Yetti’s Pacific North West Exploration & Expeditions Picture heavy

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley added 20 new photos — with KP Pawley in Chile Chico, Chile.
November 21 at 2:44 AM ·

Yesterday took a bit of time, to not go that far. We packed the bikes in the pouring rain. The rain slowed and was just intermittent for the majority of the continuation of our day. Exceptions being when we wanted to stop. Yesterday morning, we went out onto the lake to see the marble caves. Initially wanting to kayak, we were told no as the weather was bad, and this massive lake can get 3ft waves. We went out on the boat, still pouring rain. Only one couple was there in addition to us. The caves were pretty cool, and the aqua marine mineral water beautiful. To continue the theme, lots of cold and wet there as well, the weather worsened and the boats captain took great glee in jumping the breakers and getting the sole woman with the group to squeal. Wet yet again we headed back to the room to gear up and head out. There is a running joke about all the romantic places we are staying and meals we are eating, much to the delight of others one of the pictures on the boat is a romantic pose. It can be hard to find the motivation to get up and go, when you know it will lead to cold and wet. We are going to cross the border into Argentina again today, where the weather *should clear, trying to make a big push for thanksgiving. "

https://www.google.com/search?q=the...rome..69i57.5743j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

You notice we are in moto gear...you can only pack so much. At this point we were both boxers, thermals, swim trunks and t shirt, and all three layers of jackets and pants, and I had my Shamagh and he had a baklava. Each only being able to maybe add a sweater under our jackets. Why swim trunks you ask? Great question, one answer WET! At least they dried easily, and then we had something dry to change back into. As you can see, the caves are pretty big. It takes about a minute boat ride to get there and back, and it is a guided tour. The guide did a good job, was funny. It was the same company who owned the place we stayed. HOWever* We were originally quoted one price and after we were geared up the next day, we were told a higher price as others had canceled, which is kinda BS- as we have no control over that. On our schedule we sucked it up and went anyway. that town has a lot of other tour companies though. And you can ride around the massive lake, seriously its huge took us three days! But is a recomended drive,




https://www.google.com/search?q=lag...rome..69i57.5103j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8





Next up- Thanksgiving, Death, and the worst and stupidest riding of the trip. Thats right, it gets worse....

 

[locrwln]

Great write up and the pictures are incredible. You have given us some points of interest to add to our lists.

Jack

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Great write up and the pictures are incredible. You have given us some points of interest to add to our lists.

Jack

Thank you I am glad you found some places to add! Means a lot to me, as thats how I have found places to visit and has helped me so much. If you have any questions feel free to pick my brain. I really recommend the google maps, and pin system for keeping track, route planning etc.

I have just used my phone for most the pictures, it does a decent job. I will continue to get this updated with the rest of the trip.

I ended up doing a short weekend trip here down the Gorge, staying at one of the Core of Engineers free camping areas right on the mighty Columbia river. One of the few times its not packed, probably cause it was 26 out. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/U...ab0fbd0f2637a!8m2!3d45.6965283!4d-120.7416773 )



Got some hiking in, but only 4 miles as apparently that was a little too much for my ankle. Wanted to do the twin tunnels mossier hike, ( https://www.google.com/search?q=twi...Nnq0KHcjmDNEQ_AUICSgA&biw=1920&bih=1014&dpr=1 )



but 10 was going to bee too much for me until im back at 100%. Its a paved route as it parts of the old highway. Instead I headed to Oregon's newest state park Cotton Wood Canyon. ( https://www.google.com/search?safe=...0i263j0i131i67j0i10i67j0i22i10i30.MwagP46XDBo )

It was a really nice State Park, and Empty. Miles and Miles of trails, to hike, bike, even some that are on BLM land thus, dog and horse friendly. It still smells new, they have a little RV park, camping spots, and yurts you can rent. The rangers were great, letting me pick their brain: and giving me a tour of the buildings not ready to open yet. The Story is the Govenor was rafting down the river saw the old ranch for sale, and wanted it to be a state park.




And drove the old highway it just opened again, has been closed from the Eagle Creek fire, Two years ago.

The Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful area, and worth the drive. I can also recommend great places to eat or drink all the way through it.

https://www.google.com/search?safe=...4......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71.iia_1w5p870

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I'm still planning to finish up, swamped at work. And I have been sequestered to Grand Hurry Duty, 1 day each week for the next 12 weeks....civic duty calls..

Sent from somewhere remote on my BlackBerry

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley is with KP Pawley in Gobernador Gregores.
November 21, 2018 ·

" Somos los hermanos perdidos. Todos los días nos dirigimos hacia el sur, más cerca de la locura. "

" We are the lost brothers. Every day we head south, closer to madness. "

Today, was the coldest day we have had thus far. The cold that makes your bones ache, rain finding the weakness in everything. Wind, the strength that had us riding at a 20degree angle. Today we rode about 300miles, and crossed into Argentina. We saw some critters, ( sorry no pictures) I'll add some in the comments. We were so focused on keeping the bikes upright in the wind, and not wanting to stop cause we were freezing and cold. Also, the bikes went their longest w/o fuel thus far. Negra needing reserve to get into town.
Armadillo
vicuna ( like a small alpaca)
Foxes
American Rhea ( like an Emu)
https://www.argentina-excepcion.com/…/fa…/land-fauna/mammals
https://www.argentina-excepcion.com/…/b…/birds-savanna-pampa


We were pushing hard to get to El Chalten for Thanksgiving, and stayed there until about the 23rd.

We stayed in a Hostal in Gobernador Gregores, that night. The Hostal was nice, we were so freezing and wet. And how can you say no to a hostal with a 50000btu heater cat/ motorcycle security specialist.
It was of course still raining, our gloves soaked, we commandeered every heater we could find to dry out, and decided beer and hot food was needed.

We found the only place open, a locals bar; Perfect!! And each ended up with 12 empanyadas, and a few beers each. All for about $3, american! Score.

I also seemed to find a very inebriated admirer who asked me to go home with her....





We had no idea what waited for us

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

From My Brothers FB post -
KP Pawley
November 24, 2018 ·

Another new challenge. On our way to Thanksgiving in El Chalten we had to cover about 70km of gravel along the Ruta 40. Gravel isn't usually a problem, but a lot of this stretch was punctuated by berms of deep gravel that threatened to suck our tires out from under us.
Much more challenging though, was the wind. It was so strong that slowing below 40kph meant the very real threat of being blown over. We both dumped our motos along this section of road and getting started again was almost impossible.
The wind was so strong, simply holding the motorcycles up was nearly impossible. The method for getting going I came up with was to put the transmission in 2nd gear, rev the engine and dump the clutch as soon as there was any perceptible lull in the gale.
At least we were able to make it through. A few days earlier heavy rains made the route impassable. We passed dozens of riderless motorcycles, abandoned in the mud like some sort of biker specific rapture.
#ruta40 #patagonia #ihearitswindyinpatagonia #motorcyclesareterrible#motorcycle #motolife #twowheels #twowheelsoneroad #explore #argentina#itsnotadventureuntilitsmiserable #youdeadbro
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...PJOkTi7x2aqcjZgkFuaFKa9h-lN8xvOwKP8HZRCHRjCQI



We met a group of BMW Moto Tourists, who had a chase van- they all pulled their gear prior to riding this section. A few of them still going over even with the lighter load, some of those bad enough they either gave up or damaged their bikes enough to stop the torture and loaded up in the van.

We had about 12 inches of hard packed gravel to keep the tires on, I remember leaning over my tank bag- Belly to Tank, low, all my weight centered and watching my front tire and bike slide sideways into the deep gravel whilst riding at about 30mph. I went over three times, each time like a slow motion watching from above movie. And a slew of colorful words into my helmet. The other riders were always willing to stop and we continued to help eachother out. These KLR650's are maybe 600ibs? I am 220, with 100ibs of gear. So almost 1kibs and the wind slides it sideways in the gravel like its nothing. On the pavement you just lean a lot, compensate and the rubber sticks to the road well.

