Cochrane - Chile

Since leaving Coihaique the riding has been getting harder and the landscape more impresssive. We have had a first taste of the famous Patagonia winds and rain, and the road surface is getting pretty rough. The day before yesterday Tim broke 3 spokes in 10 km, but it all seems ok now and we still have a few spares. From Coihaiye we went through Cerro castillo National Park, stunning with the highest poin of the Carretera (1200m) and mutli-coloured bare mountains. Then past Villa Cerro Castilla were the seal ended and the road got rough and very hilly, nest was beautiful braided Rio Murta, then lovely vistas and lots and lots of short sharp hills along Lago General Carrerra, the second largest lake in South America. We are meeting 3-5 cycle tourists a day now, among them a lovely retired couple from the UK on their "vuelta the jubelation", journey of celebration or retierement. Camped in the valley on turquis, large Rio Barker last night. Next stop Villa O Higgins, the end of the carreterra austal, 230 km away, so stocked up on lots of food. From there it is the ferry to El Chalten in Argentina. Next bit of road is supposed to be stunning, so looking forward. Hoope everyone is well, Tina :)