MYSTIC VALLE DEL ELQUI, CHILE. NEMY, KATE AND PABLO

December 16, 2016

Chile’s Mystic Valle del Elqui

As we head back to Vincuna, we'll explore this remote valley and find it home to two of the nation's most notable icons. 

The valley is the cradle of Chile's national drink,

Pisco.

A brandy similar to grappa and often mixed with lime juice.

El Gardin Secrerto

Pisco Distillery Mistral

The valley was also once home to the first South American Nobel Laureate in Literature, 

Gabriela Mistral.

In Vincuna we've found a wonderful heritage hotel where we will refresh and rest.

Tonight we are off to a local observatory for a brief tour of some far off worlds.

Near 
World Wanderer





Wondering?

LAKE NIPISSING ICE FISH, CALLANDER, ONTARIO, CANADA

1989

Fish sticks.

CAMP TWO. MORNING HAS BROKEN

December 16, 2016

La mañana se ha roto.

After a relentless summer sun throughout the previous day, we couldn't have asked for a better night under the many stars.

Cool, calm and clear.

We happily shared the rather large campground with the resident dog. Like many dogs that we been crossing paths with, quite passive and well behaved even after some under the picnic table snacking.

Our other camp companions were a grandfather enjoying the company of his grandson.

With the start of Christmas and summer break near, Kate and I are happy to be travelling now. By the time the Chileans are in full summer holiday mode, February, we will slowly be heading north. Way north.

We were glad that both the Grandad and Olivero were quick to practise their English with us.
We practised our latest phrase:
Perdido en la traducción.
(lost in translation)

Some international exchange.

 A smile for some Canadian mementos. 

Tal vez un día usted puede visitarnos en Canadá

Well, time to break camp and slowly head back to Vincuna. After a couple of nights on the ground, we've booked a room. There we'll rest and freshen up as tonight we're off the Mamalucca Observatory for some celestial viewing.  

PAUL NEMY. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

1959

VINCUNA, CHILE. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

December 15, 2016

Our first night, off the road, couldn't been have more peaceful and serene.

As if we were at one of the finest hotels in all of Chile, 
instant coffee.
Add some local Papaya jam,....

Still closed.
Later.

Route of the Stars.

We've picked Vincuna as a destination from a promotional travel brochure we picked up. Big excitement that it was in English and noted the highlights on route. We also took note that this is the back route into town and that part will be gravel.

We will find that "part" is a subjective term. 

We've come to see Chile and that we will today.

Not long after the ninety kilometre signpost we hit the gravel. With this being a promoted and recommended sightseeing route, gas tank and water bottles full we venture on.

  

Here we pass one of what will be many observatories that have been established not for scientific research but for tourism. More later.

Our scenic route is soon turning into a one lane roller coaster ascent through some rather unique, somewhat desolate country.

Our 
"Lady of Goodyear Radials"

don't fail us now.

It might be a while (days), but at least I don't have trouble remembering that roadside assistance is

CAA.

Next thing we know, next thing being after three hours or so, we are summiting and crossing a rather remote pass at over eight thousand feet.

A little more life as we close in on Vincuna.

Some more observatories 

Huaso

A huaso is a Chilean countryman and skilled horseman, similar to the Mexican charro or the gaucho of Argentina.

Even with the past two hundred kilometres taking us over eight hours, we are determined to camp tonight.

We quickly stopped in Vinuna, which we will return and explore tomorrow, for some supplies and a booking for a observatory tour tomorrow night. We now continue on looking for a little piece of green to pitch the tienda.

 We will settle for a fine campground just down the road after our target Observatory advertising camping is closed.

Its days like this that make this somewhat barren campsite, primitive shower and simple supper, 

just kidding. Simple but GREAT supper, 

seem

out of this world.