Parts of this were hard packed gravel, with random 30ft sections of pavement, and others just dirt, deep gravel. The entire ride was a maddening exercise in futility, or so it seemed. Armored gear, worth its weight in gold, my helmet lots of road rash now. A few times i remember knowing i was going down so killing the bike as im flying off of it, and seeing my legs pass me.

The forums and those who had gone before us, said things like " dont do it on a moto, you'll die" " if its windy, that's how you die" " If its wet, its suicide" Plenty who did it in cars and trucks said they could not imagine riding over, through that section.

I will say again, im a pretty good rider at this point. And I have to be proud of all i learned so fast, and the improvements i made. This day, I was sensuously questioning my life choices. But thanksgiving was only a few hours ahead! After that ride, no matter how windy it was on pavement, it was easy- Nothing compared to what we had done before.

And those KLR tanks, well they kept chugging along like nothing had happened. The BMW G;s we saw, $20+ bikes, that had no crash bars- wow, that is brave. A few days later my brother sent me an article about KLR;s the Author explained them with one perfect phrase. " the KLR, impervious to earthly conditions" true to fact, as it became a common phrase, and inside joke between us.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley added 9 new photos — with KP Pawley.
November 24, 2018 ·

Kp and I were invited to Thanksgiving in El Chalten. A beautiful mountain town, in the shadows of Mt fitzroy. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with new and old friends alike. Thank you very much to Nick and Meghan, Dave and Kelly for allowing us to find a slice of home, and putting up with some smelly riders. We pushed through some of the strongest winds I have ever experienced. Winds strong enough to blow the Moto"s over while still riding them. Making stopping impossible, and riding at a 30 degree angle, to combat the winds. And yesterday was spent recovering, relaxing, and doing some hiking. We now in El Calafate, hoping to do some glacier exploring tomorrow. And some work on the ladies.



I really liked El Calafate, a beautiful little town, all the hiking trails leave from the edge of town. In fact the town is the trail head, Not many places took credit card however, and only one ATM in town that spent a lot of time down. The locals said, it was due to the remote nature of the town they could not get reliable internet. Even the one gas station in town was cash only, and had a massive generator next to it.


As we posted updates on Social Media, we would get a lot of comments like " be safe". Kp and I would just laugh, as what we were doing...well......

Its funny for those of you who dont know, I am a Risk Manger, who is also a firefghter and AEMT, with remote endorsements. As you can imagine many jokes were had.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

We ( meaning my dog and I) Try to get out most weekends, last weekend was no different even though it was short. I had done some work on my truck, and needed a good test drive. We loaded up and toured some of the Ranches, and farms I worked on- as well as a few of the back roads I grew up on. This road, about a 2 hour loop I was surprised to see now paved through.

I call these " Dog Ventures, " and they usually involve hiking every day. I thank member JeryYukonMontana for inspiring me to get out more often than i do, even if its just close to home and short.

I am not a photographer, but almost every pic in this thread is from a phone.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Words of wisdom,

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

The ride from El Chalten to El Calafate, was not bad. Windy, of course- but the strong winds on pavement no longer made us think twice.

We had some issued trying to leave though, We geared up and took off into the horizon. Making it about 1 block down when Kp flipped around and headed back to Nick and Mehgans- I followed wondering what he forgot. The day prior the wind knocked le perla into the side of The Long Cruise;s trailer, bending the brake lever to the point it could not be reached. I turned off my bike and we got to trouble shooting. Its cast, so bending it back would probably break it. We were able to move it around a little, but it was still far from ok. EH, who needs front breaks anyway. Geared back up,and now my moto would not start....so we jumped it ( this process took a long time, pull the gear off both bikes, pull the side panels, hook up wire, let them run, etc, now do the reverse) El Calafate, had a bike shop with good reviews, and Kp needed a new rear tire.

https://www.thelongcruise.com/

Fueled up and we were on our way, windy- but mostly blue skies. Uneventful, and include some pretty scenery_ a few steep canyons, pavement and road construction.

