15,000 ft........ its a Gas Gas Gas

January 11, 2018

When we arrived at Atacama and went through our excursion options, there were two trips offered to the geysers.........the civilized option which left at 9am, and the 5am departure which promised enhanced views, sunrise pictures, better steam, etc., etc.............we were up at 4:30 this morning and in the van by 5:00. It was almost 2 hours to reach the geyser basin at 15,000 ft. Trying to catch a little extra shut eye in the van was hopeless as a lot of the time we were on bumpy, washboard, dirt road. Couldn't see a thing on the way up except for other cars and vans passing us.......our driver for the day was steady Eddie........not the fastest guy on the block, but we did arrive in one piece.

We were told it would be cold up there, so we opened up the other side of the suitcase for the first time and pulled out some antarctic wear, filled our water bottles, and yes, even in total darkness, lathered on some sunscreen. When the van doors opened at the basin it was a crisp -8 c, and the geysers were steaming away in the distance. The best thing about the early tour is that the steam is so visible against the cold air, and even before we left an hour or so later, it had warmed up a bunch and the basin looked totally different. So here we are at 15,000ft, 4,100m.........wouldn't want to go for a big hike or anything, but strolling around was just fine.

First view of the basin

Dressed for the weather

The moon was still hanging around

Some very active spots spewing boiling water as well as steam

When the sun came up it put a new light on things

Tailgate breakfast

A little friend dropped by to share my muffin

Walking around, you realize there is a big hollow beneath the crust which could open up at anytime......new geysers appear with regularity, as others become inactive

The hot pool had just reopened after being closed for a month or so.......good thing I forgot my bathing suit

Just so you know we weren't alone.........this is one of the most popular attractions in Atacama

Apparently a failed geothermal project

Following out tailgate breakfast we started back down the mountain with a number of items on the agenda........primarily wildlife........here we go.

Vicuna.......wild alpaca.......very cute, and weren't to bothered by the van.......saw tons of these on the way down

We stopped at this huge wetland area.......all fed from underground water, and supporting all types of wildlife......in the evenings we are told this is like a watering hole in Africa where many animals congregate

We were introduced to the blue footed booby in Mexico........this is the Chilean cousin the blue beaked booby

Not the best view, but active volcano Putana in the distance........apologies to all my Italian friends but I didn't name it

I've got my eyes on you!

Evidence of days of old.......a stone corral used by shepherds

Abandoned sulphur mine

Heading further downhill we reached the village of Machuca........cute farming/llama village.

We named this one Lars........quick, someone get Janet a tissue

The last stop before returning to the hotel was our second flamingo opportunity of the trip........again, a large pond fed from underground.........tons of flamingo feeding away.

It was nap time back at the hotel........lazed a little by the pool, then tried to get psyched up for our bike ride in a couple of hours. Jutta was hesitant as she has truly never done a trail ride on a mountain bike before, but we were booked, and it was a go. We rode through town, and then a short distance to Devils Canyon. The ride turned out to be a gas.........uphill all the way to the end of the canyon, then a great cruise downhill all the way back to the hotel..........fun.

Jutta getting the hang of it

Stream crossing.........I opted for the bike on the rack, sit in the van option........everyone else dealt with wet feetor stones in their shoes.........heroes