Pictures somehow did not upload on the last entry, I have fixed that

February 11
Rode around a little and waited for the ferry. The fast ferry really was not much fun as you can not go up on top and see out, only look out the window. Took at least 30 min. to get the temporary import paper, of all the cars on the ferry I was the only one that needed this and I don't think they did it often and were unsure of how. When they got it typed up in the computer the printer was having problems printing. They tried three times and finally got a copy you can almost read, just hope It does not cause problems when I go out.

Sometimes it just can't get any better

Followed GPS, general directions only, for 20K to Dakar Moto and got there about 7:30. Even though the GPS is not as good as back home it is the only way I have been able to find my way across big cities.

February 12
Worked on moto, washed off red mud, brown mud and the grasshopper guts. When I built the boxes I built them too close to the swing arms, they would hit over a major bump. So with a hack saw I cut notches out, will try these and if it clears I can get it welded up agin. There are six of us at Dakar Motos, Australian couple, Swiss, German, Italian and myself. Simon the Italian is a good cook and made us all dinner last night, was superb

The moto with 15,000 K of dirt

Cleaning up my boxes and installing four flags

Simon cooked us all dinner and it was excellent.

February 13
That is today. Will prepare to leave, will bring back the camping equipment and several other thing that were not needed. My goal is to come next time with no more than 1/3 of what I had this time. Have learned how to get by with much less which will cut the weight and make more room for stuff picked up on the road (like food).
Bought some eggs and ham yesterday and had a real breakfast, the first in a long time.

real food

Ken and Carol cooking a really good stew for dinner

Everyone at the dinner table

Dakar Motos shop

Bunks and kitchen at Dakar Motos, there were also three tents out back

The official end of this phase, Martha picking me up at PDX Portland, OR

February 14
Said goodby to all at Dakar Motos and took the 17.5 hr. ride home. I am now going through withdrawal, it has been a good six weeks. Been able to take a couple of things off the bucket list, but have added several. Current plan is to return in September with Martha for a two week ride and renew temporary import paper. Will then store till November and start the ride north, also considering coming the first of January and following the Dakar around, but that puts me into the hot and wet when I would go north.

Things learned:
Smoothest roads are in Chile (maybe the roughest too)
Pettiest women are in Argentina
Best farms in Brazil
Friendliest people are in Uruguay

Pack light, new rule set out all the stuff you think you must take, then you cut in half to fit in pack, then cut in half agin.

Prepare for all weather not just the cold, with the wrong gear hot can be miserable.

People are generally good and will help you out no mater what country your in.