Sleep doesn’t describe what happened to me last night. I left the earth. I do not remember breathing, let alone turning over. I woke up in my own sweet time and ate a crusty biscuit (a specialty here) and some cheese with my hostel mates. What was the rush? Today was going to be easy-downhill all the way. You know where this is going don’t you?
I pedaled away from Los Andes around 8:30–practically the middle of the day. Chile is different than Argentina. There is more wealth here, more color and better roads.
I passed vegetable stands, cafes and panaderías. I tootled along hedgerows covered with purple morning glories and red roses and by lemon and peach orchards. One small town reaching its tendrils into the next, often connected by bike paths. It was Sunday, so the sound of asados rose up all around me; families splashing in pools, picnicking, grilling and spending time together.
This was easy riding, I dawdled, snacked and rested in town squares, it was nearly perfect except for a relentless sea breeze. “It is okay,” I thought, “just a little breeze.” I even texted my friend Jess at one point, that I was only 30 miles from the ocean. So close!
That is when it happened. Maybe it was because I was tired or had become complacent, but I let my guard down and I got lost. Really lost. And the wind picked up.
What had already promised to be a long day on very tired legs, just got too long. Ms. Kamoot took me to an impassable river. My campground app couldn’t find me. I found myself going up hills, away from the ocean, in traffic and chewing on the dust of angry taxis. I was hot and worn out. 60 miles turned into 75. It was too much.
But here is the thing, this trip has reminded me that, so far, I always seem to have a little more left in me than I think. A secret stash that I know can take me just a little further, and further and further. I know everyone has one.
I rolled my eyes at myself for getting so upset.
Getting lost and over tired is parr for my course. Doesn’t seem like I know how to do it any other way.
Of course, I eventually found my way, and showed up at a campground with red eyes, frazzled hair and a sunburnt nose, only to be greeted by an unimpressed teenage girl. Not everyone is susceptible to my charms.
Tomorrow, if I am lucky, I will dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean…but you never know, I don’t want to count on it.
You are one of the bravest people I know.
Glad you had a nice beginning to the day, even tho it turned out different along the way! Glad you made it to your destination afterall! The long way!
Noooo, I don’t want it to be over. Maybe this is inappropriate but I enjoy your adventure so much I don’t want it to end. Maybe you feel the same!? Perhaps not. Either way congratulations Leah. Another monster achievement. Maybe I should have written this tomorrow?
You had to dig deep and you did! Good for you! Sleep well.
Love, Shanna
I’m so impressed by your brave spirit, your ability to adjust, your persistence. Enjoy the Pacific Ocean! You earned it — and then some!!
Admit, you just don’t want it to end, do you?? 😛
You dip your toes in the Pacific and I don’t know, maybe, just maybe, it kindles plans for the next bike adventure.
Buen Camino!
Everyday I wonder how you do it. I only hope you have a better finish. You are so close!
I want my (imaginary) money back 💲. You said the trip would take 30 days and now you tell me it ends on day 25 ?!
You biked to far every day and got into all sorts of trouble, when you could have gone much less and not nearly given me a hearth attack every other day.
Shame on you, though I did love it all the way.
Come to think of it. All the stress at the very beginning caused a head injury to Twain, which probably could have been avoided as well 🙄 Poor Twain 😁😁
Safe dip in the big pond and safe journey home 🤽♀️ ✈
You are a trooper, so brave, so focused, so energetic and pushing for the little more you have! I hope you get to dip your toes in the pacific and perhaps indulge in a swim. Indulge amazing person, indulge!!!!💜Barbara