Day 231 - Heading for Chile

(Ursula) Nothing eventful happened today. We slept well and started our descent from this beautiful mountain world. The same trail took us back to the car in 4 hours.

Today's weather was bright and sunny but quite cool and windy. We drove back to the Swiss Club and took wonderful hot showers. In the evening we went food shopping and enjoyed a fine dinner at the Restaurant Tyrolia. Stats: Miles 35, Expenses $38.75

December 19th
(Ursula) We were ready to leave Bariloche at noon and said our goodbyes to everyone. Before leaving the area, we visited Colonia Suiza, a little Swiss village on Lake Moreno with the spectacular Andes Mountains as a backdrop. It was a picture I will probably never forget!

Then Route #40 took us around Lake Nahuel Huapi to Villa La Angostura. From there, we traveled on Route #231 to the Chilean border. We exited Argentine at Paso Cardenal Antonio Samoré and drove through a long tunnel through the mountain to the Chilean side. Chile welcomed us with 4 inches of fresh snow on the ground. What a surprise!

We briefly stopped before approaching the border patrol to hide our Büsi. Pets were not allowed to enter. Büsi refused to stay in his secret compartment under the passenger seat and always meowed. So I just stuck him in my purse on my lap.

Heinz went to the Immigration & Customs building to get all the paperwork done. Meanwhile, I sat in my seat with a pounding heart, following every move of the customs officer as he searched our car. He seemed satisfied with the back and came to my passenger window. At that moment, Büsi stretched her head and paws out of my purse!

I could only gently stroke his head and hope he wouldn't start meowing as I handed over the passports. After stamping, the officer returned them to me, tapping his cap and saluting "Bienvenido a Chile."

What a relief - I could finally breathe again!Les mer