Pearls On Wheels

Inspiration for my photographs has come from many sources. I want to acknowledge some key people who have encouraged me. First Dick, who knows more about photography than me and whose patience on the bike has enabled me to take lots of photographs. With him in this photo are Richard and Shelli Steckel, in Denver who generously share their loving friendship and expertise. It feels as if we have been friends forever. Richard and Shelli Steckel  showed me the power of photographs to make a difference. Take a peek at the  Milestones Project   a magnificent body of images that show that while we are all so very different we are very much alike. We worked together with a  small group in Auckland on the Milestones Exhibitions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in 2005. Richard and Shelli have just launched a new project  Uncommon images for the common good   a database of images where people like you, and me, can upload photogr...

Today the timid Torres teaseTeam Kiwi. Nearing the end of the last of the gravel roads for our journey to Ushuaia. 750km to go. 100km of them will be gravel. Stunning hillside colourscapes.  Cattle grazing the 'long acre' supervised by two gauchos and their dogs. A long and straight road takes us to Puerta Natales, a sea port in southern Patagonia, Chile. The town is surrounded by snow-covered mountains which explains the chilly temperatures - 6-9 Deg C, for most of today. Latitude , 51° 43' 60S; Longitude, 72° 31' 0W Sunrise 5.27am sunset 9.55pm  16h 27m daylight

 Heading south west on Ruta 40 to the border crossing back to Chile.  We were the star attraction at a road stop. A bus load of friendly Israelis and then of Argentines. It was a strange feeling after being in own our company for most of the time for the last few days. We slipped up the road to do some helmet repairs. I am blessed to have three skilled men to mend my helmet.   These trees outside the Fronterra office are leaning to the east. The prevailing winds on Ruta 40 are strong westerlies. Behind the office is a field of very sheltered dandelions. Lots of fairy wishes to be made here.  We are back in Chile and riding toward Torres del Paine National Park where people come to hike and view the towering mountains.  This is our view of the Andes from the road to Torro Del Paine.  We have been very lucky with the weather throughout our travels. Today we had misty moody mountains.  and guanaco to sh...

The bikes had a rest day today. We rode on a bus and a launch to   Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glaciares Nacional Parque . Walking on the glacial ice required crampons. A first for me. Our guide, Frederico was my encourager today. So was the scenery. The traditonal reward. Whisky, glacial ice and water. Glacial etchings on the landscape.

Five days ago a stranger joined us at Queulat, The Hanging Glacier near Puyuhaique, Chile.   Now he is a friend.  Mark Donham aka Radioman has been a godsend.  Take a peek at Mark 's website. Read his story.  We are blessed to have him with us for this time. He cared for his wife who had early onset Alzheimers.  Make sure you take a look at the videos he has posted and know that we have a loving and compassionate man with us.

Apt signs.  Prophetic even. The wind began to blow. My friend, the wind. I began to sing. Wind, wind blow on me Wind, wind set me free Wind, wind my Father sent The blessed Holy Spirit Lyrics: Betsy and Jane Clowe  We stopped for lunch at Hotel de campo La leona where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid for 5 months.  Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid  We met Andy helping a couple of cyclists. His motorcycle bore this logo and that got me curious.  Another inspirational person.   Race2recovery - beyond injury, achieving the extraordinary