Leaving Valparaiso Dec 1

When traveling by moto, it always best to make a plan to leave early. Attaching the gear, takes a few days to master, do it efficiently and quick, but our group has nailed it, impressive and the eagerness to ride prevails. Our destination today is Talca, we have decided to camp there for the night. We are using "IOverlander"a free app anyone can upload to check out camp sites and reviews posted by other traveller's. Today we travelled on secondary roads, a nice switch from the busy toll highway. The drive is approximately 361 km.  Hunger sets in and we stop in Santa Cruz Chile, a beautiful town about 3 hrs into the ride. With all the bikes lined up in the street, the people are curious and friendly. Many wish us safe travels. John (aka). Juan Alberto, does his magic of letting the masses know what we are up to, he
also gives a few children Canadian Souvenirs.Always nice to see children smile what an Ambassador he has become, "go Johny go". Time to leave." Giddy up poco moto's". On our arrival to Talca the group followed the coordinates to the spot.We all thought this must be it. On a hill, big property, cool, made it. So Ed went through the big solid gate. The big gate that closed behind him. Guess he didn't hear us saying Stop. Now locked in on someones property and a  gigantic dog about to head out to great him. I was pushing buttons to release our friend but no such luck. Ed, put your bike against the 8' gate, stand on the seat, jump, save yourself.

Luckily for Ed the big beast was friendly, legs intact he managed to make it to the house where a servant greeted him. No camping here she said. Maybe the camping spot is next door, we know we were close. In the end we all turned around on the driveway very carefully as on one side it was a sheer drop of about 50 or so feet. Driving to the top of the hill you get a spectacular view of the city. There is a large statue of the Virgin Mary, beautiful site indeed. Darkness was setting in, so the group decided it would be best to hotel it for the night. Luckily for us we found accommodations at the Hotel Stella. The person at the check in was very nice to us, her name is Victoria, and made us feel most welcome. Off to bed as tomorrow we are off to camp at Salto de Laja.
Al Nino