Day 14 Atacama Chile

Leadership comes in all colors

So does Fruit of the Loom

Looking for the natural bano

We are getting to know each other very well

Llama's beware

The French don't ford rivers well

Today was a long long day starting at a reasonable time we first went to a hot water river. The scenery and the setting there were very cool. The water runs over rocks that are heated by volcanic activities and the result is a big jacuzzi. This swimming hole was 3,500 meters above sea level - you do the math - pretty high.

Art shot!

Lunch being served - really I got to eat a beautiful lunch after a swim - this vacation thing is ok.

We drove up into the Andes after lunch and there were many more animals then I would have expected. It didn't look like there was much for them to eat. These vicunas are still on the endangered species list.

The wet lands.

More wetlands.

We took a hike that was only supposed to be 1 1/2 hours along this river. There were a lot of different animals here. There was a rabbit that was so big it looked like a cartoon character however they were a little to fast for a photo session.

Llama.

Border check point just inside Chile from Bolivia.

The hike ended up taking about 3 hours as we couldn't find a crossing to the river to get on the van.

My two new buds - we hung, they were cool!

Driving around the Andes.

The little sister to the Ostrich.

Driving around at 4,500 meters - hard to believe the car would work that high.

More Llamas.

Later the hotel put on a barbecue for all of the guests. I just thought this was cool as it looks like ghosts.

A real Chilean Barbecue!

There was a local Indian band and dancers to entertain us. Of course they made all of us get into the dancing.

Patric and Rita getting dirty.

Yes even me - that would be me with the party hat!

Party Party Party!

A gentlemen takes his hat off and bows when the music stops!

Ok, so the first picture is Thierry trying to cross the river. We couldn't find a way across and we were tired of walking. I went through the river and got all wet of course so Thierry was to be the second to cross. Only being not so sure footed proceeded to fall instantly and I caught his picture and his rear coming out of the water. The day was long and everyone was tired from the long hike but all in all a great day.