Day 651 – South America – Chile [Rest Day in Los Andes]

01/02/22

 Rest day in Los Andes (Chile, South America)

Getting the formalities sorted and a visit to the local vineyard

In-Situ vineyard, Los Andes – Chile

There was actually not much to do in terms of formalities really, except wait and see the PCR tests results come through. We went through the logistics one more time, how to get the Campervan across and make sure we both know our meeting points knowing we won’t be on the same road. The Campervan will go through Road 60, which goes through a tunnel forbidden to cyclists and pedestrians alike. And I will be running on a switchbacks gravel road, my only option.

Aconcagua Valley wine

We set out to visit a local vineyard: “In-Situ”. A producer and exporter which manages some 2.5 million litres annually. The estate was absolutely beautiful, set in the Aconcagua valley with the Andes in the background. A little garden of eden surrounds the property, with orange and lemon trees, olive trees, persimmon, figs, pears and apple… I could have stayed there a few more days!

Condor in flight, Ruta 60 – Chile

In the afternoon, we drove all the way back up to Portillo, at 2,875m, which is my re-start point for the run. On the way up, I saw a condor with my own eyes! I filmed it as it flew effortlessly, cruising along the mountainside… A happy moment!

As I am writing this blog, 8pm, my PCR test result has come back as negative… James’ results are still “pending”. Oh joy!