Day 233 - Heading for Santiago

(Ursula) We said goodbye to Toni and Susan and continued down the valley towards the Pacific coast.

In Osorno, we turned right onto Route #5 North to Villarrica, where we found a beautiful place to stay near a farm on the lake overlooking the Volcán Villarrica. We played cards until the wee hours! Stats: Miles 215, Expenses $8.85

December 21st
(Ursula) I don't know if it is my imagination, but the vegetation in Chile looks different from the last parts of Argentina. Other trees, lots of yellow flowers (I don't know the name yet), and daisies can be seen on grassy fields everywhere. The landscape isn't as rocky, either. We see lots of agriculture and lush green pastures.

Looking over to our right, the snow-capped volcanoes look mighty impressive. The road surface is concrete (slabs). We guess they are easier to replace after an earthquake. The Chilean currency is called Escudos. It's wild. Two pounds of cherries cost 200 Escudos - the equivalent of $0.38, and two pounds of bread cost 350 Escudos. Chicle must have had much devaluation over the years.

(Heinz) We found a perfect place to stay near a waterfall. I purchased motor oil and STP oil treatment to do an oil change. When I unscrewed the oil plug, the engine block's threaded insert also came out. I tried to screw it back in, but it jammed. Oh my God! What can I do? Where is Wally?

Fortunately, a screw from the spare wheel had a large enough diameter to fit. The thread didn't have the same pitch, but I could force it in a little and get a tight fit. The screwhead protruded, but it should hold as a temporary fix. I must find a VW Dealer in Santiago and see what can be done. Once again, luck was on my side!

The ignition timing was off by 4 degrees and had to be corrected.

In the evening, we were joined by a couple from Brazil, Paulo and Heidi - also traveling in a VW camper. We walked with them to a nearby waterfall, then soon hit the sack.

It was another fantastic day on our journey, but I didn't fall asleep immediately—couldn't get the oil plug issue off my thoughts?

Stats: Miles 211, Expenses 11.80Les mer