We arrived home in Tweed on February 17th to cold and snow but the warmth of home after almost five months away. After a marathon of unpacking, washing clothes, opening mail, and getting caught up with family and friends, its time for the reflection I promised. So here goes.
What went well? Everything! All the bikes performed almost flawlessly with only a few bolts lost on the rough roads and the one flat early on. We never felt we were missing anything we needed and the only things we didn’t use were the First Aid kit and most of the tools-definitely a good thing! One bike fell over while stopped and the rest managed to keep the rubber side down for which we are very grateful.
What didn’t go well? Finding decent, cheap hotels in Central America; gravel roads and construction; Patagonian WIND, gas shortages in Argentina; and lack of toilet paper.
But I’m sure the big question you’re all asking is “How did two couples (four very independent people) get along for such an extended period of time?” And the answer is “Great!” Firstly, we didn’t spend every waking moment together. The beauty of the bike is that you are alone while riding so it’s nice to have some company and conversation when you stop for gas or meals. Secondly, we were together as a team fighting against the elements, the obstacles, and the objectives. But probably the biggest factor is that we all had roles to play and jobs to do and everybody did them well: Ross was our leader, scout and maintenance man for the KLRs; Steve was the IT guy, blogger, route planner, and researcher and of course, maintenance for the BMWs: RuthAnn was the interpreter, customs clearer, and accommodation locator and negotiator; and I blogged and flashed my badge occasionally. The best photographs you see on the blog are Steve’s and the rest are mine. Ross and RuthAnn are able to enjoy the moments without having to document every detail while Steve and I made copious notes as if we were on an expedition to an uncharted land. For the record: we crossed 22 borders, rode 25,898 kms., visited 16 countries, 3 continents over 142 days. Cost-?-don’t really want to know.
The Reynens are currently riding their Beemers through Florida on a protracted route back to Green Bay and our KLRs are tucked in storage in Heidelberg, Germany. And so the journey comes to an end. We hope you’ve enjoyed the ‘ride’ as much as we did and we really appreciate all the responses we received along the way.
Special thanks to Roger, Joanne and Wayne for the GPS maps; Ken O’Malley for information and place to work on the bikes; Harold Brooks for shipping and routing information; Norm Myers and Hubert Laurin for helping set up the KLRs; Norm and Linda Babcock for suggesting the ride and of course, Steve and RuthAnn who help make our dreams a reality. Sniff.
February 23, 2011
February 14, 2011
It's a Dog's Life in BA
Dear Francis (aka Frannie and FP),
Since we are about to return to North America, I thought you should know something about a dog's life here in Buenos Aires. When we first arrived in the suburb of Palermo, we saw a man walking seven or eight dogs (there were so many we couldn't be sure). Jean managed to get a picture because we wanted to show people how to walk lots of dogs at once. He had a handle with a loop, and from this loop the leashes were attached. The leashes were short so the dogs didn't tangle them. Apparently the dog walker had an agreement of sorts with the dogs (treats, perhaps?) because the dogs walked--no stopping to smell or pass messages to other dogs.
And, Francis, the dogs were of all different breeds and, of course, their sizes varied greatly. So your Jack Russell friend Parker kept up with your Collie friend Caesar and your Lab friend Gracie. Needless to say, the dogs did take over the sidewalks and people--as should be done--moved to the side to let the kennel/pack--not the Packers--pass. We saw these walkers out several times a day with their same charges. The dogs and their walkers were very serious about their walks and we never saw any squabbling nor did we hear any complaining barks or howls. We did see some dogs walking with their people, and some of the people were responsible
about keeping the sidewalks picked up. Others were not inclined to consider other walkers. We did notice that the building superintendents scrubbed the sidewalks in front of their buildings
every morning. Generally speaking, then, in Palermo, the sidewalks were clean for everyone.
You would really like seeing all the dogs since you are so social--but you'd have to remember that dogs here have to be serious about walking.
The weather would probably be a bit more difficult for you. It's been warm here and you have that triple coat which could make you a bit uncomfortable on the days that have been in the 80's.
We'd want to be in the air-conditioning or on breezy terraces.
There are veterinary clinics all over, so it appears your medical health would not be a problem.
All the dogs seem to be well-groomed, and while it wouldn't be Denise at Golrusk, we could undoubtedly find someone to keep you spic 'n' span.
