Chile Rocks!!

Well, here I am, in Chile, and loving every moment. After arriving in Santiago on the 21 of October, we drove to Illapel, which is 4 hours north east of the city. We drove through a small town called Los Vilos, which is right on the ocean-wow the Chilean coast is so cool. Chile in fact has blown all my expectations right out of the water. Chile is a very modern, very clean (for South American standards), and the people are truly amazing. Man I am rambling.

Santiago was great. 5 million people in a vast city of towers, new and old, nestled up against some of the most formittable mountain peaks around-the Andes. People were very nice, the weather was sunny and hot, and the smog was low, which I hear is very rare.

Illapel is a small town of 22,000, and it rocks. Known for their avocadoes and copper, Illapel is the centre for farming, ranching and mining in the central region of Chile. Our property I am working on is an hour outside this town, and is right up against the Andes mountains-which are unreal to look at in person. The picture above is of me beside a cactus, and the one below is of me looking out to the Andes for the first time.

The high desert region of Chile is breath-taking. The wild life, the plants, and man is it hot. 35C everyday and sunny!! A nice change from Vanocuver weather! I have seen countless Iguanas, Road-Runner birds, stick-bugs, butterflies, and of course the cactus, wild flowers.....man the desert is amazing down here. It almost feels like I am on another planet.

The high desert area is home to a handfull of people, who live out their lives farming and ranching the desert. Countless goats, sheep, cattle, horses and burrows roam the desert in open claims, and we have 2 local guides who help us each day, showing us the roads into our property. We have all become great friends with them, and they invited us one day to go to their rodeo! A Chilean rodeo! Picture below:

Will talk more later, but I am having a blast, and will post more photos later!