Finally after all these years, it had to happen. We have never had luggage problems before, only motorbike ones. Usually we arrive in a country, and our bikes don't.

This time due to a little snow in Manchester our flight was delayed, and at Paris we had 20 minutes to catch our connection. We were able to run the length of the terminal, after clearing security, to be the last aboard, and dripping with sweat because I was wearing my bike jacket, my boots and carrying my helmet. However our luggage cannot run.

I'll give Air France credit for sending me a text, to say our luggage was missing, which I received as soon as we landed.

We resigned ourselves to the possibility of never seeing the rest of our bike gear or all our camping equipment again, so set about collecting the rental bikes, and arranging to beg, borrow or steal riding clothes.

However, once we had the bikes we were able to ride to the airport and chase our bags in person.

With everything packed onto two unfamiliar bikes we wobbled south away from the searing heat of Santiago to the cool, and unfortunately, wet Lake District.

But at least you get waterfalls to camp next to.

We have not gone very far yet, and my bike is playing up. Why is always *my* bike that has the niggly little problems ?

Road side checks and adjustments have me still rolling, but the idle speed is shot. Either there is air getting into a hose or we have dirt in the carbs. So tomorrow there will be the oh so familiar visit to a local ferreteria, to mime 'carburettor cleaner' for the amusement of the counter staff. Jean's bike is fine, touch wood.