Thursday, 26 Oct – San Martín de los Andes

Tomorrow I start a short trip down the Carretera Austral, Chile’s Route 7, which runs southwards through Patagonia Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, a distance of some 1,2225 kms (about 770 miles). I’ll be coming back through Argentina, on more familiar roads up the RN40

The road ahead is mostly tarmac (asphalt) with patches of gravel (ripio), and in the early stages three or four ferries (my route marked in red on the map below).

I’ll be travelling in my SW4, freshly serviced, wheels balanced and aligned, tank full and boot packed with things I probably don’t need, won’t use but it’s good to have. Kindle and camera batteries charged and space on the passenger seat for bins, camera and long lens. Not much preparation needed as I intend to stay in hostels and pensiones but it’s good to be prepared.

So, off at dawn, with Canned Heat all set up on the iPhone as I drive off for the Chilean border.