Reality bites, and I've had the time of my life

Well, I've been pretty slack in keeping you guys in the loop of where I've been. Partly because the internet I've had access to over the past few days has been pretty poor, and in other respects, when I got to my destination, I was completely knackered and writing was the last thing on my mind. 

So where have I been? 

From Meijillones we continued up the coastline to Iquique where we met up with Jens and his new group for dinner. My Spanish was getting better which was such a relief!

Then we went to Mamina in the middle of the desert where there was a thermal spring. Legend has it that an Inca king's daughter lost her sight, and was brought to Mamina where she regained her sight.

For me, it was not only a paradise amongst the desert, but also the centre of a BHP Billiton (Aussie mining company) copper mine, where I was invited to the resident's monthly BBQ.

After Mamina, we made our way up to Arica. One tank of fuel got us 320 kilometres (there was no gas stations in between, and needless to say the first thing I did was go buy a reserve tank). I didn't like tight fuel situations. I preferred to play it safe.

Entry into Arica

Arica is one of those towns that it is necessary to have your own transport. Out at San Miguel there is a museum where you can see mummies pre dating those of Egyptian times. The photos didn't come out so well, cause I wasn't allowed to use the flash. So you'll have to trust me on this one. :-)

And you can experience the region's olives.

Heading out of Arica we went to Putre. Isabella managed 5,250 metres above sea level before her engine would cut out. 

We saw some incredible mountains, glaciers, high altitude lakes, and froze our fingers off. How I longed for my heated hand grips!

We even met a new friend at the Police station (it was another mandatory stop).

Putre to Iquique (returning in order to get permission to cross a tax free zone) was the most rewarding riding days of my life. Not only was the road a challenge - 200 km of dirt and a further 300 tarred. The views stunning. 

Yes, that's the road I was embarking upon to complete!

At the Iquique youth hostel, I picked up a hitch-hiker. Even if only for this crazy photo!

Iquique to San Pedro got me through some pretty boring desert stretches.

I was rewarded with meeting some pretty incredible motorcyclists from Brazil. They created a Brazillian BBQ fiesta in my honour and we had an incredible evening together.

Sadly, Isabella's and my last day together had come. It was time to leave San Pedro, and return to Antofagasta via the Salar de Atacama. And what an incredible way to complete the adventure of my lifetime!

A massive thanks to Jens because without his help, I'd never have been able to embark on this dream! For details on how to buy a motorcycle in Chile, check out our detailed description here!

If you are in Germany, get yourself to the next Horizon's unlimited travellers meeting in October this year!

Hasta Leugo mes amigos!