Now we have one other day of desert driving forward to achieve northernmost Chile at Arica, however for the second we’re spending an evening or three in Iquique (“ee-key-kay “) for a really particular cause. We’ve heard there’s an RV carpenter right here referred to as Mark with a workshop and we now have a drawer we would like fastened.
Layne was up earlier than me and on a transparent sunny morning she cherished our seaside anchorage. I woke simply after 9 to a sizzling cup of tea and a canine anxious for a seaside stroll in fact.
“You need one other cup of tea?” Sure and Rusty wished a bowl of water as a result of we’re demanding.
We lastly bought collectively and left round 2:30 within the afternoon. We’re beginning to understand we have to hold shifting if we wish to get to Brazil at the start of August so we are able to’t dawdle. That won’t make sense but however it’s going to turn into obvious why we wish to get to Porto Velho in dry season. In the meantime, extra of the infinite Atacama Desert.
We needed to go a customs verify at La Loa. In 1879 this was the border between Bolivia to the south and Peru to the north. These days it’s the border between Chile’s northern area, which is a tax free zone, and the remainder of the nation.
Going north it was a mere formality the place we stopped, I walked throughout the freeway to the blue shed the place a customs official stamped GANNET2’s short-term import allow. Why? I do not know however I requested no questions and saved driving.
“Populated space.” In a fashion of talking.
Campers! We’re not alone!
And verify this out: a seaside with trash service and consequently it’s clear.
Time is urgent oddly sufficient. My passport expires subsequent yr so it’s time to get a brand new one. I can apply in Cusco Peru the place there’s a US consulate however the flip round time is six to eight weeks. So our plan is to sit down nonetheless in Peru for some time and use that point to let Layne make a Dealer Joe’s run. The concept is she’ll go to see mates in California this time whereas Rusty and I wait in Arequipa Peru at our favourite campground.
We wish to go to northern Brazil beginning in late July or early August when the dry season is established. That’s essential as a result of there are roads in Amazonia which can be impassable within the rain. The pink earth of the area turns unpaved roads into mud pits that even effectively outfitted 4 wheel drive automobiles battle via and could be inconceivable for our heavy entrance wheel drive van. So behind our minds we now have this nagging have to hold shifting.
If not for that we’d be completely satisfied sitting on the seaside right here for lots longer. The seasons and the climate are the largest motivation to maneuver when overlanding.
And similar to that round 5 within the afternoon we arrive in Iquique. It seems trendy and surprisingly stuffed with skyscrapers from a distance, the promised land within the night mild. It’s unfold throughout the water entrance for 5 – 6 miles on the base of the cliffs.
Up shut the fact is barely totally different as town is displaying relatively quite a lot of indicators of wear and tear, lack of upkeep and relatively rundown. The perfect campground we discovered is a parking zone with chilly showers and electrical energy accessible for $22 an evening. Not an amazing alternative and it’s maybe lucky nobody was round to open the gate.