The weeks inbetween and the dog

Time passed since the roller coaster days of the carretera.

After the last post we encountered knee pain, many many dogs, rain, artesenal beer, rain, enchanted forests, rain, volcanoes, ghost towns and more rain.

The Cerro Castillo view

 

The Cerro Castillo view

Leaving the beautiful campsite we rested in Cerro Castillo, we soaked up the stunning mountain views and absorbed heat from the wood burner like gremlins.

The next few days included lots of climbing and a delightful reaquaintence with tarmac. Unfortunately along with the road change came rain. We had to take stock in Coyhaique, the main town along the carretera, during a 4 day downpour. Who knew a place could rain so much. We imbibed all the micro brewery beer we could get our hands on, replaced lost items and continued our search for a cup of real coffee in vain.

Artesenal beer at its best

 

From there terrain turned subtropical in Puyuihapi with the landscape totally green as moisture hung on the air, creating 'enchanted' forests.

 

Enchanted forest

 

The most heart warming moment was dog related. Chile has a dog problem and they are everywhere, Villa Mañihuales was no exception. We met a well behaved puppy who followed us from our lodging until the shop. She was quiet and almost polite, not vying for our attention or jumping up, a welcome turn of events. I thought she was nice so I gave her tummy a stroke. It was as if I was the first person to show her any attention in time and so she just kept following us. First out of town and then up the first hill. We assumed that she just wanted a little bit of exercise before she went home, but, she didn't leave. She just kept running next to us, never leaving the second cyclist behind. We hit about 20km and I tried to shoe her away, concerned she was leaving a comfortable and safe return. It didn't work. She firmly planted herself next to Dave and followed him for the next 30km, sometimes running in between us but always stopping and checking Dave was coming. It was amazing to see such loyalty had been attained with just one belly stroke. Even Dave was impressed.

We rolled into town 55km from where we left and there she was with us, still full of beans, a bread roll sustaining her. We checked into a hostel and she slept outside waiting for us for when we went to the shop.

The time came to leave in the morning and I cycled on, knowing she would stay and wait with Dave. He got a lift and as the car sped off, she realised the game was up and hopefully settled into her new home.

Or maybe she just ran back.

 

 

Kyle

 

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