December 23, 2010

Today was a beautiful day. It was the perfect day to go to the end of the road or "fin de mundo" in spanish. The sun was shining and there was a few clouds. We headed over to the park from our hostel. It was only a 20 minute drive from where our hostel is. Once we got to the road I couldn't believe it. We had DONE IT! It was such a great feeling to have your plans come together. It was a happy moment. So without further to do we took our bikes and parked them in front of the sign. We whipped out the scotch and lite up a cigar. Time to celebrate. We could only be in front of the sign for about 2 minutes before we were asked to move because other people we waiting their turn. After our photo shoot we headed back into town where we got some lunch. After lunch we had a little nap before we were all heading out on our cruise to the famous lighthouse. The cruise was okay. It was nice to learn a little bit about the history of ushuaia, plus all you can drink beer, I only had 4 though. I didn't make a pig of myself. Once the cruise was finished we went to this irish pub where we got some dinner. After dinner we grabed a taxi and headed to the hostel.

December 22, 2010

Today was the day. We are going to get to Ushuaia. We left around 10, after breakfast. We only stopped once only to get gas. I have to that the last 100km into Ushuaia was absolutely stunning. It reminds me a lot of home. Anyways we made it into Ushuaia and first thing we did was stop and take pictures by the sign and left out a scream of accomplishment. Once the photo shoot was done we got to our hostel and unpacked. Soon after that we got a taxi to go get some lunch, we were all really hungary. After lunch we did some tourist shopping, STICKERS! I had to get some stickers to add to the collection. We spent a few hours cruising main street looking at what we could get for our friends and family. We also picked up some supplies for dinner. Dad and Sharon cooked dinner for us, while John and I made ourselves look busy on the computer to get out of some work. After dinner we cleaned up and hit the hay.

December 21, 2010

We woke up this morning and it was raining and on top of that it was 9 degrees celsius in our room. It was cold. But we packed up had breakfast and were out of there later then we wanted. But we met up with John and Sharan at the ferry terminal. It was a 2 hour ride across the Straight of Magallanes. After that we had 200 km on gravel to the Argentina and Chile boarder. The boarder crossing wasn't hard there was just really long line ups so it took 2 and a half hours. After the long waits we fuelled up and took off to Rio Grande. We got into town around 4. We bunked down in this gym in a boating club. It was great. We had some fun there. Plus they had a ping-pong table. :D

December 20, 2010

Dad and I were up early this morning because we had to get some stuff done. After breakfast we went to the shell lubrication store to get some oil for the bikes. Time for another oil change. We went into the store and had a little bit of a difficult time talking to the assistant helping us get our oil. Then we thought it could just be cheaper if a shop did it. But it wasn't, it turned out to be 120 canadian dollars for someone els to do our oil change or 40 canadian dollars if we did it our selves. One of the down sides of Chile is that expenses are relatively the same to Canada. Anyways we needed to get our oil filters and for some reason we left them back at the hostel. So I was about to go back and get them but the owner of the store insisted that he would take us in his personal vehicle. He was a great guy. Once we got back he gave us all the things we needed to catch the oil and to dispose of it. After we had finish changing the oil the owner came out with all sorts of things for us, like shell hats and a metal water bottle. He was one of the kindest person we have met though out the whole trip. After that we went to lunch with John and Sharan, then after dinner we went back to the hostel to have a bit of a nap and then met back up with John and Sharan at the movie theatre in town. We wanted to watch the new "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" but it was playing at a different time, so we watched Tron in 3-D. All in all the movie was terrible, one of the top ten worst movies I have ever seen, but the movie theatre was one of the best i have ever been in. After the movie we headed back to our beds, we got an early morning to catch a ferry for 9.

December 19, 2010

Annaleen and Uli left the hostel this morning. They are traveling with their family for a few weeks, in Chile and Argentina. So dad and I had a lazy day. We went for a bit of a walk and explored the town. Then later we met up with John and Sharan for dinner. We went to the best restaurant in town, food wise. It was a great dinner. After dinner we made a date with them to go for lunch tomorrow and possibly a movie. Once we got back to our hostel we hit the sack.

