Siete Tazas National Park
Welcome
Siete Tazas
Bridal Vail Falls
The long road into the Park
-- click on any picture to enlarge --
A three hour motorcycle ride south of Santiago, and an hour east of the town of Molina, is the location of Parque Nacional Siete Tazas. “Siete Tazas” translates to “Seven Cups”. Siete Tazas is a series of waterfalls created by the Rio Claro over thousands of millions of years and comes down from the Andes Mountains forming seven consecutive falls and pools in a narrow gorge.
After the earthquake of Feb. 27, 2010 these falls mysteriously dried up. The earthquake had diverted the water and allowed the water to empty into an underground aquifer.
Fearing the loss of such a natural wonder and tourist attraction, some locals took it upon themselves to repair the breaks in the ground that had diverted the water. Now, almost a year later, the pools are full once again and back to normal.
Siete Tazas
Bridal Vail Falls
The long road into the Park
-- click on any picture to enlarge --
A three hour motorcycle ride south of Santiago, and an hour east of the town of Molina, is the location of Parque Nacional Siete Tazas. “Siete Tazas” translates to “Seven Cups”. Siete Tazas is a series of waterfalls created by the Rio Claro over thousands of millions of years and comes down from the Andes Mountains forming seven consecutive falls and pools in a narrow gorge.
After the earthquake of Feb. 27, 2010 these falls mysteriously dried up. The earthquake had diverted the water and allowed the water to empty into an underground aquifer.
Fearing the loss of such a natural wonder and tourist attraction, some locals took it upon themselves to repair the breaks in the ground that had diverted the water. Now, almost a year later, the pools are full once again and back to normal.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Argentina Comes To Chile
This evening I thought I would treat myself to a special meal, and since I had spied a new restaurant literally half a block from where I’m staying, called “Bariloche”, I thought I would try it. If you have followed any of my previous trips to South America, you've heard the word “Bariloche”. San Carlos de Bariloche or Bariloche as most would refer to it, is a resort town in Argentina just over the Andes Mountains from the southern Chilean town of Osorno, on the shores of lake Nahuel Huapi. Bariloche was settled primarily by Austrians, Germans, Slovenes, Chileans and Italians. To make a long story short, until now, the best meal I have had was in Bariloche. Any ways let’s get back to the restaurant in Santiago. As many of you already know, I have a soft spot for Argentine beef, mostly around my stomach. The beef that comes from Argentina is the best beef in the world, bar none!
As I walked into the “Bariloche Restorante” the first thing I noticed was a strong odor of leather. Argentina is known for its leather products. There was indoor and outdoor seating; I chose to sit indoors so my meal would not become prematurely cold. The indoor seating was all booths, booths lined with suede leather, and place mats made of quarter inch leather. No Happy Meals here! I knew right away, this culinary experience would be special.
The waiter came to the table and asked if I would like something to drink, I ordered a bottle of “Casillero Del Diablo” (Conch Y Toro) Merlot 2009. An excellent wine to accompany the “Bife Chorizo” 500g (Delmonico steak) and the accompanying Mediterranean Salad. The waiter brought bread and garlic butter to the table, and was not shy about keeping my wine glass properly filled.
The salad arrived first, and was accompanied by olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice. About the time I finished the large salad, the meat showed up. The meat arrived in a dish so hot it sizzled. The piece of meat was so thick (2 inches), I cut it down the middle and put it face down in the plate to cook a bit more. It took a while to get through the two halves of meat, but the food was excellent. Cooked to perfection!
Once the meal was finished, I ordered an Espreso. This was as good a meal as I’ve had in any part of South America. Only thing missing was Sharon. Next year for sure!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Meeting New Friends
Taking a break in Olmue
Estancia El Cuadro
Lunch with friends
The group as we were leaving
Luis and his wife on the way back to Santiago
Sat. Jan. 8, 2011
Friday night I was invited to the home of Martin Schneurer and his wife, part of our group that will be riding to Argentinain a couple of weeks. Also invited were two other members of the group, Luis Vergara and his wife. We had a very nice evening talking about the upcoming trip and many other things. We also made plans for a motorcycle ride on Saturday in the direction of the Pacific Ocean.
On Saturday we met at the Copec gas station at 10:00am around the corner from my place, and from there we made our way north out of Santiago on Rt. 5 until we reached the town of Til Til. From Til Til we headed west over the mountains and Cuesta La Dormida until we reached the town of Olmue, where we stopped to take a break.