Jordan Pawley added a new photo — at America del Sur Hostel.
November 24, 2018 · El Calafate, Argentina ·



We stayed at another Hostal, this one was nice, also had huge decks, bathrooms in each dorm, on site restaurant and bar. WIFI, and hot showers. Also had deals with most the adventure companies around. Busses would pick you up at the front door. We of course choose to ride to ours. Kayak with a Glacier, Trek on a Glacier, horse back riding, climbing, etc

As you can imagine, had the price to go with it- The included breakfast was also a great selection. I got used to eating cereal w/ yogurt instead of milk- mmmm.


The above pictured Steak, with cheese and Garlic fries, and a gravy was stupidly good. My mouth is watering this just writing this, SO good we stayed an extra night and both had the same thing again.
After that meal, and some hot showers we weren't quite as sore from our Thanksgiving ride.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley is with KP Pawley at Glaciar Perito Moreno, Argentina.
November 25, 2018 · El Calafate, Argentina ·

Let's kayak around a Glacier!


Recommend
Glaciar Perito Moreno, Argentina
National Park · El Calafate, Argentina
24,665 people checked in here

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley added 15 new photos — with KP Pawley at Glaciar Perito Moreno, Argentina.
November 25, 2018 · El Calafate, Argentina ·

Today was a beautiful day, the wind slowed ( to only like 40mph) the sun came out enough on the ride back we were in summer gear only. The ladies ran wonderfully taking us to the glacier and back. The glacier is impressive, we were incredibly lucky to not only be on the water in kayaks( pics to come), but to see and hear it calving almost every 20mins. One of the guides said he has been guiding here a year and has never seen it so Active. It sounds like deep rumbling thunder in a clear blue sky, that you can feel vibrate in your bones. No lightning to be seen, just massive chunks of the ice face cracking and falling into the cold turquoise water. The biggest we saw, sent out a 6ft+ tidal wave, large enough to give one of the medium tour ships quite the rocking, followed by an icy breeze chilling our cheeks. After that, the fleece suits, inside the dry suits, skirt and life jackets and booties, we had to warm up with whisky on glacier ice. Thanks to Swedish stranger Walter for coaching me on picture techniques. The ride back to the hostal was just shy of picture perfect, blue skies, whispy clouds and a chilly breeze to cool you down, twisty park roads begging to be carved into. Followed by another of the best steak I have had in Argentina to date.



https://www.google.com/search?q=per...rome..69i57.4080j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Those birds, were not only large, but they gave no ********** about tearing stuff up- they kept fighting on top of cars, hoods and roofs. We could hear their talons tear into the paint and them selves. We kept making jokes that they would fly off with the moto's.

http://www.world-birds.com/birds/a/...iAV60stwBGdhj2AtIT8rBSMD-2dYVdmarzejW8f9k-VXc




The glacier was beautiful, and indescribable. So incredible to see, and hear-feeling it move. Being in Tandem kayaks 100 yards away from the calving face- the 40 degree water, ice floating by so clear you could see through it. I managed to snag a piece and ate chunks off of it for the next few hours on the water and trail. I would recommend the kayaking trips, not cheap- but these guys are legit. And you are completely geared up, from fleece onsies, to the dry suits, skirts, vests, and booties. Its easily over 2k a person just in equipment, and at the end they just handed us a flash drive with the pictures on it.

An incredibly beautiful day, we were afraid to think maybe out weather was turning around. Would our " ****^&*ng Motorcycles" and " embrace the suck" Patagonia Rides leave us in piece to experience her beauty unmolested?

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

Jordan Pawley added 9 new photos — eating breakfast at Creperia Cafe & Te.
November 27, 2018 · Puerto Natales, Chile ·

Camped last night after my last border crossing from Argentina into Chile. Beautiful riding days!




We camped that night, With Puerto Natalia the next destination. We found a nice beautiful place to camp, and some trees to hang up in. Twas a bit of a cow swamp, but being ranch kids- did not bother us a bit. I*n fact we probably slept better that night, with the familiar fragrance in your minds.

The Craperia tagged at the beginning of this post is Aces. Worth a stop.

Its hard to see, but in one of those pictures the large white bird, has the baby's on her back.

A friendly skunk, at the border crossing. This one took a long time, as we were stuck behind quite a few others and a tour bus. The moto's drawing lots of attention, and questions form other travelers on the tour buses.