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After some research, a scouting trip, and plenty of consultations with fellow bike tourists I have decided to start my South American adventure next spring. The bottom line is that if I were to leave this month (as I had previously wanted) I would arrive in southern Chile and Argentina just as winter is settling in. Not all that enthused about biking in the remote wilderness of Patagonia in the middle of a never-ending blizzard.
At this point, it makes more sense to start focusing on other things. In the meantime, I have a feeling I will be dreaming of getting dirt on my face, camping under strange stars and leaving civilization behind. It’s just a matter of time.
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12 comments:
Since there seasons are reversed, wouldn't going now be the beginning of their summer and going in the spring be the beginning of their winter? Argentina in December was hot, not cold...
Aren't the seasons backwards south of the equator?
@Anonymous/Anonymous,
Precisely. Leaving in October means getting there in June (winter). Leaving in April/May means getting there in December or so.
So you're going north to south then? I suspect that the previous questioners were thinking--as I was--that you'd start at Ushuaia and head north. When I think about the other South American treks I've read about, that's the way they've gone.
What's on your agenda for the fall/winter until you head South?
cool.
suggestion:
you need to experience the Desert. The winter is a great time. Big Bend National Park is a great spot, quite nice in winter. Give me a call if you want to talk about it as a destination, or hints on Desert Camping: best stars in the United States, Marfa Texas, 1500 foot canyons etc..
@Anonymous,
That weird. As far as I can tell, the vast majority of people who have done that trip have done north to south. Everyone tells me that prevailing winds, on the whole, blow North, when not blowing East. But yes, going North to South.
@Kandice,
Might actually do another trip in between. On the other hand, bad planning on my part...left some of my touring essentials in Colombia in anticipation of an October departure. Either way, have a ton of other stuff to do in the meantime.
@Bill,
I just might. Sounds like you and Nancy (family on bikes) have similar suggestions.
OK Jack - you now have it from someone other than me that you MUST do the desert! Take some time this winter (in the northern hemisphere anyway) to cycle southern Utah, Arizona, California, and Baja! I promise you won't regret it!
I see a desert theme here. For one thing: your pull towards the spiritual is consistent with the Desert. The Desert Fathers of early ages sought the solitude and austerity of the Desert.
There's a lot to see:
the Sonoron Desert of Arizona.
The Chihuhuan Desert of Big Bend
The Red Rock Country of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.
You might pick up Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire to gain some inspiration.
I camped every Winter with my boys from the time they were babies until their teens. I once read to them, watching a full moon, break the Horizon. I've watched the Leonid Meteor Showers, hiked for 3 days, and not seen a single person, seen bright yellow maples and native columbines in box canyons. I could go on.
@Nancy,
I totally get it. But given how I have a great deal of my gear in SA already and how I want to focus on other stuff between now and that trip I'm going to have to pass on the US desert for now. Not that there won't be plenty of desert on that trip to assuage my appetite. :)
@Bill,
I totally get it. See my response to Nancy above. I'm all about it. Just going to have to wait a bit on it.
So, how come you didn't blog about your excursion that you just took to Medellin?
Another great adventure! Are you planning on going through Costa Rica?
My father went there last year and he says it's one of the most beautiful places he's ever been to. And he's seen his share of white beaches, majestic forests and such, so I guess he has a point :).
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