Just to put minds at rest, the epicentre of the earthquake in Chile on Monday 14th was 70 miles from us, and there was no tsunami.
Updates are usually done every couple of days, unless events conspire to prhibit. On 21st February we leave at 7am lovcal for Macchu Picchu, and will not get back until late on 23rd, so the update for that event will most likely be on 24th.
After the drearyness of Castro, what a change.
Puerto Montt dawned bright and clear, at around 15C. Both Sue and Ian were doing things, but they were very different.
Sue's trip was by coach into the hinterland, to do some exploring. Thyus were out for the whole day, leaving at 8am and getting back around 4.45pm. It would seem that a great time was had by all. After a coach trip of about one and a half hours, they joined a lake cruise and had a great time admiring the spectacular scenery and the local fauna. Next came lunch with time to walk and explore where they were, before moving by coach to another location and the llamas. Finally, back on the coach for the return journey.
At this juncture, one should comment on the Chilean way of doing road repairs, as these affected both Sue and Ian's trips. Not being content to dig up and resurface, they dig up kilometres at a time, and make it one way traffic over what is left. This does lead to seriously long delays!!
Ian managed to do one of the things that he has always wanted to try, namely white water rafting.
Twelve intrepid souls decided to have ago at this, nine passengers(five men and four ladies) two members of the show dance troupe, and a crew member.
Following a drive of just over an hour in a minibus(would have been shorter but for the aforementioned roadworks), the destination was reached. Having disentangled ourselves from each other, we dismounted to be met by our guides and given wetsuits(yes, there was one big enough for me!!), jackets and boots. We changed and then were driven down to the rafts. Following an extensive safety briefing, lifejackets and helmets were fitted, photographs taken and it was down to the water.
Six to a boat, plus a guide, and we were off. One does not sit in the boat, but on the sides, with ones feet wedged under the cross piece in front. Steering is done pricipally by the guide, assisted by the passengers paddling hard in the rquired direction when told to do so.
Now to the rapids, and this is where it becomes exhilarating, and impossible to describe. It is an enormous adrenalin rush, and terrific fun, if a little scary at times. We were on the water for virtually one and half hours, most of negotiating rapids or the slacker water inbetween. Only the last ten minutes or so was in calmer water. About 15 minutes from the ned, with one slight waterfall ahead, the guide invited us to go into the water and sail down the last bit in the recovery position we had been shown. This is lying back in the water, with ones feet ahead of one, knees slightly bent. Exhilarating!!! To get back into the boat was a bit undignifying though. Hang on the side with ones feet trailing in the water. Be grasped by the life jacket by the guide. A big heave by him, and one is lying face down in the bottom of the boat.
At the end of the journey, dry clothes were waiting, as was a snack lunch. All too soon, it was back into the bus for the run back to the port and the waiting Black Watch.
Valentines Day is glorious, though the sea is a bit bumpy. We are on our way to Valpairiso. No cards to open, by agreement, though a bottle of pink champagne is in the fridge for this evening (remembered and brought specially from home for the purpose!!!)