Now as for the rest of Argentina, you'd be on your own. Many dogs have collars but run the streets with no people attached. They manage, but I don't think you'd like that too much. You prefer to have the comforts of home with clean sheets and two good, well-prepared meals a day--not to mention the odd snack and a kong treat ;-)
So, Francis, I'm glad you've been able to stay with Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob as well as see all your other friends in the Rochester area. Jeannie says you've been a very good house guest; we have to thank Cheryl for your Emily Post manners. Well, except for the time you and Caesar took the bread off the counter. Was that your idea?
Oh, and one compliment from our friend Geno. He called us on Thursday night to tell us he was going to get a Corgi because he liked you from the first day he met you. He had chosen Ernie, a
handsome Corgi from Missouri--Geno emailed us pictures. You remember Geno wasn't feeling well and we never got you the side-car ride with him. Yesterday, Geno passed away. We'll miss
seeing him when we go to Nick's.
So there is the dog's life here in BA. Tell Jeannie we'll be home soon. Meanwhile, make life easy for Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob--stay off the bread truck--too many carbs.
See you soon. Stay well.
ra
Since we are about to return to North America, I thought you should know something about a dog's life here in Buenos Aires. When we first arrived in the suburb of Palermo, we saw a man walking seven or eight dogs (there were so many we couldn't be sure). Jean managed to get a picture because we wanted to show people how to walk lots of dogs at once. He had a handle with a loop, and from this loop the leashes were attached. The leashes were short so the dogs didn't tangle them. Apparently the dog walker had an agreement of sorts with the dogs (treats, perhaps?) because the dogs walked--no stopping to smell or pass messages to other dogs.
And, Francis, the dogs were of all different breeds and, of course, their sizes varied greatly. So your Jack Russell friend Parker kept up with your Collie friend Caesar and your Lab friend Gracie. Needless to say, the dogs did take over the sidewalks and people--as should be done--moved to the side to let the kennel/pack--not the Packers--pass. We saw these walkers out several times a day with their same charges. The dogs and their walkers were very serious about their walks and we never saw any squabbling nor did we hear any complaining barks or howls. We did see some dogs walking with their people, and some of the people were responsible
about keeping the sidewalks picked up. Others were not inclined to consider other walkers. We did notice that the building superintendents scrubbed the sidewalks in front of their buildings
every morning. Generally speaking, then, in Palermo, the sidewalks were clean for everyone.
You would really like seeing all the dogs since you are so social--but you'd have to remember that dogs here have to be serious about walking.
The weather would probably be a bit more difficult for you. It's been warm here and you have that triple coat which could make you a bit uncomfortable on the days that have been in the 80's.
We'd want to be in the air-conditioning or on breezy terraces.
There are veterinary clinics all over, so it appears your medical health would not be a problem.
All the dogs seem to be well-groomed, and while it wouldn't be Denise at Golrusk, we could undoubtedly find someone to keep you spic 'n' span.
Now as for the rest of Argentina, you'd be on your own. Many dogs have collars but run the streets with no people attached. They manage, but I don't think you'd like that too much. You prefer to have the comforts of home with clean sheets and two good, well-prepared meals a day--not to mention the odd snack and a kong treat ;-)
So, Francis, I'm glad you've been able to stay with Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob as well as see all your other friends in the Rochester area. Jeannie says you've been a very good house guest; we have to thank Cheryl for your Emily Post manners. Well, except for the time you and Caesar took the bread off the counter. Was that your idea?
Oh, and one compliment from our friend Geno. He called us on Thursday night to tell us he was going to get a Corgi because he liked you from the first day he met you. He had chosen Ernie, a
handsome Corgi from Missouri--Geno emailed us pictures. You remember Geno wasn't feeling well and we never got you the side-car ride with him. Yesterday, Geno passed away. We'll miss
seeing him when we go to Nick's.
So there is the dog's life here in BA. Tell Jeannie we'll be home soon. Meanwhile, make life easy for Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob--stay off the bread truck--too many carbs.
See you soon. Stay well.
ra
Winding Down
Part III of our journey ended on our return to BA from Iguazu Falls. We have been here a week now, the bikes have flown to different continents and we are about to do the same; Part IV was short and a little bittersweet. We crossed into Argentina for the first time on December 1st and aside from our Antarctic cruise and two nights in Chile on Tierra del Fuego, have been here ever since; the Argentine economy loves us!
Last Friday we took a day trip to Uruguay to visit the old town of Colonia (two more border crossings!). The "fast vessel" SeaCat made the crossing of the Rio de la Plata in a little over an hour when we then started our 90 minute bus/walking city tour. The weather was perfect for a step back in time in the laid-back old town. A sidewalk table for lunch followed by a cup of sorbet (there was a 1947 Studebaker for sale parked next to us) in a small umbrellaed heladeria took care of our empty stomachs. There was time left for a stroll around the back streets, a sit in the park, and a climb to the top of the lighthouse to get a bird's-eye view. The trip back to BA was uneventful (we all slept) and after the 30 minute walk were back in our little apartment.