After resting for about a half hour, we rode south west through the towns of Limache, Villa Alemana until we reaching the outskirts of the ocean resort city of Vina Del Mar. Turning south here, we caught up with Rt. 68, the main route between Santiago and the ocean port city of Valparaiso. Valparaiso is Chile’s most important sea port. We rode Rt. 68 east exiting at the town of Casablanca, where we turned north to a beautiful vineyard tucked far in the northern end of a valley. The vineyard is called “Estancial El Cuadro”, (33°16'2.66"S - 71°17'14.55"W) a very nice place. Here we met up with more friends of Martin and Luis and sat on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards and the horses grazing in the pastures.
After wine and or devours, we were invited into the dining room for a wonderful four course meal full of good conversation and of course, great Chilean wine. One of the wines served was a special white wine made exclusively for guests of the Estancial El Cuadro. It is not sold or exported anywhere and of course was wonderful.
Once the meal was finished, our group visited the Wine Museum on the premises before going outside to take pictures of the beautifully landscaped grounds of the winery, prior to our return to Rt. 68 and the trip into Santiago.
P.S. Amazing that all of this is indirectly the result of me falling off my motorcycle last year!! Life is definitely a trip.
Estancia El Cuadro
Lunch with friends
The group as we were leaving
Luis and his wife on the way back to Santiago
Sat. Jan. 8, 2011
Friday night I was invited to the home of Martin Schneurer and his wife, part of our group that will be riding to Argentinain a couple of weeks. Also invited were two other members of the group, Luis Vergara and his wife. We had a very nice evening talking about the upcoming trip and many other things. We also made plans for a motorcycle ride on Saturday in the direction of the Pacific Ocean.
On Saturday we met at the Copec gas station at 10:00am around the corner from my place, and from there we made our way north out of Santiago on Rt. 5 until we reached the town of Til Til. From Til Til we headed west over the mountains and Cuesta La Dormida until we reached the town of Olmue, where we stopped to take a break.
After resting for about a half hour, we rode south west through the towns of Limache, Villa Alemana until we reaching the outskirts of the ocean resort city of Vina Del Mar. Turning south here, we caught up with Rt. 68, the main route between Santiago and the ocean port city of Valparaiso. Valparaiso is Chile’s most important sea port. We rode Rt. 68 east exiting at the town of Casablanca, where we turned north to a beautiful vineyard tucked far in the northern end of a valley. The vineyard is called “Estancial El Cuadro”, (33°16'2.66"S - 71°17'14.55"W) a very nice place. Here we met up with more friends of Martin and Luis and sat on the outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards and the horses grazing in the pastures.
After wine and or devours, we were invited into the dining room for a wonderful four course meal full of good conversation and of course, great Chilean wine. One of the wines served was a special white wine made exclusively for guests of the Estancial El Cuadro. It is not sold or exported anywhere and of course was wonderful.
Once the meal was finished, our group visited the Wine Museum on the premises before going outside to take pictures of the beautifully landscaped grounds of the winery, prior to our return to Rt. 68 and the trip into Santiago.
P.S. Amazing that all of this is indirectly the result of me falling off my motorcycle last year!! Life is definitely a trip.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tying Up Loose Ends
Three hour vehicle inspection
Wednesday
Jan. 5, 2011
So, first full day in Santiago and the cloudy weather we had yesterday has given way to a gloriously warm sunny sky with not a cloud in it. Yesterday I had a set of crash bars installed on the bike to insure we don’t have a repeat of last year. This morning I went to the DMV to make sure all my bike documents were valid, and all but one passed the test. I already knew that the bike needed to be inspected this year so I took care of that this afternoon. An experience to be sure! It took no less than three hours to get one motorcycle inspected! What a system! First, you have to get into a line of vehicles that snakes out of the inspection facility and up the block. Once off the street and in to the inspection facility, you realize that the long line wasn’t so long after all. In the inspection station, one line now becomes five and you are now in with no less than a hundred other vehicles waiting to be inspected. This reminds me of the border crossings in Argentina! Now, once you get near the actual inspection area, you leave your vehicle and an attendant takes it from there. You go into the building to pay and wait. The only good thing is that by this time your throat thinks it’s been cut, it’s so thirsty. Guess that’s why they have a small convenient store inside. After two cold drinks, they call your name, and you go up to the window where they hand you back your keys and documents and you’re free to go. Fun!
