Day 218 – Rio Grande, Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile
March 30, 2011 9 Comments
Day 218 – Rio Grande, Argentina to Puerto Natales, Chile 03/27/11 Mileage: 348
It was below freezing overnight and there was a lot of frost on the bike cover this morning. Last night Collin and Derek rolled into the hostal unexpectedly after having suffered yet another flat! They had hoped to get much farther but had to hold up in Rio Grande because of all the time it took to fix the flats.
In addition to the 3 KLR’s, there were two local Argentinians on an Africa Twin and a KTM 990A at the hostal tha night…
Well, the upside is we got to chat more and we also road together this morning until parting ways.
It’s a KLR covention…above at the Argentina border and waiting for the ferry to cross the Straits of Magellan below…
They were heading due north for Rio Gallegos and I was turning west to Puerto Natales and the Parque Nacional Torres del Paine. The wind was strong but manageable in the morning but got brutal in the afternoon. At least by then the road was paved so it was more frustrating than dangerous.
The strong westerly wind also severely cut into my mileage…and I ran both my main and reserve tanks dry 23 miles short of my planned fuel stop. Luckily I carry two extra gallons strapped to my passenger footpegs for just such an occasion. All gassed up I continued pushing ahead into the wind all the way to Puerto Natales where I got a room for the night. The hostal had a dodgy vibe, but the price was right at $10. Tomorrow it’s off to the Torres del Paine…which will be amazing to see if the weather cooperates…
From Deadhorse Down 
Great catching up last night. When I read the blog, I think of the little old lady in Bolivia who sold you the two plastic containers that you use for the extra gas. That sure was a good move on your part.
Now I know why Melinda didn’t answer my e-mail……she probably never got it…….. Hi Melinda, I will write again to her tonight or tomorrow.
Lenny, safe and easy riding. Love ya, Mom
Yeah…those 80 cent gas cans are the best 80 cents I ever spent! lol
Ah, you are better on the computer on your bike, than I am at my house.
I wanted to write a few days ago, how envy I am for your photos. /It did not go trough./
I have to admit I enjoy them as much as my own scuba diving photos.
And trust me, that is a big appreciation. I hope, we shell see a book of your story
on the best seller list.
So, just be safe enjoy your trip and do not think about the jobs, a good best seller
can pay You for the next travel..
Attila
Thanks so much Attila, I appreciate it!
Glad to see that you are on your way to Uruguay. I check every hour or so when I am home to see if you are moving. The tracker and blog are great.
Drive safe and be well and may the wind be at your back. Does that sound good??. Love, Mom
Sorry, I am rushing you by saying you are on your way to Uruguay………Buenes Aires is first.. Love ya,Mom
Ha…lol…yeah, Buenos Aires first…. 🙂
You sure covered alot of roadway in 4 days. Glad you are going to get to relax for a few days and hopefully you will get the Visa easily. Buenos Aires is supposed to be really a great place.
Be safe and well. Love ya, Mom
That’s was 4 long days in the saddle for sure….glad to have a few days off… 🙂