CHILE
CARRETERA AUSTRAL - PUERTO MONTT - SANTIAGO - EASTER ISLAND
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Carretera Austral, Chile – 24th January, 2004
The incessant rain ceases. Steve and Mark snap the moment. Carretera
Austral could possibly be the most beautiful road we have ever
had the chance to lay our rubber on.
Carretera Austral, Chile – 24th January, 2004
The Austral Road (Carretera Austral) is often described as "camino
ripio", meaning paved in stones. It begins in Puerto Montt
and ends in Caleta Yungay. Construction began in 1979, with the
last stretch inaugurated in 1996. The road is entirely graveled.
It is a narrow, almost single track road that was carved out of
that narrow strip of land between the Andes and the ocean. Often
hugging the Pacific, it Kriss-Krosses (will make you jump jump….)
through virgin forests and panoramorous (new word – just
made it up) mountain tops.
Carretera Austral, Chile – 23rd January, 2004
On the fourth day into the trip Steve ate dirt….He flipped
his bike and dislocated his left index finger at the knuckle.
(WARNING: You should not ride Paris Dakar stylin´ when attempting
to circumnavigate the globe without insurance, decent linguistical
skills, or a hospital within 500kms).Out of nowhere Mel Gibson
rocked up and started giving Steve grief for not having the balls
to fix his problem. ´Come on ya pussy. I put my whole shoulder
back in Lethal Weapon, what’s a little finger….´.
Next thing you know Steve ripped off his glove and had a go (the
other guys had continued past thinking he was just repacking his
pannier. Idiots). First go was almost a success, except it slipped
back off the knuckle after about two seconds. Second go. Same
deal. Shit. The third time he yanked the two bones off his swelling
knuckle, repositioned them and curled his finger down to keep
the little fella on. This method was successful. An x-ray two
days later revealed there was no permanent damage.
Puerto Montt, Chile – 22nd January, 2004
After Tomma´s unfortunate accident near Chanco, his arse
was swollen and now closely resembled JLo´s butt. Steve
and Mark were left to conquer Carretera Austral ´Hans solo´.
Iloca, Chile – 16th January, 2004
Geoff consoling Steve after his accident. The lads took over 40mins
to realize that maybe Steve was not just repacking his panniers.
Sheeesh.
Santiago, Chile – 12th January, 2004
The bikes and Geoff finally arrive in Santiago all in one piece.
We were afraid that the bikes might fall over on the plane ride
and get damaged. So we strapped Geoff to the bikes to ensure nothing
went wrong. He arrived in pretty good condition.
Santiago, Chile – 10th January, 2004
We arrived in Santiago and shacked up at `La Casa Roja´
(the Red House) for a few weeks while we waited for our bikes.
Bogga got so excited with his new friend he ripped her head off.
Thankfully the hospital was just around the corner. It was a clean
break. All good.
Santiago, Chile - 10th January, 2004
´ Come here ya little bastard, I’ve heard pigeon is
bloody good eating at this time of year!´ An inexperienced
young girl gets in on the act. Her technique is clearly
in need of parental instruction.
Santiago, Chile - 10th January, 2004
Here in Plaza de Armas, pigeons, more commonly known as rats with
wings, are fair game and make a cheap meal for locals hungry for
a free feed! Notice how this father and son team works together.
The boy is mesmorised as he watches his experienced padre
instruct him on the age-old technique of catching the winged prey
in a cooking pot ready for the oven.
EASTER ISLAND
Easter Island is over 3,000kms from its nearest inhabitants,
(Tahiti and Chile), therefore placing the island as one of the
most isolated locations on Earth. A small triangular lump of volcanic
rock slapped in the middle of the South Pacific. Best known
for the giant stone Moai, (monoliths) that dot the coastline.
The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua"
(Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island
on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land,
people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui. There
are many crazed explanations as to how the Moai stones came to
be where they are. But if you want the facts the Easter Island
Homepage will provide some answers.
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Easter Island - 5th January, 2004
Steve and Bogga sharing a moment at Rano Raruka just before they
get their gear off and swim in the lake below. The lake
is actually the crater of an extinct volcano and is considered
sacred by the local Rapa Nui. Locals told us that they believe
the lake to be a fountain of youth, so you must swim in it naked
- that way it blesses your donga too!
Easter Island - 5th January, 2004
There are hundreds of Maoi statues scattered all over Easter Island.
One of the most impressive sights which we found was here
at Ahu Tongariki. There are 15 Maoi statues in a line at
this sight, all of which stand with their backs to the Pacific
Ocean.
Scattered around the sight there are many more, most of which
have been blown over. Shortly after checking out this site we
spoke to some locals who informed us of a legend on Rapa Nui.
The legend was that there is ancient hieroglyphics and a
sacred Maoi statue hidden inside an underwater cave only accessible
during low tide. They refused to tell us where this hidden
Maoi was located. However, we spent the rest of our time
on the mysterious island in vain, trying to find the legendary
Maoi which no white man had ever seen before. If our efforts
are anything to be based on then we are sure it will be well hidden
from tourists for many years to come.
Easter Island - 5th January, 2004
Another photo of the 15 Maoi at Ahu Tongariki. These Maoi
have actually been rebuilt due to a Tsunami back in 1960. Tidal
waves and gale force winds knocked most of the Maoi statues over
and scattered them everywhere like rag dolls. The day that we
viewed the sight there were locals working on the sight itself,
reinforcing the walls to protect it from the elements.
Easter Island - 5th January, 2004
Another artist´s impression of the hideous, yet strangely
captivating head of Bogga. This picture represents what Bogga´s
head would surely morph into if he allowed his body to endure
5 years of steroid abuse.
Easter Island, Chile – 4th January, 2004
Easter Island - the first man made wonder visited by the Lost
On Earth Crew.
Easter Island, Chile – 4th January, 2004
Our first man-made wonder on the list. Phenomenal site, crazy
people. For some reason everyone on the island knew who we were.
They thought we were sponsored professional stunt riders. We were
treated to a week that will never be forgotten. The spirit of
the Rapa Nui outshines many. They are truly awesome people who
have a great affinity with Pisco (local drink).
Easter Island, Chile – 4th January,
2004
Thought you might be up for a different angle.
Easter Island, Chile – 3rd January, 2004
Geoff and Mark just stole Steve’s last piece of bread. To
top it off Geoff used Steve’s sarong to wipe his nuts after
a swim. He is currently planning a surprise attack on the boys
using ancient Rapa Nui weapons lent to him by a local elder.
Easter Island - New Years Day
When a bird craps on you it is supposed to be good luck, but what
does it mean when the bird has diahorrea (how the hell do you
spell this?). More importantly, why does the dousing of
sloppy shit excite Steve?
Tahitian Island hopping...
