It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 5 years since I embarked on, and survived (barely) my little bike adventure down in Patagonia, Chile. The route, a whole lot of kilometers from El Chalten, Argentina, to Puerto Montt, Chile, would eventually take me just under a month to complete (with 2 rest days.) It was to be an epic adventure.

(If you want to skip the story and just see the bike tour photos, click here)

From the moment I made those first pedal strokes leaving El Chalten, a small outpost located in the shadow of Mt Fitz Roy, I knew I was in for a challenge.

Leaving El Chalten, Argentina for somewhere further north

Below are some photos illustrating what I perceived, once I was done, to be one of the best bike tours in the world (I of course haven’t bike all over the world, not even a small percentage of it, but…that’s what I read on the internet.) I wouldn’t be at all surprised if in many many years, this route, named the Camino Austral, Carretera Austral, La Ruta Austral, is paved over. I encountered numerous sections that were indeed being prepped for pavement, which was actually brutal because golfball-sized rocks were scattered all over the road, making for, I can now admit, hell on wheels.

I encountered every type of weather imaginable, from the infamous Patagonia winds to searing temps. Truthfully I didn’t encounter all that much rain, relatively speaking. Matter of fact, I would later overhear many claiming it to be one of the warmest Februaries on record. I wasn’t complaining…

Unfortunately at the time, I wasn’t into adventure travel photography as much as I am now. All photos were taken with a Canon point and shoot. For my bike, I pieced together a beat up Specialized Stumpjumper mountain bike frame that didn’t fit me very well. Attached, was my trusty B.O.B trailer which, thankfully, was my closest friend and never let me down. (I did almost break Him on my second day bushwhacking from El Chalten, but we won’t bring that up.) Not sure how much weight I had in the trailer, but it never felt light, even on my last days near Puerto Montt. The road north was a constant, relentless up and down dirt road (with mind-altering sections of pavement) that meandered through remote homesteads and rural outposts.

When I reached Coyhaique, about halfway, I was elated. Why? Because I made it halfway. I started to put in some big days as the weather was beautiful. Thankfully this weather held as I rode through Parque National Queulat, a stunning kaleidoscope of deep, dense evergreen forest, massive nalcas plants, hanging glaciers and nearly zero visitors.

Parque National Queulat

In Chaiten, I ran into a problem though. It was end of the February, which meant their summer (and apparent ‘tourist’ season) was coming to an end (umm…how about over.) Nearly all campgrounds, parks, etc. were closed. This was great for me as the roads were nearly empty…of everything…people, cars…Unfortunately, upon arriving in Chaiten, I found out the ferry that was supposed to shuttle me across one of the many inlets south of Puerto Montt, was shut down for the season. Ooo…bad. I was bummed, because although I spent three days riding south from Puerto Montt upon my original arrival many many weeks ago, this meant I couldn’t ride all the way north to Puerto Montt. What’s a poor, starving cyclist to do? I was forced to hop an overnight barge back to Puerto Montt. In the end this turned out to be ok. After a day cleaning up in PTO Montt (which at this point almost felt like ‘home’) I enjoyed another 4-5 days cycling around the island of Chiloe, visiting the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins coexist and camping on the beach.

Cycling the Camino Austral was extremely challenging. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I would much prefer to bring a partner though. It’s get quite lonely in the middle of nowhere, somewhere in Patagonia.

View photos at SmugMug

View the entire Camino Austral Slide Show.

Certain photos are available as fine art prints. Or, you can download a digital copy of any image for only $1.25. Simply CLICK HERE to browse and click on the BUY link if you find an image you want to use as wallpaper, desktop background or even small prints!

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Cape Cod doesn’t get to experience the same vibrant colors of fall the rest of New England does; that doesn’t mean it’s isn’t worth visiting. Matter of fact, the Cape is a beautiful place this time of year, especially as the crowds dissipate, leaving the beaches empty, the roads perfect for cycling and the many bays and inlets ideal of sea kayaking.

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These photographs were taken during a recent visit to my parents home in Orleans, just steps away from Nauset Beach. I was able to find a little time to jump in the sea kayak and wonder along the dunes.

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