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It’s another gorgeous day, hardly any wind and a nice blue sky. But we play it safe; No summer clothes today, because within 60 kilometers we will hit the mountains.
It takes us a while to wake up. We were up until 1:30 in the morning but have to leave the cabin at 10:00 am.
The closer we get to Chile, the more beautiful it gets. I can’t say Argentina is pretty. but it is a lot cleaner and everything is better looked after. Our accommodation and all facilities we have used, are very clean. There is even toilet paper in public facilities. In Chile we always walk around with paper in our pocket.
Service has been very friendly and polite in most cases.
People here are also more respectful towards Chilean tourists, who seem to get away with a lot. We have heard people say: “Oh, but they are Chileans, it’s OK, we better not say anything”.
The rough and dry mountains, change into beautiful tree and snow covered mountain peaks. There are roses everywhere.
This morning we filled our tummies with fruit and whatever is still in the cooler we cut up and remove the seeds. Like we do when we cross the border into the US from Canada. We were told that it is OK to bring fruit and vegetable that way into the US.
After a long wait at the customs office, first at the Argentine side and later at the Chilean side, we need to fill out a declaration form.
One YES, checked off, for the question if you are bringing plants, fruits, vegetables or animal products and the entire content of the car will be checked.
There go our apples, tomatoes, avocadoes, ham, sausages and cheese.
At least I get to keep my chocolate. They’re not asking about wine. But then who would want to bring Argentinian wine into Chile? (just kidding)
Futaleufu is only a few kilometers from the border, so we can buy a few items for our lunch today.
It’s nice enough to eat outside and watch the kyacks in the river.
Ahead of us are dark threatening clouds. We have 50 kilometers of gravel road ahead of us. I dare not say anything, but a little rain would help to keep the dust down from oncoming or passing vehicles. I regret even thinking so. as soon heaven is coming down and makes the road almost disappear in places. It is very difficult driving for Ramiro, but he is able to keep our little car steady and on the road, depsite the slippery conditions.
Once we meet up with the Caratera Austral again, there is a line up of cars and truck on both sides of the road. Something must have happened.
We wait for a while, but Ramiro needs to know what the hold up is all about. He grabs his jacket and cap and comes back after ten minutes soaking wet.
It turns out, that a tandem truck with trailer, slipped off the wet road. His trailer full with bags of concrete was hanging off the embankment.
Luckily, a large road grater, was in the neighborhood and is trying to pull the truck and trailer out. But the load is so heavy, they do not succeed.
My problem is of a different nature. I need to use the bathroom, but in the pouring rain this is not very appealing, besides, there are people everywhere. Where would I go?
We keep on waiting with everyone else. who are all going to the ferry. but some are departing in a few hours and may not make it. There is no other road to Chaiten, this is it. Of course every men is an expert on how to get the trailer out of the ditch. In the end the driver receives permission from his boss over the telephone to drop the load. This makes the trailer weight a lot less and soon the truck is able to move. The road deck is destroyed and the grater need to work on it a bit.
We reach Chaiten around 7:00 pm and cannot decide if we should look for a cabin first or book the ferry. The town looks even more horrific with all its ashes mixed with rain, and boarded up homes, than it did when we arrived here a week or so ago from Castor. When we finally go the the Ferry office, we are told that tomorrow’s ferry is full. Oh Sh..... we should have made reservations on line.
There is no other ferry to Hornopiren until Sunday noon. What will we do for three days in this gigantic ashtray. There is no place to go.
All three of the staff members go over the list of passengers and recalculate their bookings. Four cars, each 5 meters long; One Van 6 meters long. One truck 9 meters long. 2 bicycles 5 meters long..... Bicycles five meters long? Ah, someone made a mistake. Let us recalculate. Sir, we are happy to have you on board tomorrow. Phew. what a relief.
The rain is so bad that we don't want to look any further for accommodation and take a cabin right next door. Pretty pricey, but they know there is no other place to go. There are only three homes who offer accommodation and the other cabins are all used by workers for the ferry and road construction.
The lady brings with a large flashlight. "At 9:00 pm the power comes on and will be turned off at Midnight. You can use the flashlight at night".
The little power that is available, is from generators. Water is brought in on a weekly basis and placed into large tanks on top of the roofs.
We are not able to use the fridge either and keep our coolbox in the car.
We choose one of the two tiny restaurants and join two Dutchmen. Ramiro cannot watch TV either, so we turn in early.
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