The ferocious Patagonian winds fought hard to keep us from reaching Tierra del Fuego. They tossed us about, knocked us off our bikes, attacked us from all sides. They humbled us. They angered us. They brought us to tears.
But eventually we beat them.
After waiting out a snowstorm in the village of Tulhuin, 100 kilometers from Ushuaia, we inched our way up the Garibaldi Pass, past shimmering lakes and snow-capped mountains. All bundled up in thermals and multiple layers, sniffling and sneezing and cursing the cold.
But soon enough our thoughts turned away from cranking the pedals and we took a look around. We were awe-struck with the beauty of Tierra del Fuego. After 2,500 kilometers of barren pampa, pine trees suddenly sprouted up and thick forests lined the highway.
From Paso Girabaldi we coasted down to Ushuaia. After months of daydreaming and imagining the moment we would finally reach the southernmost city in the world, the actual arrival was, well, anti-climatic.
Another storm was brewing, so we quickly set the timer on the camera and posed for a photo. Then we were off to find relief from the wind and shelter for the night.
Now, snow and cold on the 14th of December probably doesn’t strike most of you as very odd. But remember, this is the Southern Hemisphere. The official start to summer is just days away. Snow should not be part of the forecast, even if we are at latitude 55 degrees south.
The locals like to say that in Ushuaia, you can experience all four seasons in a single day. They’re right. It’s a crazy climate, but when the sun pops out over the Beagle Canal, the city is stunning.
The long road ahead
The end of one adventure means the start of another. The road north. All the way back to Colombia, passing through the Andean countries this time.
We’re looking forward to escaping the relentless winds and taking on some high passes. Give me a good strenuous climb, unbearable heat, driving rain, rutted roads. Anything but the Patagonian winds.
Congratulations, and have a safe journey back north. We’ll remember that “Anything but the Patagonian winds” comment though.
Best wishes, I hope you guys have a wonderful holiday season, and a great New Year, rb
Love the updates and your heartfelt comments on the joys and struggles of traveling the world by bike. Thinking of you and hope to see you on your return north. Best wishes for your continued adventures.
Congratulations!!! You guys are seeing the world like most will never see it, truly inspirational!!!! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on your way north.
Wow,so happy for you guys! Congratulations! I hope you have great tailwinds as you head north. We are in China, about to head to Northern Thailind tomorrow. Thanks again for the inspiration : ) Jjudy
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! MUCHAS FELICIDADES!!!! Have the best Christmas ever! Isn’t it beautiful down there? The Patagonia is just amazing. Wait til you cross into Chile :-)))
Merci de nous faire partager ces moment exeptionnels!
Continuez à nous faire réver!!
Joyeux Noël à tous les deux.
Je vous embrasse,
Julien
Felicitaciones !!
Ustedes son increíbles !!
Abrazo desde Comodoro. Felices Fiestas.
hi there to both of you. sent an email so wont drag this one on. just hope you have a fantastic trip north and the winds will be on your back. enjoy and have a great christmas day and new year. hope you get somewhere amazing for them both. cheers
Thanks everybody for taking the time out of your busy holiday schedules to get in contact. We are thrilled to have made it to Tierra del Fuego, even if it did incvolve a tiny amount of hitching. Wimping out is a true pleasure at times.