Pinch me moments

Near the Mamuil Malal border crossing.

We have been on the road about five months, including the trip from Vermont to Florida and 4 weeks in Cartagena before the vehicles arrived. Today we crossed from Chile into Argentina via the Paso Mamuil Malal.  Rather than taking the highway road from Osorno, we tried a different pass.  Fifteen k of gravel road, much of it being "improved" (under construction).  Border crossing didn't phase us (we knew to pay the reciprocity fee online and print our receipt before coming).  Roads didn't phase us (dusty and bumpy, but great scenery).  Last night we were parked by a lake near Pucon, Chile.  Tonight we are parked by a volcano in Argentina, smack in the middle of a national park.

Pinch me.

Villarica, near Pucon, Chile

Ripio

Lanin

As the new year is a time for reflection, we have done a little reflecting.  We are trying to get more exercise.  I just had a great run up the path to the volcano.  One of these days we may buy some bikes.  I am working on the zen of driving.  We bought a book in Spanish and are reading the paper more often.  Minor adjustments.

Moon rise over lake Villarica

Friends with mate.

7 Lakes drive

Moonlight over campsite, 7 lakes

Bariloche

If we had to do this again, well, we would in a minute.  We'd leave the TV at home (Luc watched a grainy religious service once when we were stuck overnight at the border between Colombia and Ecuador, but otherwise it is just taking up space).  We would buy good paper maps and download all the GPS maps before leaving.  Luc says we'd leave the generator at home too - I didn't even know we had one.  Oh, and I'd pack another tank top.  As though they don't sell them in the southern hemisphere.

The only thing missing is family and friends.  There are unconfirmed rumors that some of our kids are planning to come down.  No rumors of friends, but we are still hoping.

Not every day is like this.  Carpe diem.