Jay's Trek To Tierra del Fuego

Day 87, January 27, 1997 - Chaiten to Coihaique, Chile

The next 450kms where nothing less than breath taking. I honestly thought I was back in B.C.....except.......(sorry guys), this was nicer. Sun shining, trees, ruged glacier covered mountains, cascading water falls and no poeple. The road was similar to "Wild Horse" in the old days. It took me 7 hous to arrive in Coihaique (a 12 hour bus ride). A small town of 4000, at first I passed right through, then turned around to get gas and make a sammy. Found a shady spot under a tree to relax awhile. My face was covered in dust and grime. Whiskers, long hair and really weathered looking, I`m sure I appeared as bad as I felt. I glanced across the street and noticed two gringo type guys walking towards me. "Hola", I said. They responded with, "Hey man, did`nt we see you three months ago in Nevada?" .......I could not believe it, and niether could they. We laughed and told stories for a long time.

These are the guys I met just ouside Reno (on my way to L.A.). I was unusually stopped at a lookout point. Having a quick apple and trying to warm up, a VW bus pulls in with a worn Canadian flag flying high. I was so excited to see other Canucks this far from home! They started with the typical question, "Where are you going?" "Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina", I said, waiting for the usual reply and bewildered looks. "NO WAY, so are we!", They exclaimed. We joked about mabey running into each other again, but never thought it possible. This town is not on the regular tourist route either, its in the middle of nowhere. I stayed a free night in thier cabana. We cooked a big dinner, and told stories till 1:30am. Unreal Eh? I still can`t believe it. They left the next morning for Punta Arenas. Flying down. They had to leave the van in Costa Rica due to an absence of the ferry. Been on the bus ever since. I think they were a little jelous of my freedom. The bus will do that to ya.