Sunday is the big market day in San Telmo and Calle Defensa is lined with vendors, musicians, mimes, puppeteers, cafes, tango demos, you name it, for about a mile from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza Dorrego. Defensa is a half block from the apartment so access to the happening was easy; RA had a good time shopping and I found some interesting photo ops.
We have two days left in BA to finalize our packing and to say our good-byes. RA and I will spend at least two weeks in Florida visiting family and friends before heading north either by bike, car, or airplane--watch SPOT! Jean and Ross will inject themselves into the northern climes after a one stop (Chile) flight to Toronto.
As with previous blogs, I will do a "look back" once we have settled in back home in De Pere, Stay tuned......
Last Friday we took a day trip to Uruguay to visit the old town of Colonia (two more border crossings!). The "fast vessel" SeaCat made the crossing of the Rio de la Plata in a little over an hour when we then started our 90 minute bus/walking city tour. The weather was perfect for a step back in time in the laid-back old town. A sidewalk table for lunch followed by a cup of sorbet (there was a 1947 Studebaker for sale parked next to us) in a small umbrellaed heladeria took care of our empty stomachs. There was time left for a stroll around the back streets, a sit in the park, and a climb to the top of the lighthouse to get a bird's-eye view. The trip back to BA was uneventful (we all slept) and after the 30 minute walk were back in our little apartment.
Sunday is the big market day in San Telmo and Calle Defensa is lined with vendors, musicians, mimes, puppeteers, cafes, tango demos, you name it, for about a mile from Plaza de Mayo to Plaza Dorrego. Defensa is a half block from the apartment so access to the happening was easy; RA had a good time shopping and I found some interesting photo ops.
We have two days left in BA to finalize our packing and to say our good-byes. RA and I will spend at least two weeks in Florida visiting family and friends before heading north either by bike, car, or airplane--watch SPOT! Jean and Ross will inject themselves into the northern climes after a one stop (Chile) flight to Toronto.
As with previous blogs, I will do a "look back" once we have settled in back home in De Pere, Stay tuned......
February 9, 2011
The Final Frontier
On February 3rd , we crossed our twentieth and final frontera at Foz do Iguazu, Brazil. The purpose of the visit was to see one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Iguazu means 'big water' and it was with over 275 separate cascades, the largest of which is a horseshoe named the Devil's Throat. The Falls are actually in Argentina and we had gone there the day before to hike the trails on top and take a jet boat ride around and into the Falls. The trip to Brazil was to see a panoramic view from across the river and give Steve a chance to take a helicopter ride to see them from above. Having seen them from every possible angle, there is only one word to describe this world famous site-spectacular!
During our three day trip north, we experienced the most rain we have had on this trip. It rained all the way up but it was actually a mixed blessing because it reduced the heat to a more bearable level. I won't taunt you snow-struck northerners with tales of heat, suffice it to say its tropical. We did have two glorious sunny days for viewing the Falls before heading back in the rain to B.A.
And so we have returned to our final destination. This past Monday, we visited Dakar Motos to finalize the paper work for shipping the bikes. Sandra had everything ready to go and we delivered the bikes to the cargo terminal on Wednesday where the two Beemers will fly to Miami to meet up with Steve and RuthAnn and our Kawis are on their way to Heidelberg, Germany where we hope to hop back on in another year or so and continue to work on the bucket list.
We have some final things we'd like to share so we'll pour a glass or two and compose our thoughts, remembrances and feelings. Someone get me a hanky, its getting mushy!
During our three day trip north, we experienced the most rain we have had on this trip. It rained all the way up but it was actually a mixed blessing because it reduced the heat to a more bearable level. I won't taunt you snow-struck northerners with tales of heat, suffice it to say its tropical. We did have two glorious sunny days for viewing the Falls before heading back in the rain to B.A.
And so we have returned to our final destination. This past Monday, we visited Dakar Motos to finalize the paper work for shipping the bikes. Sandra had everything ready to go and we delivered the bikes to the cargo terminal on Wednesday where the two Beemers will fly to Miami to meet up with Steve and RuthAnn and our Kawis are on their way to Heidelberg, Germany where we hope to hop back on in another year or so and continue to work on the bucket list.
We have some final things we'd like to share so we'll pour a glass or two and compose our thoughts, remembrances and feelings. Someone get me a hanky, its getting mushy!
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