Seems like a fairly sociable trip at the end of the day in the campgrounds. Scenery definitely brilliant.

Thanks😊

Wind clouds are impressive!

I have seen 2 schools of thought on oiling chains. One says oil often to keep from rusting. The other says oiling carries grit into the workings, which causes chains to wear (stretch) more quickly.

My thoughts are oiling frequently is good if it is rainy. Avoiding oil and infrequently using some kind of dry lube is good in dusty/sandy areas.

Sounds like things are looking up. John oils his chain every ride, so at least three times a week. Light but expensive oil.

We had cause to go to two bike stores a week apart on the last tour. The first one advised us to never oil our chain. The next one told us we needed to oil it more often.

I disagree with ed. Oil your chain every day especially if your in the rain. Wipe your chain off first with a rag, oil then wipe off excess oil.
...unless youve got magic self cleaning & lubricating chains ? ??

Thanks for the offer Jan. Unfortunately, Chile's mail sysem was privatised in 2002 (see Correos de Chile) so it is a compete failure too. We have been warned by numerous Chileans not to send any packages or valuables because they wont make it out of the post office. Amazon does not ship to Chile either, for the same reasons.

Also, if nothing else is available (like aloe, which I can't send) good old Vaseline is a better wound dressing than nothing. Naughty pavement! No biscuit!

Is there a bigger town where you will be, for sure, in about three weeks? Because FWIW I can send you small (cheap) stuff, according to Lonely Planet: "You can receive mail via lista de correos (poste restante; equivalent to general delivery) at any Chilean post office. Some consulates will also hold correspondence for their citizens. To collect your mail from a post office or embassy, you need your passport as proof of identity. There is usually a small charge, about CH$200 per item. Mail is held for one month. " I think CH$200 is about 50 cents Canadian, right? BUT...Canada Post says I can't send: animals and plants, chemicals, films, medicines, saccharine and similar substances (?), absinthe, adulterated beverages and foodstuffs, chain letters, condensed milk, flammable liquids (eg perfume, nail polish), knives (except for cutlery), lithium batteries (uninstalled), lottery tickets and advertising, offensive materials, pharmaceutical products and drugs of unknown composition, and used tires. So don't ask for any of those ;-) but Second Skin and Bandaids would likely fly. Happy to give it a try for you :-) -- Jan

Hi Louise & Mike
It was good to meet you in Puerto Octay. We’re following your blog with great interest. Hope Louise recovers quickly from the incident. Good luck with the penguin search! Jean & Nick

I am really enjoying reading your posts from the comfort of my living room couch - I almost feel like I am there with you - keep the posts coming

Thinking about your emergency kit: have you learned the Spanish yet for duct tape and fine wire? "Cinta adhesiva" and "alambre fino" is the best Google Translate can do. Also "parches de neumáticos de bicicleta" (bike tire patches) might be handy. Fingers crossed!

Carmen Here!!

I can guess that bird is called "zarapito" (Numenius phaeopus), From Alaska to Chile =)

Good going you guys..keep on truckin' : )