heading south

Here in Buin, Chile we have seen family, we have eaten our body weight in merengue, we have run last minute errands, and, of course, we have biked. 

Now for the part when we can exhale and know that whatever is done is done and the adventure is finally beginning - the overnight bus to our starting point, Puerto Montt. 

To prepare we have loaded our bikes with our stylish panniers and various handlebar set ups, and taken our first loop with nearly full weight. Packing the two 40-litre side bags is totally new for us, and proved to be very different than our usually 80 litre backpacks. We have already learned lessons in balance and simplicity. 

Thanks to our friends down here in Buin at Bicicletas Parra we have finished out  repair kits with extra tubes, tires, wrenches, and patches. Our bag of extra clothes, climbing gear, and mountaineering boots is already in route to Coyhaique, so what is in our bags now is what we have! I always feel a certain relief pairing down to a small dry sac of clothes and necessities, knowing that those few things are all need to stay happy, warm, and (hopefully) dry. 

A few favourite items we have packed: Morgan is heading south with a stylish cheetah print umbrella, thanks to her grandmother, Nana! And will undoubtedly have a chance to use it in the notoriously rainy Chiloe Continental. While Martin has opted for a Tenkara, a compact fly-fishing rod. Based on the weight of the quinoa, rice, and oatmeal that we already have, a fresh caught fish would be a delicious surprise. 

One thing we are super excited to be bringing is our own, homemade energy/granola bars! We collected recipes from delicious looking pictures and made a trip to the Vega, a huge, outdoor, bulk market in the heart of Santiago for seeds, nuts, and syrups. One recipe was a no-bake, mostly made of oatmeal, and finished with a layer of chocolate. While the second had more peanut butter, honey, and miel de palma with a mixture of seeds, oats, and quinoa. 

We'll let you know how they taste! 

We are very thankful for our days in Buin before we start on the Carretera. A cozy home, a Halloween with one miniature pirate and a lot of family, and great advice from friends who have taken this adventure in years before. 

As always, we are posting more photos on Instagram @patin_grande so follow us there or search the tag #itsalwaysunnyinchilechico.

PS we have been spending our time in Buin with 4 very important family members as well - new kittens! We saw them from eyes closed to eyes open, but somehow I couldn't convince Martin to bring one along biking...