Jay's Trek to Tierra del Fuego

Day 74, January 14, 1997 - Santiago to Conception, Chile

My sacred, "Beautiful British Columbia" licence plates had finally arrived! Thank you Dad, and thank you I.C.B.C. My old plate number was C66-720, you know I live in a small town when 3 months later I get new ones and the number reads, C66-721!

Leaving awsome Santiago was kinda sad for me, firstly because I had lost Jim, my good friend and riding buddy. Secondly because I had met great people there. The Laso family was so incredibly kind, and did so much for us it was unreal. Thank you Matius, Maria De Losangeles and kids! I also cannot forget the hour and hours of free internet time recieved at the city`s priemier Cyber Cafe, thank you Gerardo and staff!

Like Jim says, the drivers in this city are crazy, that`s one thing I wont miss. 40 minutes or so searching for the, "Panamerican Al Sur". The ride to "Conception" was smooth and without problems. The landscape is something similar to the Okanagan in B.C. Fresh fruit, stands, and miles of huge Viniards. Great wine down here in Chile, I highly recommend it.

Found a secluded beach just outside town, set up camp and cooked some spagetti. Always on my mind was Jim and the other guys, wondering where they were and what kind of crazy episodes they were encountering. Spent a few days there, exploring Tome and neighboring villages. What an incredible area!