Meandering Mukluks: Bed Frame Building, Dog Stealing, and Car Trouble

Morning at Punta Lobos, Pichilemu

Hola from Pichilemu! We arrived in the Chile's surf town three days ago and are very happy to have some space to roam. I thought Iain was going to lose his mind if we stayed any longer in Santiago. The traffic was starting to really get to us and it was almost impossible to get one task or errand done without running into several obstacles. Everyone seems to have an answer to any question (regardless of whether they actually know or not), and we consistently get several different answers. The lesson learned is to never take anything said the first time to be the truth, and ask at least three people the same question because you are generally bound to get a more accurate understanding of what is going on. For example, we tried to find a winch control which turned into an entire three day process. After we went to a large automotive service station and parts store, we were told that no, they didn't have the control. Iain asked several people there if they did or did not have the part. One guy told us to go the the mall (really? the mall sells specialized car parts.. hmmmm) and another told us to check out a website for used parts... whatever. No winch and a day of running around.

Iain's First Surf

Iain got a surf in yesterday out front of our Cabana, and reported the water is cold. Not as cold as the lake surf, but I have seen hoods on, and booties worn by most. the waves (olas) were not treating him well... but it was nice to see him in his element and making use out of his new wetsuit.

Building Has Begun

We started to build the bed frame yesterday which was awesome! The first night here we camped and now we are staying in a great cabana with a kitchen and living room and bathroom all for the same price of our hostel room in Santiago. It is low season here and things are fairly quiet in the town right now and will be for about another month. It worked out fairly well... except that our Trooper is back in the shop with another mechanic. This time it's the 4x4 and the idle being fixed. I am starting to question whether or not this vehicle was the smartest purchase, but so far the repairs haven't been too expensive. We will find out tonight when we go to pick the beast up: was it 3500 or 350.000 pesos? Ah, the language barrier--numbers are really hard. We are looking at just the small difference of between $75 or $750.

Today I tried to steal a dog. It ran across the road, and I'm sure I heard him bark, "Take me home to the Yukon!" How perfect--a husky-ish South American pup ready to join in on the fun. I will not lie, I am waiting for the right dog to accompany us, but Iain maintains that the dog must find us. I've been researching the government requirements needed to import. seems like a lot of work, but so has this car...This dog seemed totally game to come with us and Iain was the one that suggested that we keep him. I was already trying to find a vet to take it too, when a little 4-year-old opened his gate and stood there pointing at us with his lower lip sticking out, fighting back tears.