Lima, Perú 15-7-2010
Odometer: 10239.4 miles
The pass from Ayacucho to the pacific goes up and over the Andes at 4750 meters (15,584 feet). It stays up and over 4000 meters for over 100 kms. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. The landscape at that altitude has always been amazing and here again it was not disappointing. After the 100 kms it finally started to descend, and the fun only increased. There seems to be something fun about a motorcycle, smooth tar, and 15,000 ft of decent in the Andes. The Peruvian road engineers are not afraid to put in switchbacks, tight turns, curves and bends. More than one switch back came back around over 260 degrees. It is mind boggling how the road cuts into the mountain, out and around the turn and then back under the road above it. Sweeeeeet. It makes for an excellent day. The decent was so long that we had to stop halfway down for lunch. It is hard to keep your concentration focused hours on end, and your smiling face muscles need some rest as well. And, just like getting ready to do an awsomer move off the dock, where you have to curl your toes over the edge and think--- safety first! Right Clem?
Between Ayacucho and Lima we spent a night in Pacara, on the coast(Odometer: 10,070.2 miles) I went down to the beach for breakfast. I saw this pelican and thought, hmmmm, I still owe Pepillon´ a kissed penguin for her birthday, maybe I can switch that for a pelican. The pelican was a bit shy at first, but once I explainded it was for you Pepillon´, she gave me a big birthday kiss for you. Then, too, she also explainded that it is not every day she gets to kiss a handsome gringo with a funny spanish accent and she didn´t want to pass on such a great opportunity. I only wished she had brushed her teeth. I could tell she had fish for breakfast, fish for dinner and fish for lunch. Weeewwww, stinky.
We are currently held up in Lima while the mechanics go over Josh´s bike. It has a few issues; the wiring, the starter, the alternator, the battery, timing, combustion, exhaust, and the front tire, front and rear suspension. After explaining all the major problems to the mechanic, he took out a picture of a bike that is designed to help him remember all the issues, by marking the locations. He just circled the entire bike and smiled. We smiled back, knowing clearly, we were all on the same page.
Uncle Walter
i've spent much of the morning going back though your pics and stories; they are amazing in every stretch of the word. what kind of camera did you bring with? i thought we talked about this back in LAX, but i'm not sure.
ReplyDeletebe safe - looks like you're having a great time.
Heads up, it's Mom and Pops' Anniversary today, July 21, 2010. They are at the lake and we are heading out to spend the afternoon with them. Sun's up, air is warm and the water is fine! Chris is looking for squirrels... all is good here.
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