December 18, 2010

After breakfast this morning we all went out for a ride to the penguin colony about an hour and a half out of town. The ride there was fun. It was mostly gravel but the road was well maintained. We arrived at the penguin colony were we saw a building there. We looked at the sign and it was 12 bucks each (6000 chilean pesos) to enter the park. We all decided that it was too much to pay and we "may see a penguin or two" so we just had a coffee in the little cafe there and headed back. Once we got back we all went out for a walk around Punta Arenas. Uli and Annaleen showed us around because they had been for a week already so they knew where everything was. While we were out dad bought some oysters and decided to make oyster stu for dinner. When we got back dad got an email from our other friends, John and Sharan who we had met in bolivia, saying that they we in Punta Arenas. So they came over and had some oyster stu with us. It was great to see them. After they left we hit the hay.

December 17, 2010

Today is the day we met up with our Germany friends Uli and Annaleen in Punta Arenas. We had an easy ride, it was only 280 from Rio Gallegos to Punta Arenas, but we had a boarder crossing into chile, which was relatively painless. But anyways, once we got into Punta Arenas and got settled into our hostel. We chatted with Uli and Annalen. Then later Annaleen made dinner for us again, and it was fantastic, again. After dinner we went to bed and planned our day tomorrow.

December 16, 2010

After breakfast this morning we needed to get gas or we may be spending another night in San Julian. Which wouldn't be good because we are wanting to meet our old friends, Uli and Annaleen, in Punta Arenas before they head off on sunday. So we went to the nearest gas station and the line up for it went around the block and back into the gas station. It was nuts! So dad and I, being inpatient, decided to ride out to the high way and check for gas there. We pulled into the gas station and there was only a 2 car wait. So we got gas and headed back to the hostel the pack up and get the heck out of there. We rode to Rio Gallegos with no problem getting gas in between. When we into town there was a little line for gas but wasn't bad. Then we went and got a room at a hostel. After that we did a little shopping and came back and had dinner. I have to say that the past couple days of constant worry if we were going to get gas has kicked the excitement level up in this trip. It has been an obstacle that we need to over come. And we are destroying the obstacle.

December 15, 2010

So we were all fuelled up this morning and ready to go. We decided that we would ride slower today because of the problem getting gas the day before. Plus if there wasn't any gas along the way, between Comodoro Rivadavia and San Julian, we could get there with one tank of gas. Regardless of our extra precaution, we were able to get gas 200 click down the road, so we got to San Julian with no problems. But once we got into San Julian, the whole town was pumped dry of gas. Which wasn't too much of a problem we decided we would worry about it in the morning. So we drove around town for a bit then got a room at the wonderful hostel. After that we got some dinner and took it easy for the rest of the night.

December 14, 2010

Dad and I thought about what the hotel owner told us last night. We weighed our options, and decided to pretend we didn't here anything about a gas strike. We rode to Comodoro Rivadavia. We had to fill up with gas which was no problem. But when we got to Comodoro there was a line about 2 to 3 blocks away to every gas station. So after an hour and a half of waiting in the line we finally got gas. Then we went to go find a place to spend the night. That took about 4 hours but we finally found a place for a good price. Once we got unpacked we went for dinner. Then went back to the hotel,watched some tv and went to sleep.

December 13, 2010

Dad and I were up bright and early. We had the bikes packed and ready to go at 9. once the bikes were all packed and ready to go we said our goodbyes to our friend Gus. We got on the road and rode to Punta Mandrid. It was a nice little town. Once dad and I got a hotel, we went out and explored the place. While we were out we picked up dinner. While we were eating dinner in our room the hotel owner came and talked to us. He told us that there is no gas south. The gas company is have a strike and it would be hard to get gas. We both thought he was just saying that to make us stay a few extra night but dad did some research on the net and there is a strike but it said nothing about being difficult to get. So we had something to think about in our sleep.

