The journey out of Cartahene was pretty much what we've come to expect when leaving large Latin America cities, long slow going, stop and go traffic with go meaning little more than walking speed. Before we left town we picked up our mandatory insurance. We considered skipping it and taking our chances. I recalled the police check point stops we've encountered before and voted strongly for insurance, possibly costing more than a police bribe but not more than two bribes or impoundment of the bikes.
Leaving we have what now seem to be mandatory, KTM challenges. Not sure if I've mentioned that since the starter in not functioning on the KTM we either find a hill to jump start it on or Jim pull starts it with his bike. In either case my role is to stop traffic and explain to curious on lookers what we are doing. To Jim and Max's credit they've got it down to an art form.
It took several hours with insurance and all but by 11:00 we are finally out of town and rolling. My compliments again to the master navigator Mr Jimi.
Almost as soon as we leave the city we begin to climb into some beautiful hill country. I smile a lot being out of city. Lush green pastures on rolling hills, nice looking small ranches, horses and cattle grazing. It still cracks me up to see a palm tree in the middle of a cow or horse pasture.
It's not much cooler in the hills bur it feels less humid and I know we're climbing. I am so looking forward to cool weather riding. I know i'm a Mountain boy at heart.
Great lunch stop, on a long hill, open air cafe fixed menu, cold ice tea.
Today's lunch stop.
Pulled in for the night in Planarto. Walked into town found an ATM and decided to try the food from a couple of street vendors. It was really good. A couple of locals chatted us up and the helped explain what different things on the cart were.
On the way back to the hotel we pick up some great looking fruit for breakfast and water for the ride
Off to bed.
We should reach Medellin tomorrow and the fabled KTM dealer, hoping.
ILUF
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Location:Cartahene to Planet....... Columbia
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