I'm writing from San Pedro de Atacama in northern Chile after visiting Margo in Valparaiso/Viña del Mar.  Fortunately all our travels have gone smoothly, Noel made it home and my bike made here intact. With 6 hours in Santiago I went hiking and saw my first Giant Hummingbird!  Yes it's huge.   Valparaiso tourist pix... Margo left for Patagonia Thursday and we drove to Chimbarongo for a lovely visit with Nazaret and Atarnan.  Besides catching up after 5 years we were treated to excellent wine and food.  Muchas gracias amigos! Back to Santiago for our flights.  Mine was spectacular paralleling the Andes. San Pedro is very touristed, but has provided a good staging area.  I've seen several new birds and got out for a fun ride. Up, up and away tomorrow with 7500' to climb in 30 miles.  I'll ride over 15000' if the legs and lungs allow....

 Saturday I leave for a month of travel and adventure!  This trip came together for three reasons: Our daughter Margo has been studying in Valparaiso, Chile since July.  Noel hasn't been to South America and decided it was time, so we'll visit Margo for Thanksgiving. 4.5 years ago I made some friends in Patagonia who live near Valparaiso and others who live in Salta, Argentina.  I'm looking forward to seeing them again! Hmmm, Salta's in NW Argentina and the Atacama is in N Chile.  Looks like a cool bike ride over 15000' through a spectacular area.  Guess it's time to ride over the high Andes 😁 I'll be back before Christmas and even get a short stop in Lima on the return.