Camping sites, when there are no other campers, are brilliant. Not that we are anti-social, but it’s so relaxing. Today, we have decided to camp again, close by, and Jen has found a camp with great write-ups on iOverlander. So we headed for it. Stopping along the way to see if other camps we passed, were up to it. None were. Mostly derelict or in one case, a woman rushed out wanting to stop us driving on her grass. Needless to say, we did that, and right back out the gate.
A short drive today.
Our route away from the North – South Ruta 5, has deviated inland and we are now in grape growing country. Narrow valleys with slivers of irrigated land either side of a river. There is a recently built dam, we pass on the way.
The camp we chose has turned out to be everything we could wish for, and more. It’s a vineyard first, and camp second. The young woman proprietor was bouncing out of her front door when we pulled up, smiling and greeting us warmly. Her camp reflects her attitude. Shady grassed areas under willows, Sprinklers watering the grass to keep it green, and clean toilets, and showers with warm water. A well equipped kitchen, should we choose to use it. The fee p6500 each. (£5.50 or NZ$12 each.) Prices in Chile are expensive, considering the general standard of living. Something is way out of balance! The best example of balance we have experienced in South America so far, is Ecuador.
Chilean recent history.
There has been some excellent communication regarding Chile. The comment from Bob in yesterday’s blog, brings into focus, the reason for the completely excessive number of shrines beside the roads. Thanks Bob. Bob is a fellow Rotorua Veteran and Vintage car club member, and stalwart. He’s a Pom, married to a Kiwi…:). His lovely wife Pat, is also a club stalwart.
Friend Alex, in London, has also forwarded information of a DW documentary called Chile, Progresss, Growth and Despair. Maybe we’ll watch it tonight! Thanks Alex. 🙂
The Pinochet years!
Augusto Pinochet, a former soldier turned politician, dictated Chilean life from 1973 to 1998. Those that disagreed with his draconian rulings, simply ‘disappeared’! Spirited out of their beds in the dark of night, no doubt tortured to reveal others of a similar mind, and murdered. Pinochet, as an army officer led the overthrow of the democratically elected Allende. After which he was declared president. Interestingly, and true to form, and as happened in Central America, the Americans masterminded the coup and supported Pinochet’s murderous regime. He was arrested in London in 1998, then controversially released on grounds of ill health. At the time of death, in Chile in 2006 he was still facing over 300 charges against him.
An American political opinion.
Reflecting on the latest elections in the US, I can only applaud Trump for the election of Tulsi Gabbard to the position of Director of National Intelligence. Along with RFK Jr, as Secretary of Health and Human Services, who will bring Nicole Shanahan with him, are inspired appointments. All former Democrats. Maybe, just maybe, we will find the real truth behind the assassination of JFK, in 1963 (61 years and 7 days ago) and stop the catastrophic influence America has had on the worlds populations for decades?
Back to our camp.
We are established now and there are a couple of mechanical issues to attend to. One bolt on each side of the central roof rack supports, have come out, and need to go back. The sun is lovely and warm and we have the awning up for shade.
One side of the roof rack repair has occurred, but the other has not. It will need the roof rack to come off completely, to achieve. Later..:)
Meanwhile Jen, after beating me at a game of table tennis, is adjusting my hernia belt. That’ll teach her…:)
There are four dogs on the property. One, a gorgeous wee Border Collie pup, has stolen my heart. I’d love to take him with us. The other three, an adult Border Collier cross male, a soppy Labrador and a big German Shepard.
While I write this, it’s 7.40pm and still very light but cooling, Jen is preparing the evening meal and I’m sipping a tasty, smooth Chilean red that Jen bought earlier in the day, for £3.50 or NZ$7. Not everything is overpriced..:)
Views: 51