Adventures with Trev's cousin, Julio

Meet Trev's (Sharon's Trek) cousin, Julio. A rusty chained (with not a lick of lube in sight) Trek that was my trusty Chilean companion today.

We went from La Serena to Coquimbo, approximately 11km away. 10km of which was bike path along the beach. We got on the bike path at the lighthouse.

Beginning our pilgrimage, we noticed how wide the bicycle path was. Dedicated for the majority of the way (very generous shared pathway at other times) all along the beach to Coquimba.

There were plenty of opportunties to rest at a cafe or bar along the way or even a park bench to admire the other side of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding Andes, my everlasting companions.

Arriving in Coquimba, a fishing town, we (briefly) visited the fish markets

before meeting a security guard, who at first was about to tell us off for going somewhere wrong, but upon hearing my appaulling accent, instead decided to act as my tourist information advisor (or hell advisor - I'm not sure). Apparently it was necessary to go to the cross on the hill. The views are beautiful. Although we had eyed off the Cross the whole way to Coquimba, one look at the hill was a little daunting. And no map!

The views had best be bloody beautiful was my first thought. My second, was well what else am I going to do today? So, off we went. Up the hill. We got about 2/3 up, and then we saw a pathway. I must admit, I chickened out, and pushed Julio up it. Macbeth & Joe of CBD did pop in my mind, and I thought how much both would love this for a challenge:

And the views were spectacular, even just before arriving at the cross. Yes, those are snow covered Andes in the very distance...

Even a bit of unexpected local graffiti at the near to the end of the pilgrimage to brighten things up and keep me motivated to see what else was around the corner.

And finally, we arrived. Feeling a little worse for wear, but exhaulted just the same.

Let me tell you though, the ride DOWN the hill was an absolute blast! :-D