Day 333 - Popayan

We drove back to Pasto, then continued on Route # 25 through countless valleys and hills, up and down, toward Cali. Toward the end of the day, we reached a high plateau from where we could admire the beautiful mountains around us.

Then the road descended into a romantic valley where we found an Estancia (farm) to camp for the night. There was potato and carrot salad for dinner. The night was humid and muggy. Stats: Miles 119, Expenses $2.75

March 29th
Our journey to Cali continued. The terrain was similar to yesterday; endless up and down over hills and through valleys with lots of curves on a (partially) unpaved road.

Our engine quit running on a climb. Our friends didn't notice and disappeared from our view. After inspecting, I found that the gasoline filter was clogged. I let the engine cool down, then installed a new one. Some gasoline splashed into my eyes during the process. Not very pleasant - it burns like fire!

Meanwhile, Gregor & Ellen noticed our absence and returned to find us. Then Gregor saw that they had a flat tire. As he changed the wheel, he noticed oil dripping from the engine block. The leak was next to the oil drain plug. It looked like the identical problem we had in Peru. Oi caramba!

We carefully continued to the town of Popayan, where we ate dinner at the airport restaurant. We were hoping to be able to camp there. But the management wasn't impressed with the idea and suggested we find a different place to stay. There was a military complex further down the road where we asked again. An army major allowed us to park inside and gave us the keys to the showers and toilets. What a gentleman! We greatly appreciated it and felt safe behind the high walls and guarded gate.

Stats: Miles driven 77, Expenses $4.55Read more