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When you see the Valley of the Moon for the first time,
it takes your breath away; in more ways than one. You are almost 3000 metres
above sea level so your breathing bits are challenged, but the sheer
enormity of that valley and its total dryness (apart from a few hours of
drizzle once a year) makes you contemplate the enormous contrasts of Chile. |
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This is the main road from Calama to Argentina on the way
to San Pedro de Atacama going between natures version of dragons teeth. |
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We are not alone, but equally, there aren't
too many tourists to enjoy the solitude. |
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We are here looking south into the valley
which extends for hundreds of miles.
NASA comes here to 'road test' its robots
destined for the Moon and Mars.
Say no more. |
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There was this overhanging bit of rock. I found myself
wanting to warn this adventurous lady that she was the wrong side of an
enormous crack! It might not go for another 10,000
years or... |
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The skies, oh the bright blue skies! |
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Next, we see the rocks of the four virgins.
Well, it was four until someone toppled one of the wind carved likenesses.
I find the one on the left is most easily
recognisable. |
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Then, there was this salt mine. Just a wee
one, you understand.
Just look at that sky. |
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Our local guide, Patricia, told us the history of the
mine. Unfortunately, as so often happens, I am so busy taking photographs, I
remember little! |
Then, as sundown approaches, we have a
little route march up this giant sand dune. It may not look that big, but it
took at least twenty minutes to climb. Soft sand and the lack of oxygen were
major factors. |
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At the top, the feeling of being in a real
desert is absolute. |
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It is a 'must see' excursion from St Pedro
so were certainly not alone, but it was truly involving watching the shadows
lengthen; here seen looking both into the sunset and also away. |
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Michael Westmacott (of Everest 1953 fame)
seen here against the lesser hills of the Andean altaplana. |
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We had one more memorable event to add to the days
events; a 60th birthday party as the stars came up in the clear blue sky
over us. We descended the dunes (by running or sliding barefoot through the
soft, dry sand) to find that our guides and drivers had set up a celebration
picnic by the mini buses! Our cups ranneth over as
we ate and drank Chilean wine under a beautiful starlit sky. As we did so, a shooting
star flew and fragmented overhead! |
