After the hard cycling across Tierra del Fuego a break in Punta Arenas was much needed. The city, located next to the Strait of Magellan, is the biggest south of 46 degrees, and turned out to be a good place to rest the legs and meet some nice people.
If you ever come to Punta Arenas you should check out Hostal Independencia. Yes, it is overcrowded and there are too few toilets, but the atmosphere is top notch. It seemed that all the Patagonian cyclists and motorcyclists thought so as well. There was always a new person with a helmet to talk to.
The front yard where it was possible to put up your tent was a bit crowded as well. We renamed it Punta Arena Base Camp.
On December 21st, the longest day of the year, I walked up to a view point above the city. It was past 11 pm when I took this photo. The days are long here.
On a windy day (most of them are) my trusty MSR tent finally gave up. I was sad about this as it has been my home for 3 years. Before I throw it away I cut out a piece of the canvas as a souvenir.
Armed with a new tent, which would be my Christmas present this year, Petter and myself were ready to face the head winds of Patagonia once again.
Sad news about the tent, but excellent idea to souvenir a piece of it – I am looking forward to your next camping photos so I can see the new one.
Yes Tony, it was actually I sad moment. I’m happy about my new tent though. Solid and good for the Patagonian wind, but 2.8 kg. Maybe another MSR when I go back to the Bianchi!
Great photos and stories as usual – glad you’re back non the road so I have a blog to read again most days 🙂
Happy New Year, and happy cycling onwards!!!
Hey Marie! How nice to have you back as a reader 🙂 Its great to be back on the road, and Patagonia is really beautiful. Happy New Year!