Patagonia 2018

[j-ms]

It looks like we will be heading down to Puerto Natales on the route shown below.  Then catch the ferry back to Puerto Montt.

[j-ms]

With regards the Ravens, they have stood up to the conditions far better than we have.  The number of other bikes (notably Surly LHTs I'm afraid to say) that have had issues is surprisingly high.  Three of a group of five other cyclists with whom we cycled with for about a week (on and off) had problems with their LHTs, mostly derailleur and disk brake issues.  The fourth cyclist in the group had constant broken chains and only one other on an MTB had no issues of which I am aware.

[rualexander]

It looks like we will be heading down to Puerto Natales on the route shown below.  Then catch the ferry back to Puerto Montt.

That's the route I took from Calafate, except I went into the Torres del Paine NP,  before going south to Puerto Natales, I highly recommend going through the Torres del Paine park, if you have the time.

[rualexander]

Here's a few photos from the road from Calafate to Torres del Paine,

[j-ms]

I am not sure about TdP.  Current reports are that it is difficult and very expensive to visit during the high season.  Hiking is not possible without prior booking with all slots booked out months ahead and accommodation outside the park means we will need to hire a car somewhere.

[rualexander]

Must have changed since I was there 20 years ago then!
No booking required for day hikes, and camping was available in the park at a few places.
Shame.

[John Saxby]

Well done both of you and your Ravens, Jean-Marc, and good luck in the weeks ahead.

Cheers,  John