The Journey North – 4
Temuco > San Fernando – 547km
Just ticking off the miles today.
We were chatting, as we do, and so thankful that the “events” we have had over the last couple of days happened when they did. Apparently the oil seal that went on Charlie’s bike should have been replaced in the last service. We have been in many out-of-the-way places since then, but it went just 20km away from a good Yamaha team.
Same with our card being cancelled. At least we were in an area where we could make phone calls to get it all sorted.
So though we had unexpected things happen, it was good they happened when they did so they were easily fixed.
Our travelling companions 🙂
Found a really lovely place to stay in this small town – Hotel Espanol
San Fernando > Valparaiso – 258km
Our last pack up of the bikes
A short run to Valparaiso so were here by early afternoon after a slow morning start. The Shipping Agents (www.villakunterbruntvalpo.blogspot.com) also have accommodation (for bikers only) which is so very convenient.
Had a chillaxed afternoon, went for a walk down to the beach and along the waterfront.
The plan is to clean the bikes tomorrow which will be quite a lengthy job to meet NZ requirements. Our Shipping Agents are talking finishing it with a toothbrush.
We also start the crates. The weekend interrupts the process as nothing happens then, but on Monday/Tuesday we ride them to the dry dock where they get crated and the paperwork sorted, then the next day we bus to Santiago for a couple of days. That’s the plan.
The days are passing slowly. The bikes are clean and yes a toothbrush was used, the crates were made up in the street, our gear is sorted.
There are another 5 bikers staying here now. Thomas and Tina, (Germans who live in NZ) are having some trouble with his BMW and has to ride over the mountains, through a border, and through towns to get to Mendoza in Argentina, all in 5th gear as that was all he had. We heard a couple of days later that Tina had to tow Thomas over the Andes, go girl!! Not an easy task on motorbikes.
Being the weekend, everything is on hold now until Monday. So we have walked lots, some pics of Valparaiso
Tuesday – it was the last 20km ride to the dry docks – the 5 bikes to be crated (the other 3 are returning to Europe).
No OSH around here – these huge containers were being lifted over where we were working
Putting the crates together…
…and so now it’s now time to sign off.
It has been a truly amazing ride, always changing and interesting, and we have met so many great friendly people. We will now be incognito without our bikes – no more will people come up to us and ask “where are you from” “where are you going” “where have you been” “how big are your bikes” “how much did they cost” etc etc. We have had people toot toot tooting at us and waving as we passed on the road, strangers taking photos and videos of us as we park or pass – sometimes they ask if they can have a photo with us. Always we have found the people to be friendly and helpful. It has been a really great experience all round.
But of course it wasn’t just the people – because the journey went through so many different climates and cultures, the landscape was always changing and has been so diverse. We both love natural beauty and we have certainly had a feast on that. It has been an epic ride.
Our final mileage was 41,154kms
Total number of days on the road – 153 (5 months)
Thank you Lord for your daily protection, provision, our good health and fitness, the answer to our many prayers, and the great weather!
And thank you so much for all your comments and emails, we have loved reading them.
And so from me and him – it’s adios !!
What an amazing accomplishment Janet and Charlie! So glad to hear you have made it safe and sound to Valparaiso and are crated up and ready to return home. Immensely enjoyed meeting you in Panama and then following your travels. Have a wonderful trip back to NZ and we’ll touch base sometime after you do. Maybe you can start some other blog that continues to follow the life and times of Janet and Charlie Russel??? Because I will miss these periodic reports about you. You two are more interesting to follow than any reality TV show out there. Kim Kardashian should take note. Take care and stay well. Tom Patton
You always write such a positive note Tom, thank you. Your turn now for the blog 🙂
Well done! What an amazing experience! And very proud that you did so well in my continent. 🙂 so looking forward to seeing you. Have a relaxing trip home. Xx
Thank you Cynthia. So much to see here!! See you soon.
Congratulations.
You have accomplished a phenomenal journey with much grace.
It has been a delight to relive the journey by following your blog.
You have shown the glory of creation and the joy of meeting God’s people along the way.
Thank you again for going before us and helping us out along the way 🙂 It certainly has been a great ride, we have really loved it and feel ready to come home now.
Love it!
Hi Roger. Happy to hear you enjoyed our journey. Hope to catch up one day 🙂
Congratulation & a job well done. Tick that one off the bucket list.!
Thank you. Yes indeed, done and dusted 🙂
Steve and I have loved the journey and seeing all the fabulous places you’ve been. You guys are amazing completing this massive ride. Congratulations – looking forward to seeing your smiling faces 🙂
Hello 🙂 It really has been a great ride, but ready to come home now. See you soon