Day 21 - 12th December. A Tough Introduction!

Ushuaia (Argentina) – Punta Arenas (Chile) 501 kms (160 kms Track)

Total Distance So Far: 5,060 kms

I knew today would be a long one. We had 500 kms, two borders, a ferry and 160 kms of track to cover.

We had to make the ferry at Porvenir at 19:00. If we missed it we’d have to travel 384kms through the night, otherwise we’d miss our onward (once a week only) ship in two days from Puerto Natales. We set off bright and early and covered the first 100 kms through the mountains the same way I came in. It was a spectacular view for Lidy, who enjoyed the trip immensely. The only problem though is she wanted to stop and take photos every 5 minutes! The next 120 kms to Rio Grande were also a breeze managing to average 120 km p/h with some cross winds. We’d covered the first 220 kms by noon. The 100kms to the Argentine exit was a nightmare. We were plagued by very strong cross winds which kept our speed down to a poultry 50 km p/h. We got to the border at 2pm. The customs paperwork seemed to take forever but we got through after about an hour. This left us with 160 kms of farmers track in two and a half hours. All I can say is we made it with one quick 2 minute stop (for natures call and a photo) with 20 minutes to spare. We averaged 75 km p/h on the track. It was a bit of a white knuckle ride for me, but Lidy said she loved it!

The Honda handled very well two-up so also which was very good to find out. It is really has turned out to be a very capable all-round on/off-road touring bike. Very impressed.

It was a smooth 3-hour ferry crossing, and because of the long days of light we got a great view of the town and all of the boat slips when we docked.

Our hotel the Cabo de Hornos in Punta Arenas was first class and they kept the restaurant open to serve us a couple of tasty steaks and a fine Chilean red. All-in-all a great day, a bit rushed, but still a great day.