Chapter 76: Oruro to Potosi, 245 miles
Which describes the journey to the highest city in the world.
Today’s ride was insanely beautiful. We coasted into Potosi with an empty gas tank. 245 miles is our range. There was not much in between Oruro and Potosi, except for a good road and great natural beauty. We started off towards Sucre, but the road turned dirt and gravel about 25 miles in. I was reluctant to back track, but 8 hours of dirt road doesn’t make Amie happy. Little did we know our timing was perfect. As we got back on the road to Potosi, it was clear that it had just rained as the road was still very wet. Ahead in the distance we could see not only the black clouds ahead of us, but the sight of rain falling ahead in the distance. At this altitude, its cold, and when its raining, its really cold. Luckily, we threaded the needle and road right by the rainstorm without getting a drop on us.
Another 50 miles later we were headed straight for another rainstorm, but strangely enough, the road turned back in the direction we were heading, allowing us to miss our second soaking. What luck I thought.
Yoshita is doing really well. The high altitude and 80-octane gasoline are not causing her any problems (other than at idle). We can cruise on the roads as fast as Amie will let me.
About halfway to our destination the scenery got really interesting. The greens and reds of the mountains were more vibrant than we’d ever seen. The road winded up and down past villages made of mud brick and rock. We passed herds of llamas and alpacas on both sides.
Potosi is the highest city in the world at 4060m (or about 12,000 feet). It was also at one time the wealthiest city in Latin America as it has mined the silver-rich Cerro Rico mountain for more than 300 years. I am looking forward to a tour of the mine, which is still functional, but Amie is not so sure if she’ll join. The waiver we signed outlined quite a few dangers including explosions, poisonous chemicals, cave-ins etc. Sounds intimidating, but Adam and Valerie, and Gareth and Esther all did it and gave it “must-do” status.
Today’s ride was insanely beautiful. We coasted into Potosi with an empty gas tank. 245 miles is our range. There was not much in between Oruro and Potosi, except for a good road and great natural beauty. We started off towards Sucre, but the road turned dirt and gravel about 25 miles in. I was reluctant to back track, but 8 hours of dirt road doesn’t make Amie happy. Little did we know our timing was perfect. As we got back on the road to Potosi, it was clear that it had just rained as the road was still very wet. Ahead in the distance we could see not only the black clouds ahead of us, but the sight of rain falling ahead in the distance. At this altitude, its cold, and when its raining, its really cold. Luckily, we threaded the needle and road right by the rainstorm without getting a drop on us.
Another 50 miles later we were headed straight for another rainstorm, but strangely enough, the road turned back in the direction we were heading, allowing us to miss our second soaking. What luck I thought.
Yoshita is doing really well. The high altitude and 80-octane gasoline are not causing her any problems (other than at idle). We can cruise on the roads as fast as Amie will let me.
About halfway to our destination the scenery got really interesting. The greens and reds of the mountains were more vibrant than we’d ever seen. The road winded up and down past villages made of mud brick and rock. We passed herds of llamas and alpacas on both sides.
Potosi is the highest city in the world at 4060m (or about 12,000 feet). It was also at one time the wealthiest city in Latin America as it has mined the silver-rich Cerro Rico mountain for more than 300 years. I am looking forward to a tour of the mine, which is still functional, but Amie is not so sure if she’ll join. The waiver we signed outlined quite a few dangers including explosions, poisonous chemicals, cave-ins etc. Sounds intimidating, but Adam and Valerie, and Gareth and Esther all did it and gave it “must-do” status.
Loading up, note the wrist brace :-(
A gorgeous road, a gorgeous ride
The llama gets a walk
More scenary for your enjoyment
One more...
People round these parts don't know what to think of us
The dogs like to play chase
Llamas on the road are a real hazard
Amie sweetin' up a Potosi street scene
Our favorite bolivian pastry. Coconut cream...
Huari, proudly presented
posted by Pedro and Maria at 1:58 PM
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