Jay's Trek To Tierra del Fuego

Day 82, January 22, 1997 - Pucon, Chile

Today I did something total different. I went for a jog! Excersize! It felt great. Although I only made it 7 minutes before I had to stop. Wheezing and coughing put an end to it. I`m in top phyisical condition ya know.

Day 83, January 23, 1997 - Pucon to Puerto Varas, Chile

Back on the Road to "Valdivia" and "Osorno", Chile continues to be one of the most beutiful countries I have ever been. It`s unbelievable. Puerto Varas, another quaint little lake side town (Chile`s 2nd largest lake). Here I had the pleasure of once again metting up with Matius and his family! Three spectacular days, more volcanos, water skiing, and great food..........Thank you once again! I sure hope to return the favor one day, my home in Canada will always welcome you for as long as you like! (Set up the spare room Mum, they have 4 crazy kids).

Checked into a cruise ship ferry type thing, that takes you and your viehicle down through the west coast islands. It is supossed to be unreal, glaciers, penguins and everything! 4 days and 3 nights to Punta Arenas for $240, food included. Not a bad deal, the only problem was, it left the day before and the next one was aweek away. Still undecided, I re-studied the map and all the options. I desperatly wanted to go the south of Chile, the roads are dirt, but gas is half the price compared to Argentina. Plus many people had highly advised me not to miss it.

Decided endure the roads and check it out. I met 4 other bikers who were all too kind to buy my dinner and talk travels for awhile.Took a short ferry to the Island of Chiloe. Down to Quellon, a 5 hour ferry back to the main land, and the town of Chaiten. It was 1:30am, I was looking for a free place to set up the tent, got stuck in a swamp, wet feet, filthy dirty and reeking of cow manure, dropped my bike in it trying to escape out. Eventually I was victorious. Unhappy, dirty, smelly and tired, I set up on the beach.