PowerCycle

01/25 My morning started out with a visit from a friendly fox. He hung out for a bit while I took some pictures. Had a few sprinkles and clouds obscured the mountains but it was still a good day for riding.

The road from the campground at Lago Pehoé to Puerto Natales was more of the same from the day before. Inside the park it was brutal with lot’s of big hills and bad roads. There’s a long flat section just before leaving the park that I would absolutely hate if I were coming in the other way thanks to bad washboard and a relentless headwind.

Outside the park there was lot’s of climbing but great views of the lakes and mountains. Camping was also difficult, and gets progressively harder, except for one place along the only river crossing, maybe 15 km from the park.

At the junction with route 9 the road is paved and with the wind I sailed into Puerto Natales. Finding a place took some effort because most rooms were full and I couldn’t find the tourist office to get directions to a campground. I didn’t want to camp anyway and as luck would have it I found a room at Residencial Bernardita for 10,000 pesos (US $20). I even have a private bathroom and a cooking area right outside my door. Good wifi too. First time I’ve slept in a bed for almost 3 weeks. I’m paid up for 3 nights.

GPX track

Yawn

Kids were up climbing on this thing