December 12, 2010

We woke up around 8. I made breakfast for Gus, dad and I. It was only toast but since there is no toaster I had to grill them in a frying pan. It worked, for the most part. After breakfast dad and Gus went to go pick up some stuff to make dinner tonight. Once they got back there was a ride to a local tourist spot. It was only 30 km away from the camps site. We went to this museum of local marine life, and it also had these look out points were you could see the sea lions, down below. After that we went for lunch just down the street for the museum. The lunch wasn't the greatest but it was food. After lunch we went and took a group photo by the Atlantic. Once that was done we came back and I fell asleep. I woke up for dinner, which Gus made. After dinner we just chatted with the other bikers and went to bed. I have to say overall, the Viedma HUBB meeting was very boring. We only did two things as a group and there really isn't much to do in Viedma. But thats okay because we are leaving to Ushuia tomorrow and that is much more exciting.

December 11, 2010

We all slept in. We got up around 11 and made sausage and eggs for breakfast. After breakfast we went back to sleep for a little longer. There really wasn't much planned for today. It was a bit of a let down. But after being inside all day I decided to hop on the bike and go for an adventure. After going out and exploring we waited till 8, when it was time to go for dinner at this local restaurant. It was good taking to people where they had been and what they have done. It was interesting to hear other peoples adventures. After dinner I went to bed because there really wasn't much more to do.

December 10, 2010

After breakfast this morning, we packed the bikes and were on the road for 10. We were riding as a group of four. Putting our newest  rider, Kim, right behind Dad, who was leading. We had gone about 5 km when finally deciding to leave Kim behind, he was riding at a different speed, which isn't a problem. Like all the motorcycle rider say "Ride you own ride". So we just told Kim we would meet him in Viedma. We rode to Viedma, we had arrived around 3:30. And finding the place was a little bit of adventure. There was 3 GPS's and they all said our finally location was about 5 meter out to sea. Regardless we found the camp site. We didn't camp because it was really windy still and there were rain clouds coming our way. So we got a little bit of a suit on the camp ground. It was only 50 bucks for 3 people. Thats like 17 bucks each. Once we had got all moved in everybody who was camping came over to our place. To check it out. Later we went and picked up some groceries to last us for the next few days. We got back and started to make some dinner. All of a sudden dad had invited everyone for dinner. So I had to go our and grab some more supplies. Once I got back I helped Gus make dinner, while dad was one hell of a host. We made stu so it took longer to make them expected but we ended up having dinner around 10. It wasn't till about 12 or 1 when people started to head to bed. It was a late night for all of us.

December 09, 2010

We got up, had breakfast and packed up the bikes. Once that was all done we dropped off our key and hit the road. It was a long haul today. The road are absolutely straight and flat. It is flatted then Alberta here. And on top of it, it is really windy. But we made it to our next location safe and sound. We stopped in another little tourist town called Monte Hermoso. We found a room for a good price. After getting moved in we went for dinner. We were sittin at this restaurant when Gus starts waving at someone and say hello to them. It was Gus's friend Kim who he had met from dakar moto. Kim sat down with us and apparently he was staying at our hotel. So we all agreed to be on the road for 10 the next morning.

December 08, 2010

It was an early morning and I was not feeling to great. We had planned to leave for 9 but we didn't get out till about 10. We had said our goodbyes and we were on the road. We road for a few hours and decided to stop and get something to eat but since it was a holiday, nothing was open. We spent about an hour trying to find something to eat in this little town. So we just moved on till the next place were there was food. We got into this little tourist town called Villa Gesell. As soon as we got into this town we some some locals with big BMW bikes. So we stopped to chat with them. But non of them knew any english. But it was good cuz Gus and I got to use our spanish skills to their full potential. Anyways we ask on of them were a good hotel was. So instead of telling us where to go, he hopped on his bike and we followed him. The first place he took us to it was too expensive. So he took us to another place, which was good enough for our budget. One we got settled in we went out from dinner. once we got back. I was absolutely exhausted so I went to bed.

