We’ve stopped in the middle of the Atacama for a quick orientation to the various volcanic rocks exposed in this area, and a discussion of thermodynamics and geochemistry. We also have good views of Lascar and Lincubar, the major volcanic peaks in the area, which we will be looking at closer later on.
A quick pit stop in town for lunches and water for the next couple days of exploration. Also to find an ATM and a money exchange, as not everywhere in town takes credit cards.
After two days of driving this town, we decided it is a good thing we got 4WD vehicles — for San Pedro’s cities streets, not the Atacama desert.
The sun is coming up, the roosters are crowing, and the dogs are chewing their bones.
For those that need it, a bit more sleep is in store. Folks are on their own until 10 this morning, then we’re going grocery shopping for lunch, and beginning out tour of the geology in the immediate vicinity of San Pedro de Atacama. We’re hoping for a much smoother day today.
We are all checked-in now at our various lodgings, and now downtown for dinner.
Turns out it takes 28-hours door-to-door from Ann Arbor to San Pedro de Atacama. Hopefully dinner will be a little more expedient. We’ll be making a late start tomorrow after all the fun we had today.
We’re making a minor detour to stop briefly at the Calama Mall Plaza to replenish stolen clothing and pick up a few forgotten essentials.
Next, the drive to San Pedro de Atacama…