Breakdown, Repair, Play and Repeat

Trooper TLC

The car misadventures continued as we got back to Coyhaqiue after the Glaciar. Check it out: while Iain was parking the car near a mechanic to fix the exhaust pipe that disconnected during the bumpy drive on the way back from Tranquilo, he backed into a tree with gusto.  After not having found a new door Iain managed to fix it using a left-over 2”x4” we happened to have kicking around, a two tone ratchet strap, and some physics. The door was so dented the it wouldn’t even close as first—esthetics were the least of our worries.

Parque Nacional Quelat

Finished with southern Chile and ready to get a move on, our next stop was Parque Nacional Queulat. We stumbled upon this magnificent place while driving through and the weather was cooperative enough for us to hike around for a bit. We climbed into Rio de las Cascades where about six waterfalls surround the valley.  It is always nice to get out and move to break up the driving so we were both happy to get some fresh air that afternoon.  

I spy a Megan

Hot springs to ourselves..

The weather started out grey and turned into pouring rain the next day and this was our first real hard day of rain. The real bummer to the rain was mainly the fact that our cooking setup requires the back door of the trooper to be left open which is definitely not conducive to all weather cooking conditions. The other regret in the rain was not purchasing the single tarp we’d seen on the trip in Coyhaique. A lesson that has taught us if you see something you might need, buy it immediately—you may never see it again. The positive aspect of all the rain was it was an awesome day to go to some natural hot springs.

Nesting

As we attempted to get out of the rain we drove into Argentina again back to El Bolson. We continued on Argentina’s northward bound highways until crossing back into Chile again near Pucon. My main aim here was to 1) eat a fish taco 2) get more eco-friendly conditioner from Siempreverde.The return back to Pucon was better than expected since it was refreshing that we knew area, and could find a good campground to wash laundry and go out for an afternoon of rafting with Politur.

Rafting in Pucon

Every piece of clothing we own

Waiting for this to be repaired

When we were finished in Pucon we drove to Pichilemu in hopes to find me a surf board. We only spent two nights back in the old stomping ground probably because it was insanely busy and very expensive (if anyone tells you Chile is a cheap place to travel don’t believe them).  During our last visit we had a water front Cabana for about $40, while this time around we stayed at a hostel for $60. The summer season is only about two months of the year, so prices are sky-high. Despite the hoards of people, we did get me a used surf board from Manzana 54. I think Iain was more excited than me to make the purchase, but I’m already feeling attached to the ol’ Bic and want to bring the beast home. Iain is a very good teacher and we got out a couple of times before deciding there would probably be better surf with fewer people further north. However, that is easier said than done in the Trooper.

We left Pichilemu hoping to get to Vina del Mar or Valpariso, but instead are currently in San Antonio because we stopped to get a radiator cap and once again Iain noticed the vehicle was smoking. Turns out we need a new head gasket. Hopefully it will be done tomorrow morning and we’ll be surfing by night. Keep your fingers crossed for us!