Reply came back that said Eric had just rung and the container would be open at 12 so Mario was coming to pick us up.
A fast 40 min drive up the hill(towards Santiago) to Placilla de Penuelas to meet Eric.
We did not have our safety boots and the office only had two pairs, so Mario and I in boots, hard hat and safety vest, went into the yards to find the container. Upon arrival the container was open and the last of the nailed down pieces of wood were being removed(they were to stop the vehicle moving sideways).
All four guys were a bit concerned how to get into EC There was no room to walk down the side of her. I took the keys and my phone, crawled under EC up over the bull bar and in the drivers window. With flashlight I found my way to the fuse cupboard and switched the batteries back on.
She started straight away and was reversed out to be parked, locked and left. - More waiting ?
Back
to the office. Paper work needed to be taken to customs near the port
which closed at 2 for siesta time. A very quick trip back down to the
port. John had wisely opted to travel with Eric and a seat belt!
The
thought, for the customs, was we would put the paper work in and pick
it up at 4 if necessary. But no, they outdid themselves and we walked
out with the paper work. Yes! Back up to the container this time via
Mario's house so he could get boots, then to Eric’s house so he could
grab another hard-hat to enable us all access to the restricted area.
Wasn’t
to be, they had no shoes available so I put on Eric's Wife's shoes,
which were a little small but they would do, but John had to wait again.
The customs agent had a little English and a daughter in Perth so there was a connection.
Off we went again to EC this time for the inspection he checked the Vin number and looked in the cab. I opened her up and raised the roof and in he went. Looked in a few drawers and asked if we had any wooden things. Yes I replied, outside. The levelling blocks were of no interest and he left.
EC was locked and left again. More waiting?
Back to the office and payment to make. $120 paid and she was cleared. Eric and I walked back to EC and drove her out the gate. Yippee our holiday could begin!!
John got into the drivers seat and we went to a shopping centre for lunch.
Eric
and Mario left and we did a more relaxed shop together as it was a more
relaxed area and EC was in the car park not on the street.
By
that time we realized we would not get out of town before dark so
decided to stay outside Mario's apartment. After a cautious drive into
town we packed up the apartment and drove out to Mario's place. Parked,
had a cup of tea with Mario and his mother, then to bed. I was pretty
stuffed..
We both had a good sleep even though the “campsite” was not up to our usual standard. But safety was more the issue.