30/8/2013 Chiu Chiu to Calama
D37, T2.5, Av 18.61, Max51, Tot18340, 9180
Easy ride on good road,
Deirdre has decided to return to Canada from Calama, which has an airport.
This is the third time we have had a last day riding together.
The last six weeks have been enjoyable together. Though at times in very difficult but rewarding conditions. She has not gained any weight since being sick in La Paz.
Though more importantly she has her life in Smithers, BC and at this point in time, my life is here in South America on the seat of a bicycle, hovering between hotel rooms and a tent.
We were in no hurry to leave, as we had thirty odd km to go to Calama.
I bought another woollen hat at a tienda, my other beanys' elastic band has worn out, it is now like a saucepan on my head.
Again we have noticed how expensive Chile is.
It has been a comeback to developed world prices.
I know how people without large amounts of disposable income must feel when they go to a supermarket at home.
They are there to buy essentials and really can’t afford it. A scenario affecting more and more people daily, as the cost of living just keeps creeping up like a tree that never stops growing till it dies.
These people in this predicament, are falling from that tree like leaves in autumn, or sadly some are like those from a tree in poor health.
In many cases mature trees that have health issues, are difficult to remedy due to long term chronic problems.
The ride to Calama was a pleasure. Sloping, perfect surface, little wind and again this chalky landscape with a jet black rod drawing us to civilisation.
Mining traffic was heavy, many trucks hauling sulphuric acid were seen. So to were low loaders carrying huge dump trucks.
POP 138,402 It may appear drab and gritty but Calama (elevation 2250m) happens to be the pride and joy of northern Chile, an economic powerhouse that pumps truckloads of copper money into the Chilean economy year on year. And while it holds little attraction for visitors – most people will only stop here for the night (if they have to) on their way to the lala-land of San Pedro de Atacama – there is a visceral appeal to this mining town that definitely goes that extra mile in ‘keeping it real.’ Ref:LP
On the outskirts of town every business was dedicated to servicing this industry: copper.
In town, a cyclist took us to a bike shop and generally welcomed us. Ignacio was a great help.
We booked the Nativo hostal .
Prices here are super inflated because of mining.
Thirty dollars a night each, a new record for accommodation.
Though it is comfortable and has a great sunny courtyard.
Last night in Chiu Chiu one of my tent frames snapped. The aluminium rod just broke near where it had in the past.
This was priority number one in town, after trying to find a new camera.
With regards to the tent I had to buy a whole tent to get some sleeves to repair the tubing.
It was a cheap Chinese 3 number, the kind backpackers leave behind in camp grounds. . Using heat I slipped the tubes off the fibre glass rods.
They sleeve my poles perfectly.
I now have plenty of spares. The shock cord in the poles was kept and some of the tent cut to provide a table, or should I say a ground cloth for food items.
A camera was bought, the model wanted was not available.
We visited the huge mall here, it could have been anywhere in the developed world, generic to the last detail.
It is a wealthy town, new cars everywhere, most people in the mall were carrying shopping bags.
The climate is quite mild, we have come from 4000m to about 2000m.
One now realises how special Peru and Bolivia and to a lesser extent Colombia and Ecuadar are. I miss the hussle and bussle of street vendors and the smell of their offerings
Hopefully southern Chile will provide more of this special south American uniqueness.
Our last meal together was a feast on a grand scale. We went to a buffet, in the mall and for $20 each ate the best salads, meats, veges and deserts I have had for months.
We ate for two hours, reflecting on time together. For me I have two months before my son Callum joins me in Santiago. It is great having this mix of company and time alone.
For me, this time alone is very special, not to mention the opportunity to practise more Spanish.
D37, T2.5, Av 18.61, Max51, Tot18340, 9180
Easy ride on good road,
Deirdre has decided to return to Canada from Calama, which has an airport.
This is the third time we have had a last day riding together.
The last six weeks have been enjoyable together. Though at times in very difficult but rewarding conditions. She has not gained any weight since being sick in La Paz.
Though more importantly she has her life in Smithers, BC and at this point in time, my life is here in South America on the seat of a bicycle, hovering between hotel rooms and a tent.
We were in no hurry to leave, as we had thirty odd km to go to Calama.
I bought another woollen hat at a tienda, my other beanys' elastic band has worn out, it is now like a saucepan on my head.
Again we have noticed how expensive Chile is.
It has been a comeback to developed world prices.
I know how people without large amounts of disposable income must feel when they go to a supermarket at home.
They are there to buy essentials and really can’t afford it. A scenario affecting more and more people daily, as the cost of living just keeps creeping up like a tree that never stops growing till it dies.
These people in this predicament, are falling from that tree like leaves in autumn, or sadly some are like those from a tree in poor health.
In many cases mature trees that have health issues, are difficult to remedy due to long term chronic problems.
The ride to Calama was a pleasure. Sloping, perfect surface, little wind and again this chalky landscape with a jet black rod drawing us to civilisation.
Mining traffic was heavy, many trucks hauling sulphuric acid were seen. So to were low loaders carrying huge dump trucks.
POP 138,402 It may appear drab and gritty but Calama (elevation 2250m) happens to be the pride and joy of northern Chile, an economic powerhouse that pumps truckloads of copper money into the Chilean economy year on year. And while it holds little attraction for visitors – most people will only stop here for the night (if they have to) on their way to the lala-land of San Pedro de Atacama – there is a visceral appeal to this mining town that definitely goes that extra mile in ‘keeping it real.’ Ref:LP
On the outskirts of town every business was dedicated to servicing this industry: copper.
In town, a cyclist took us to a bike shop and generally welcomed us. Ignacio was a great help.
We booked the Nativo hostal .
Prices here are super inflated because of mining.
Thirty dollars a night each, a new record for accommodation.
Though it is comfortable and has a great sunny courtyard.
Last night in Chiu Chiu one of my tent frames snapped. The aluminium rod just broke near where it had in the past.
This was priority number one in town, after trying to find a new camera.
With regards to the tent I had to buy a whole tent to get some sleeves to repair the tubing.
It was a cheap Chinese 3 number, the kind backpackers leave behind in camp grounds. . Using heat I slipped the tubes off the fibre glass rods.
They sleeve my poles perfectly.
I now have plenty of spares. The shock cord in the poles was kept and some of the tent cut to provide a table, or should I say a ground cloth for food items.
A camera was bought, the model wanted was not available.
We visited the huge mall here, it could have been anywhere in the developed world, generic to the last detail.
It is a wealthy town, new cars everywhere, most people in the mall were carrying shopping bags.
The climate is quite mild, we have come from 4000m to about 2000m.
One now realises how special Peru and Bolivia and to a lesser extent Colombia and Ecuadar are. I miss the hussle and bussle of street vendors and the smell of their offerings
Hopefully southern Chile will provide more of this special south American uniqueness.
Our last meal together was a feast on a grand scale. We went to a buffet, in the mall and for $20 each ate the best salads, meats, veges and deserts I have had for months.
We ate for two hours, reflecting on time together. For me I have two months before my son Callum joins me in Santiago. It is great having this mix of company and time alone.
For me, this time alone is very special, not to mention the opportunity to practise more Spanish.
A couple of stars!!
Those huge landscapes again
Ignacio showed us to the city centre and a bike shop
Laguna Flamenco a couple of days ago as seen by my Gopro.
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Lunch at the water pump San Pedro
Just playin' around, camping at Chiu Chui
Traffic was light
Again a couple of days back through the Gopro.
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