December 07, 2010

Today was our last day of spanish classes. I feel that my spanish is much better now. I learned a lot but most of it I already knew, so it was a bit of a refresher. After school dad and I said our good-bye to our fellow class mates and teachers. We also got a certificate saying we have done 30 hours of spanish. We also had made plan for some of our friends from the school to come over to our hostel to go for dinner and have fun on our last night in Buenos Aires. Dad and I had just been back in the hostel for an hour when Gus showed up. He is going to ride with us to the Viedma meeting. Once Gus was settled in I went for a nap because tonight is more then likely going to be a late night. I woke up and went on the computer for about an hour. Then Dorien showed up and a half hour after that James did. Once we were all there we went for dinner just 3 doors down for the hostel. It was a nice dinner and it was good to spend the last night in Buenos Aires with our new friends. After dinner we all went back to the hostel. It was a good night. I think I didn't get to bed around 4 in the morning.

December 06, 2010

We had to get to school and hour early then last week because there is an Argentina holiday on wednesday, so they added an extra hour on each day. Anyways we had to be down at our bus stop for 7:45, to arrive at school for 8:15. We had a new teacher because our other teacher got another job. I think we lucked out because we had 2 wonderfully awesome teachers. After school we went back to the motorcycle shop to pick up the part for my bag. and then went back home. Once we got back we went to go mail some stuff back home. Which was the biggest pain in the butt ever. We had to wait in like 3 lines, some which took an hour, and once we would get to the desk they would send us some where els. Anyways to make a long story short we shipped our box and it will arrive at home before christmas. After all the mayhem we went back sat on the computer for a bit then had another early night sleep.

December 05, 2010

We had another lazy day today. We both did some work on the computer. But we were waiting for my mom and grandparents to come on line so we could do have a video chat with them. We got to see them around 2 and we talked for about an hour. After we had finished our chat with them we waited around till about 6 ish where we went with some of the people from the hostel for dinner, then after dinner to a local tango. After that we went back to the hostel for an early night sleep because we have school the next day.

December 04, 2010

Tdoay was a lazy day. Dad and I waited till about 6 when we went to go see Fueza Bruta. Fueza Bruta is this really cool show, with loud music and crazy stunts. Its hard to explain, so go see it next time it comes through the states. Anyways we got down to the cultural centre around 6:30, so we walked around and looked what some of the street venders had for sale. I bought a argentina belt buckle. Now that it was getting dark we though we would make our way over to the theatre. This weekend was also the Buenos Aires Jazz Festival. So right next to the theatre was a stage was set up, and some local bands were playing. It was pretty cool, and it was all music I recognized. 9:30 rolled by so went went and stood in line to see the show. After the show was over there was a little bit of a after party there but dad and I just decided to head to back to the hostel.

Spanish Classes November 29 - December 03, 2010

Classes started today. After classes dad and I had a bit of shell-shock, because you learn a lot in only 4 hours. I was really liking it though. I feel we were getting our moneys worth. After classes dad and I went out to find some motorcycle parts. Like the latch for my bag (broke it on my way to the salar). We were able to get the part ordered.
After classes dad and I sat in an after school workshop about learning how to use the bus and bus schedule. It was very informative. After that we headed back to Kilca.
Today after classes they had a workshop on spotting fake money and avoiding being ripped off. We learnt how to check bills to see if they we fake and we told where the highest risk of being pick pocketed, for example the subway and Florida Ave. (its a walking street). So after the workshop we followed our friend Gus. And were does he take us. To the subway on our way to Florida Ave. Everything was fine but we all thought it was a little funny. Dad and I bought a few things down there. Dad got some new shoes and I got a new backpack.
I was looking forward for the workshop after class. It was a workshop on how to make the perfect mate. It was cool to learn about the history behind it. I tried it and it just tastes like really strong tea. But it is really healthy for you. Once we got back we wanted to ship all of our souvenirs home. After walking 5 block we found out we needed our passport to ship a package. It wasn't a totally waste of a trip. We got a new tire plug kit and some tank protecter stickers.
Dad and I had to decide if we were going to take classes next monday and tuesday. We told them we were. Good choice. I am finding I am able to understand a lot more when the locals are talking to me and I am able to say more then just "si" or "no". Im looking forward to classes next week. Dad and I got back and went to bed for a nap cuz we will meet up with some of our friends from school to go to this circus show thing. But when we went to go buy the tickets they were sold out. Gus, James and Dorien had already got their tickets. So we didn't end up seeing it but we went for some drinks at this cool bar with Gus and Dorien before the show started. We got tickets for tomorrow night instead.

