This was steep
Climb from 1100m to 2200 on dirt passed extinct volcano. 8.00 start that usually indicates a tough day. Up the main highway for 5 ks then onto dirt. On and up. Wind and steep climb. Dirt not too bad at this stage but soft in places. Wind behind blows me along at speed. Up very steep track bottom granny gear, just made the last bit. Snow covered volcano in distance. Wait for Anna & others.
The Volcano
Surrounding vegetation sparse, clumps of spiney grasses & occasional yellow flowers. Hills with volcano in distance. Down hill to pass a small farm area green in contrast then up. The full force of the wind starts. Must be gusting up to 80 to 90 k. Have to stop & walk the bike. Can occasionally get on but difficult as soft dirt no traction and the wind. Blown off the track and walk again. 4 of us together. We are aiming for lunch at the volcano. Crest a rise & track a bit flatter but still head or side wind. Up a slight incline into soft & wind blows me over onto bad elbow. That’s it 2.00 so 6 hours to cover 35k. Anna & Eric go on, I find a sheltered spot in the sun & have a nanna nap. 2.30 I wake up to find the truck in front of me for a pick up with Anna already in it. I think she thought I was dead!
We keep going down the track & pick up 3 others, by the time we reach the lunch spot we are 8. Directly opposite the volcano with lake below. Spectacular with streaks of snow. See pink flamingoes in the lake from a distance.
Wind makes walking difficult
In truck downhill pass phillipe on the bike doing 45 says he hit 70 at one stage.
Town camp. Anna & I find a hotel. Slight clean & to camp for BBQ beers & tough day forgotten. Luxury of hot shower & clean sheets & mattress. Simple things are so appreciated.