As the Nazca tectonic plate began to collide with and subduct under the South American tectonic plate, up sprouted the Andes mountains beginning 70 million years or so ago. A more rapid subduction under the northern Andes in and around Bolivia and Peru means the Andes are wider and more dense than in the southern Andes of Chile and Argentina.
But speaking of Chile, as we head west from Turco, we cross the Bolivia/Chile border with pairs of volcanos in the distance on both our left and right as we pass into Las Vicunas National Preserve. The preserve is named after the native high altitude creature of the camel family, the vicuna, which weavers around the world covet for their coat, which can only be shorn once every three years.
Following the outline of an adjoining river flowing west, we head through Northern Chile to the coast where we see the town of Arica to our south and the Pacific ocean in front of us. Moving right/north, we head on the Panamericana Sur on Route 15 north into Peru before ending just past Moquegua, Peru.
Though we traversed 293 miles based on info recorded, suffice to say this would be among the toughest miles of the trip, given the altitude in general and the Andes in particular.
Lots of folks are catching up with weekend numbers, so we'll hold off on listing the rock stars until tomorrow.
One more note for June 11 - USA, USA, USA. On to the next round!
But speaking of Chile, as we head west from Turco, we cross the Bolivia/Chile border with pairs of volcanos in the distance on both our left and right as we pass into Las Vicunas National Preserve. The preserve is named after the native high altitude creature of the camel family, the vicuna, which weavers around the world covet for their coat, which can only be shorn once every three years.
Following the outline of an adjoining river flowing west, we head through Northern Chile to the coast where we see the town of Arica to our south and the Pacific ocean in front of us. Moving right/north, we head on the Panamericana Sur on Route 15 north into Peru before ending just past Moquegua, Peru.
Though we traversed 293 miles based on info recorded, suffice to say this would be among the toughest miles of the trip, given the altitude in general and the Andes in particular.
Lots of folks are catching up with weekend numbers, so we'll hold off on listing the rock stars until tomorrow.
One more note for June 11 - USA, USA, USA. On to the next round!
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