Our route takes us deeper into the Atacama desert but first we need to fuel up and this means doing a 30km back track to find fuel. We also determine to carry extra fuel as there is little marging on fuel range for the next few days.
There are many trucks going to the mines and we find ourselves in a 80 km per hour convey at times as we head towards San Pedro.
Its hot climbing over the many ridges and the engine temperature running with the wind needs to be managed. We climb to 2400 metres at times.
After a wrong turn we finally arrive at San Pedro a re-built tourist town.
Next morning we visit the Luna Valley and witness the truly amaising landscape.
It´s tough going, roads are rough, the air is chilly and we climbed to 4500 metres over some of the passes. We ride past many deserted houses, mines and in contrast some pink Flamingoes and Llamas.
To go full distance is beyond us and we stop at Chiuchiu.
Bumping our way ove the final 160 km we get to Ollague. New challenges, no fuel and a broken gear lever. With the help of the locals the gear lever is repaired and a ute with a drum of fuel turns up.
Hey Steve I posted you a birthday message whilst in Brisbane but looks like it didn't work. i did have a few beers for you. The site is great reading. Richard
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