Now the good news, We have a new Applebees right around the corner here in Las Condes, so after the inspection, I took full advantage of the two fer Happy Hour and downed a plate of Boneless Buffalo Wings. They were better than back home!! Just another reason to love it here. "Sumthin Good In The Neighborhood"
Wednesday
Jan. 5, 2011
So, first full day in Santiago and the cloudy weather we had yesterday has given way to a gloriously warm sunny sky with not a cloud in it. Yesterday I had a set of crash bars installed on the bike to insure we don’t have a repeat of last year. This morning I went to the DMV to make sure all my bike documents were valid, and all but one passed the test. I already knew that the bike needed to be inspected this year so I took care of that this afternoon. An experience to be sure! It took no less than three hours to get one motorcycle inspected! What a system! First, you have to get into a line of vehicles that snakes out of the inspection facility and up the block. Once off the street and in to the inspection facility, you realize that the long line wasn’t so long after all. In the inspection station, one line now becomes five and you are now in with no less than a hundred other vehicles waiting to be inspected. This reminds me of the border crossings in Argentina! Now, once you get near the actual inspection area, you leave your vehicle and an attendant takes it from there. You go into the building to pay and wait. The only good thing is that by this time your throat thinks it’s been cut, it’s so thirsty. Guess that’s why they have a small convenient store inside. After two cold drinks, they call your name, and you go up to the window where they hand you back your keys and documents and you’re free to go. Fun!
Now the good news, We have a new Applebees right around the corner here in Las Condes, so after the inspection, I took full advantage of the two fer Happy Hour and downed a plate of Boneless Buffalo Wings. They were better than back home!! Just another reason to love it here. "Sumthin Good In The Neighborhood"
So Close And Yet So Far
Monday
Jan. 3, 2011
This trip to Chile has been an eventful one so far, to say the least! I have never knowingly been in a faulty airplane before, but this time was a first. The Delta Airlines MD-88 left the gate in Buffalo as every previous flight has, and there have been many. That’s where it all ends! As we approached the end of the runway and where cleared for takeoff, we sat at the end of the runway for what seemed like an inordinate length of time. Soon we heard “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain. We seem to have a problem with one of the systems onboard the aircraft and we are talking to maintenance to see what we can do to fix the problem”. Another ten minutes went by and again we hear…From the Flight Deck, it looks like we are going to have to return to the gate so we can get maintenance to try and fix the Deicing system that is not working”. Not what you want to hear on a cold January evening in Buffalo! About an hour later the Captain comes back on the PA system and announces that air traffic control has given special permission for us to takeoff for Atlanta, but we are going to have to fly south at a much lower altitude until we can get away from any clouds that could cause icing. So they loaded extra fuel onboard and off we went, an hour and thirty five minutes late. NOW, remember, I only had a two hour layover in Atlanta and more than an hour and a half is now gone!
By the time I got off the plane in Atlanta, I was panicking! There was no gate ready to pull the plane up to, since the plane was late, and when the plane did come to a stop at the gate, I swear, everyone got out of their seats and just stood in the isle for what seemed like ten minutes. No one moved! I was ready to scream!
Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport is huge, and it takes a lot of time to get from point “A” to point ”B”, and I didn’t have much time. If it wasn’t for the fact that the plane to Santiago was delayed by 20 minutes, I would have missed the plane for sure!
Jan. 3, 2011
This trip to Chile has been an eventful one so far, to say the least! I have never knowingly been in a faulty airplane before, but this time was a first. The Delta Airlines MD-88 left the gate in Buffalo as every previous flight has, and there have been many. That’s where it all ends! As we approached the end of the runway and where cleared for takeoff, we sat at the end of the runway for what seemed like an inordinate length of time. Soon we heard “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain. We seem to have a problem with one of the systems onboard the aircraft and we are talking to maintenance to see what we can do to fix the problem”. Another ten minutes went by and again we hear…From the Flight Deck, it looks like we are going to have to return to the gate so we can get maintenance to try and fix the Deicing system that is not working”. Not what you want to hear on a cold January evening in Buffalo! About an hour later the Captain comes back on the PA system and announces that air traffic control has given special permission for us to takeoff for Atlanta, but we are going to have to fly south at a much lower altitude until we can get away from any clouds that could cause icing. So they loaded extra fuel onboard and off we went, an hour and thirty five minutes late. NOW, remember, I only had a two hour layover in Atlanta and more than an hour and a half is now gone!
By the time I got off the plane in Atlanta, I was panicking! There was no gate ready to pull the plane up to, since the plane was late, and when the plane did come to a stop at the gate, I swear, everyone got out of their seats and just stood in the isle for what seemed like ten minutes. No one moved! I was ready to scream!
Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport is huge, and it takes a lot of time to get from point “A” to point ”B”, and I didn’t have much time. If it wasn’t for the fact that the plane to Santiago was delayed by 20 minutes, I would have missed the plane for sure!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Adventure 2011 Starts Now
This years adventure in South America starts today. Departure time is shortly after 4:00pm today, with a stop in Atlanta, and then a direct flight to Chile.Keep an eye on this site for all my updates.
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