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The Chilean Carretera Austral - why would any sane mind decide to drive/bike/hike
this stretch of the world, exposed to at times unpredictable forces of nature and off from civilization?
When we got together in November 2019, setting up camp in the port city of Puerto
Montt, little did we know what might await us during the weeks to come.
Our crew? A fairly colorful mix of motorbike enthusiasts, men of tradition, and those
embracing the future and technology that might help us get through the trip. More on
this later.
Puerto Montt is regularly chosen as the starting point to embark on Carretera Austral expeditions. In all fairness, not due to its beauty, but more given the favorable location and proximity to the ferry terminal that, if you will, constitutes the point of no return for the adventurer.
The 24h preparation in Puerto Montt was crisp, yet with time well spent. We stocked
up on groceries that we thought we would need (ranging from basmati rice to rather
questionable Aloe Vera leaves - following the mantra "better safe than sorry").
On that day, two hot meals (including a feast in a restaurant founded by one of the
many German immigrants) were to the delight of the crew, knowing that the next
weeks would mostly be characterized by rather simple camping cuisine.
A little later our frankly 'diverse' camping gear was inspected and
compared with eagle eyes. The occasional fire ball when testing one of the camping-
stoves was to our all amusement in these otherwise focused hours of preparation.
One might ask with which vehicles this illustrious group of 4 adventurers embarked on the journey? To our disposal we had a sturdy Mitsubishi pick-up (2-wheel drive) and two motorbikes from the Japanese heavyweight manufacturers Suzuki and Kawasaki, with the reputation of being one of the most reliable bikes out there. We will also have to get back to this point a little later. No spoiler.
With everything packed and stored away, we were engaging in light chatter with a
beer, preparing for a quiet night and a wake-up call at the earliest hour. Game Time!
A light drizzle was setting the scene when the crew and fleet was leaving the safety of
base camp towards the ferry terminal early next morning. Little did this weather do to
their excitement, clearly recognizable by the sparks in their otherwise
still somewhat sleepy eyes...
Links:
Base Camp Cabin "Oveja Negra" - Puerto Montt: http://www.booking.com/Share-B6S328
Ferry Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo: http://www.barcazas.cl/barcazas/web/hornopiren-caleta-gonzalo/#descripcion-ruta
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