The Hitchhiker's Guide to Patagonia

Flexibility is a good thing. Especially when you realize you don't want to drive another kilometer on gravel. After our trip North, our little KIA was rather despised for its lack of shocks and persistant carb and gas tank problems. However, surprising everyone, the little car made it almost 3000 km over some of the most rugged terrain in the world and never broke down once. Now, in Coyhaique, we decided to say goodbye to our not-so-dear little car and continue by foot, which really means via hitch hiking and bus.

Because we had a surplus of gear that is not so light, we decided to try and sell some of it. When we were unsuccessful finding a used gear shop, I suggested we lay out our wares in the plaza. The response was better than we ever expected. The gear sold at the cost of new gear in the states and we were able to slim down to a manageable load.

We also decided to change up the travel arrangements a bit. When Mike and I expressed doubts about reaching Peru, Steph decided to break off and bus strait up to Lima. Mike and I will continue North at a slower pace, with some white water rafting and mountaineering in the near future.

To catch a bus, Steph and I left Mike in Coyhaique to finish his laundry and hitch hiked 5 hours north to the cross roads community of La Junta. We had great success finding a ride and we had a great view of the senery on the way to our destination.

The climate has changed drastically since leaving Argentina. The dry pampas has turned into a lush, dense rainforest, hanging off sheer granite cliffs and clogging claustrophobic canyons. Winding, muddy roads replaced the rocky, straight roads of La Cuarenta and riding in a truck with proper shocks was glorious.

The second ride we had was truly an experience. The Chilean was an off duty Carabinero (Chilean police), who was driving to his residence in La Junta. Half way through the trip we stopped on the side of the road and pulled an assortment of small trees from the ground. He explained he needed them for his garden and we stopped once more to ensure we had enough. He also offered us homemade bread with cheese and peach juice. The juice here is delicious! So many varieties and they are all at least 50% fruit juice. We arrived in La Junta late last night and our driver took us strait to a campsite he knew.

Steph left early in the morning and I was stuck hitch hiking back south to meet Mike in Puyuhuapi. I walked 10km before I was picked up, but the rest of the drive only took 30 minutes. Now I'm waiting for Mike at the tourist center. I'm not sure if we will stay long, but from what I hear there is a kayak trip to a hot spring that may be fun...