The Class

November 28, 2010

After having a lazy day, dad and I decided to get out and do something today. We ended up walking down to San Telmo. Which was this market place that was selling at sorts of antiques. We didn't end up buying any antiques, but we got some mate mugs and some quilmes t-shirts. Quilmes is our favourite beer down here. Once dad and I got out of the little market area the street whole street for the next 20 block was just packed with people and venders trying to sell their stuff. It was really cool. Dad and I made it to the end of all the venders. So we turned around and went home. We were pretty tiered, we walked for about 5, 6 hours today. So we had an early night.

November 27, 2010

Dad and I just had a lazy dad. Dad updated his blog and I just hung out. When we were hungary, we ate. When we were tiered, we slept. When we had to go "you know", well we went. And thats about if for today.

November 26, 2010

Dad had got in contact with a fellow rider. He had been taking spanish lessons at this wonderful school. So dad and I decided to check it out today. We took a cab from the hostel and it cost like 60 pesos to go 8km. I took about a half hour to get there. We got there signed up for next week and went for lunch with Gus (the fellow rider) and his friend James, who he'd met at the school. The both of them both said that the school was great. Dad and I were looking forward to getting into class. After lunch we had all went out separate ways. Dad and I went back to the school to find out how to get home at little bit more economical. They told us was bus to take. The bus only costs 1.25 pesos. Once we got back to the hostel we went for dinner. The dinner was okay but it cost 200 pesos for a little bowl of seafood stu for the both of us and 2 beer. And then on top of it 14 pesos for bread. A "service charge". Dad was outraged and refused to pay the charge. After 5 minutes of dad and the manager arguing, security showed up… Oh great! The security didn't end up do anything. Our waiter paid for our service charge and we were on our way. Good one dad.

November 25, 2010

So our bikes we nice and clean to work on now. So dad and I got up early and took off our tires so we could get them changed. Javier stopped by with his jeep, loaded the tires up and he went off to the tire shop. While Javier was out doing our tire dad and I decided to go get lunch. When we got back Javier was just unloading the tires. We popped them on and was ready to go. We also changed my chain and front sprocket, cuz we could. We left Dakar Motos at 2. We only had to go about 30 kilometres into the heart of Buenos Aires. We didn't find our destination, which was Kilca Hostel, till 7:30 at night. The traffic was crazy!!!!. And on top of that the gps was leading us in circles. But we made it before it got dark out, thats the important part. So we have decided to park the bikes for our visit in Buenos Aires. We will be here at the Kilca for the next 10 days or so.

November 24, 2010

Uli and Annaleen had left dakar motos this morning. We said our goodbyes and planed to meet up with them south. After they left dad and I had a lazy day. Dad and I went out for some lunch. Once we got back we decided to take our bikes down to this wash place to get our bikes washed. Once we got down there we just parked the bikes and the men did the rest. I cost about 60 pesos to wash (15 dollars). They did a fantastic job. The bike was hand washed in every little nick and cranny. The bikes looked brand new. I was very impressed. Once we got back to dakar moto we just hung out till Javier (the owner) came by with his wife. We chatted for a bit.

