What we eventually realized was that it was for our own good. We learned this as we were leaving the park by foot, along the road that had been closed due to rockfall and waterflow. We stopped for a few minutes to enjoy a tall, lightly-trickling water fall. We sat below it, took some photos, soaked in the sun. Then, as we were walking away down the road, we happened to look back in that direction. The clear, ephemeral, trickle had been replaced by a brown, frothing torrent of water.
At the least, we would have gotten very wet where we had been sitting. Considering this a suitable reminder that things happen for a reason, and that it was time for us to move on, we quickly hiked through the rock slides and, later that day, high-tailed it back to the coast.
So, here we are back in the region surrounding Buchupureo. This time, we are camped on the beach near Ryan's new favorite wave, and are loving being back in El Furgon.
Many amazing things have been happening. For example, this morning our battery died, but we ended up meeting an awesome truckload of Chileans as a result. Right now we are sitting in the internet cafe where, before the terremoto, we made the decision to leave the coast. It has reopened after almost a month closed. There are cracks in the walls but the computers and the cappuccino machine are working. The town is being rebuilt all around us. It is actually quite surreal.
We plan to spend the next week working our way north along the coast, and then back to Santiago. You'll know when we get there.
Lots of love to all,
Jess & Ryan
Love to hear of your adventures. I am not sure if you get these notes, but hope you do. Your mom and dad are having a blast with the baby. We will see Oliver to day. Of course we miss you but know you are having a great time. Love Stan and Katherine
ReplyDeleteyo yo! bummer to hear about the mountains, but i'm sure the magical forces of buchu are stronger than ever. i miss you guys and i miss the town and the "exercise" and i miss the surf! you'll never believe it, but my first day back in the states i jacked my ribs on a big waterfall/slide in washington! so, i'm on the dl for now. partied it up with rush and tyler last night for the movie premier. good times!
ReplyDeletelotsa love,
lj
Once again, I can't more highly recommend the "Valle del Elqui" and the Rio Magico if you're heading north! Live and love :)
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of El Furgon but know it has served you well and will continue, even if only to meet new friends. Sounds like the Chileans are moving quickly to put things back in order what drive. Enjoy all the rest and travel safely can't wait to catch up and hear your voices. Missing and sending Love, Mom
ReplyDelete