gap year!

I am sure I wrote something yesterday!

We did see the Moreno Glacier and it was very beautiful and big. We went on a boat so that we could get close to it and then viewed it from the top. It was quite spikey and tourquoise

Then we spent three days at Torres del Paine... Very beautiful and we generally had a good time.

Now we have arrived at the most southern part of South America.

Much to my disappointment there is not much snow, however we saw killer whales today. The weather improved and we saw the mountains in sunlight which was good.

More soon, probably once we have left the two free camps behind. There are not many places before we reach Puerto Madryn

Since leaving Pucon, we have been stuck at the border for a couple of hours because the Argentinians thought that the truck insurance wasnt good enough. (cant do apostrophes on this machine!)

We had to spend a night beside Lake Falkner because we had been delayed at the border plus one of the girls had an infection under her skin where she had been sunburnt while climbing the volcano, and she had had to go to the doctor.

On Friday we arrived in Bariloche, which is beside another large lake. We had a good time there. The camp site was good and I was on cook group so I was busy.

We then had two days of driving south to El Chalten. We stopped overnight ina small town, and bought petrol in a petrol station in the middle of nowhere. Having looked at the map I have discovered that we are nearly at the bottom of South America.

The area has many glaciers and stunning scenery. This town is simply for the tourists. There used to be just 36 people living here. It is now quite busy and is in an official National Park.

When we get to the next town of El Clafate I will be going to view a glasier... so full report then.

Arrived here on my second Saturday, 8th November, 2008!

I felt a bit fuzzy after the long flight but all went well at the airport. The hotel was very nice.

As I had a small kitchen, I went out to get some money and find some food. Stopped in a square to have a coffee and cake and watch the world go by and then chilled out.

Sunday I joined a guided tour of Santiago. It was quick and fun. The presidential Palace was interestingly small. We ended up in a nice jewellry shop...

Met my new travelling companions on Sunday evening. I am definitely the oldest this time, but they all seem fine!

The truck is very different from Penelope... no fridge, inward facing seats, but generally seems good, just different. I am using my own tent...nice!

I think this town of Pucon needs to be chilled out in! There is a lake, an active volcano and an excellent campsite. Almost like being in Germany/Austria/Switzerland.

Travelling is good.

Just "done" New Zealand.

Met up with the friends Tomislav stayed with a few years back, and we had a good chat and a proper meal... lots of vegetables!

Did the cultural things yesterday. It was cold, but today is sunny so am feeling more cheerful.

Am all prepared for the journey.

I'm off again this evening.

Sydney has been good and Brisbane was excellent. I even saw the Glass House Mountains and the "Big Pineapple".

No more shopping to do, so i'll go and finish packing and chill out for a while.

I hope Obama wins!