Decision time, something that we are struggling with. We do not
use I-overlander (an app for travelers) or get information from
other sources, just our map. We would love to see some of this park (Vicuna)
and then cross the boarder at a secondary crossing. Our map doesn’t
show any buildings so not sure if we can clear immigration and
customs. Decided to drive
further north to a lake then take the main (fast) road to Putrin and
do some shopping and get some diesel.
The roads have been
great so far. Met a Belgium brother and sister cycling so stopped for
a chat. Walter has cycled up form Porte Natales. His sister Anna
joined him for a time. Walter has cycled the west coast of Africa
also. He said the African people made that trip for him.
We stopped at a
little hut which housed a pool of hot spring water, but didn't have
time for a dip.Came to a small village which had the aqueduct run down the middle of the road! A first for us.
At 4560m altitude the lake is the 10th highest in South America and 26th highest in the world. We arrived at the lake and main road to slot in behind a long line of trucks. But cars and mini buses were wizzing past to the front of the queue. With the binoculars we could make out that they were stopped for road works. 30 minutes later when the road was open, the first 15 trucks went, but the ones in front of us did not. We decided to pass the trucks and found out they were awaiting a weigh bridge. A very long section of road works and at the other end 101 trucks waiting to come through the other way!!
Did a quick shop at
two little corner stores and bought 30lt of diesel out of jerry cans
at twice the price.
The hill I had
picked out for the night worked well. We sat in a saddle at 3700m a
little higher than we wanted but should be ok.