AndreasOutside

Rolled into Rio Gallegos after a relatively quick descent from Esparanza. Definitely not a tourist town. Military presence, past and present, is pronounced with many monuments to battles, commanders, and lives lost. Continued on to Lago Azur for the night.

Long early morning climb followed by a windblown descent to Esperanza. Beautiful stark landscapes with Guanacos and Rheas. At times my head was down all the way to cut through the wind.

A wind fuelled ride east out of El Chalten took me quickly to Rute 40. I will head now towards the Atlantic coast via Esperanza. Timing will all depend on how much the wind will help or hinder.

Stunning setting for this very busy tourist hub. I arrived at 4 and went straight to a restaurant for food. Looking for lodging around 6 people started streaming into town in crowds from the various hiking trails. Restaurants and bars filled quickly with people from all corners of the world.

One of the most stunning camp settings I have come across. Fitz Roy attracts clouds and these images were taken in the early morning. The 11 am boat took all travellers on to the other end where a 35 km cycle on a rough gravel road got me to El Chalten. My first flat tire…

After a 3:45 wake-up, packed and rode the 7 km to the dock. Windy trip along the lake that forms the border between Chile and Argentina. Melting glaciers on both sides created numerous waterfalls that cascade down the steep walls. A steep bike ride to the Chilean border office followed by a 20 km bike(with…

A chance to walk up the local hill, a short but steep climb of 900 meters over 1.7 km of trail. Awesome views on a cool, windy day.

This morning I was then able to secure the boat passage onwards to Argentinia on Friday, weather permitting. I now have some time to pull myself together for the 2nd half of my ride and get some coursework done. From my seat here in El Mosco, I can see the edges of an icefield/glacier creeping…

After 70 km of riding, Luis, a local tour guide, offered me a lift to O’Higgins. With a storm brewing the decision was not hard.

Changed course today due to cancellation of O’Higgin’s Ferry(to Argentina Border Crossing) on Wednesday. Taking in Tortel is a bonus. Seaside town on an inlet with no cars, just pedestrian wooden stilted walkways.

The ride descended through successive steps towards Rute 7. Looks like the rest of the riding in Chile will be on unpaved roads. Will spend a night in Cochrane to reassess the path forward.