Driving in Chile

I have totally lost count of which day I am on...but this morning was a relaxing start to the day having a leisurely breakfast with amazing views from the dining room at the hotel before heading out for some more hiking in the area.

Today I headed to Laguna Sofia and did an easy hike around part of the lake - such a good way to start the day! The views coming down the road toward the lake were pretty impressive. This place is not accessible by public transport, so having a rental car was definitely an asset.

Some observations I have had while driving around...The speed limit was not always posted when you turned onto a new road and following the traffic might mean you are speeding - 90 km/h was always a good bet if on a paved highway.

The amount of cyclists travelling around was amazing...and not just out for a casual ride, they are packed down with canapes and a backpack and doing some serious cycling in some crazy ass wind - that was impressive!

I have also felt guilty (for only a moment) passing the many hitchhikers I saw looking for a ride into Torres del Paine National Park or out of the park, clearly after they finished some multi-day trek. They were usually 20-somethings looking to save some cash by hitching a ride. But as a solo traveller I would never even consider the thought of doing that - no worries!

Driving along with the tunes cranked and then I saw it...flashing lights coming up fast behind me. Shit! Was I speeding? Do they pull over to the right to allow for emergency vehicles to pass like we do at home? I figured it was a universal proper etiquette thing to do and if I was speeding, they were pulling me over anyway. But all good...it was just an ambulance.

Later in the day it was time to drop off 'Ralphie' the rental car. Of course the rental agency did their checking of the vehicle to see if there was any damage and buddy noticed a small crack in the windshield. I had noticed this stone chip the other day and clearly I didn't notice it during the initial inspection but buddy assured me it was previous damage that they already had on file. I would have known if a rock flew up and hit the windshield - it would have scared the crap out of me!

After dropping off Ralphie, I decided to walk around the town of Puerto Natales for some souvenir shopping. It was easier to walk and not have to pay attention to all the one-way streets, where to park, find parking, and remembering where I had parked the car! (Just for the record, that last one has only happened once - in Vancouver and it was about 20 years ago...and yes, I eventually found it!

I continued on my walkabout along the waterfront and walked back to the hotel with souvenirs in hand - I hope I have room in the suitcase.

Later in the evening I met up with some travelling friends I had met back in Puerto Varas as their hotel was right next to mine. This guy was just running by and wanted to be in the pic - hilarious! We walked back into town for dinner and drinks...and some more shopping! Today was a good day!