November 23, 2010

We went and had breakfast with Uli and Annaleen. We set a time to leave at, so after breakfast we packed up and were on the road at 10. Since Annaleen did such a great job leading we let her show us the way. We were making good time but when we were about 30 km out of Buenos Aires, when traffic on the highway just stopped. We were weaving in and around traffic after about 15 minutes of this we decided to get off the highway and go around the traffic jam, plus the bikes were getting a little hot. Once we managed to get off the highway we parked in the shade and went and got a pepsi. Annaleen went and talked to one of the locals and he told her that 2 police were killed on the highway from a shooting. Thats great. Anyways, we made it through the 5 km long traffic jam. It took us about 2 hours to get through it but we made it to Dakar Motor with no problem. Once we pulled up to Dakar Motor we were greeted my the owner Javier. Uli and Annaleen had already been hear before, so Javier already knew them. We brought our bikes into the shop and starting chatting with Javier. He had 2 bunk beds for us. One for Uli and Annaleen, the other for us. These beds are right in the shop. It is really rustic hear and I love it. Dad had sent Javier and email a week prior to get some tires ordered for us. Javier has informed us the tire will arrive tomorrow. Awesome!

November 22, 2010

First thing we did this morning was check on the bikes. They weren't in the most secured place, so it was a bit of a constant worry through out the night. The bikes were un touched. we started to pack the bikes up. I took my bike off the centre stand and it fell over onto another bike right next to it (just like dominos). It was a locals bike, but it got screeched and the mirror cracked. I felt really bad so we gave him 100 pesos (25 bucks). The owner wasn't too upset. We I apologized a thousand times. He said it was okay and we got out of there. We went back to the hotel for breakfast, which wasn't much, then hit the road. We pulled over because we saw these ant hills along the highway. We tried to break them open to see all the ants run every where, but there was no one home. We were just about to pull out, when these 2 BMW's passed us. They turned around to meet us. They were a couple from Germany, Uli and Annaleen. We decided to converse more over lunch in the next town about 20 km away. We had lunch and decided to ride together for awhile. We rode with them to Federal, Annaleen was leading, and she rode at a good pase. We got a hotel and went for dinner with them. We got all you can eat pizza for 20 pesos each (5 bucks) once again i defiantly ate my moneys worth

November 21, 2010

We met up with Scott and his wife Clare, the next morning as planned. We chatted some more then decided the day was wasting, so we said goodbye and hopefully see them later on down the road. Dad and I were about 200 km out of Iguaza and the skies opened up. The rain came down in buckets. So we decided to cut the day early. We made it to San Pedro. We got a hotel and hung up all of our wet stuff. It was around 4 ish now, so it was time for something to eat. We got a taxi to a restaurant, the taxi ripped us off, but we were hungary. We got back to the hotel and just relaxed and listened to the rain.

November 20, 2010

After breakfast we decided to take a day off, just relax and update the blog. Dad updated his blog while I just watched tv in the room, staying nice and cool with the air conditioner on full blast. Finally Dad had finished up and we went to go get some food for dinner. We just went to the super market  and got some crackers and meat. It was less then 10 bucks for everything. It was good. We were just sitting in our room later that night, when we got a knock on our door. I answered it and it was Scott, the very first motorcyclist we met. We met Scott at the villa kunterblunt the first day in south america. Dad had got an email from him earlier that day saying that he was in Iguazu. So we stayed up late that night and shared stories till about mid night. It was great to see a familiar face. We decided it was getting late and would continue the conversation over breakfast the next morning.

November 19, 2010

Today we saw the Iguazu. And they were absolutely beautiful. After walking around for a few hours we were getting a little hot. So we decided to take a river board ride to go cool off. It was only 20 dollars per person, and it was totally worth it. They take you up to the falls to take pictures. Then they tell you to put the cameras away. And they drive the boat completely under the falls and you get totally soaked. It was nice and refreshing. The water wasn't cold a all. It was just perfect. After getting totally soaked we went back to the hotel, had a shower and got a bite to eat.

November 18, 2010

We made it to Iguazu Falls. It was a little bit later but the sun was still shinning. We had another long day, it was about 700 km today. But we made it, found a nice little hotel with air conditioning, because it was hot. We were really hungary so we fund this meat house and got an all-you-can-eat. I defiantly got my moneys worth. Once we were done we headed back to the hotel, but dad got a hair cut first. Which it was just a quick 5 minute buzz and was chared 40 pesos (10 bucks) it was a little bit of a rip off, it happens.