https://autopistaend.com/2015/02/04/reflections-on-el-camino/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/coastalhighway006.jpgBelizeBack on the good o'l "Coastal Highway" which we maintain is not really a highway! This photo represents the first day we did real ADV riding. (Photo: Alex Washburn)2015-02-21T00:51:15+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/07/03/autopista-ended-alex/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/alex.jpgALEXThis is me in La Paz Mexico on one of the most frustrating days of the entire 7 1/2 month 15,500 mile journey. At this point I don't know if I had just finished crying or was about to start. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2014-10-16T17:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/04/16/fin-del-mundo/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_windy.jpgBlog_windyTrees that have been blown by the constant winds out on the plains of Ushuaia. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_trees.jpgBLOG_treesThe fall colors are here! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_penguin.jpgBLOG_penguinA magellanic penguin hangs out near its nest. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_hike3.jpgBlog_hike3A view of Ushuaia and Beagle Bay from Nathaniel's hike. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_hike2.jpgBlog_hike2Gentoo penguins checking out the camera. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_hike1.jpgBLOG_hike1A view from Nathaniel's hike. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_boat.jpgBlog_boatNathaniel posing for a photo next to Beagle Bay. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_5.jpgBlog_5A view from Nathaniel's hike. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_4.jpgblog_4Snow is slowly arriving at the Ushuaian winter begins. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_steal.jpgBlog_stealThis was a completely spontaneous decision. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-05-26T22:26:39+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/04/14/the-last-leg/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_ushuaia.jpgBLOG_USHUAIAWe are so happy. Photo: Random Touristhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_nat30.jpgBLOG_nat30Nathaniel's bike turned 30,000 miles on the way to San Sebastian. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_tdf.jpgBLOG_TDFNathaniel does a fist pump as we cross into Tierra Del Fuego after ferrying across the Strait of Magellan. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_strait.jpgBLOG_straitWaiting for the ferry... Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_flags.jpgBLOG_flagsFlags flap restlessly overlooking the Strait of Magellan. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_gas.jpgBlog_GasNathaniel pours two gallons of gas into his tank before we cross the border at San Sebastian back into Argentina. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_nerfbars.jpgBLOG_nerfbarsThese crash bars were not cheap. When I get home I will be writing the company several e-mails. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-04-16T01:45:37+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/04/10/the-great-chase/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_lunch.jpgBLOG_lunchFeeling hurried we also embraced gas station lunches. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_sprawl.jpgBLOG_sprawlNathaniel was very happy to get back to the asphault. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_nothing.jpgBLOG_nothingThis was the 'scenery' we faced between Gobernador Gregones and Tres Lagos. It wears on the mind, body and soul. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_bfast.jpgBLOG_bfastGas station breakfast. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_riomayo.jpgBLOG_riomayoThe road to Rio Mayo was a beast. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-04-12T19:37:52+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/04/07/99-problemas/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_shop.jpgBLOG_shopAlejandro's shop. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_solder.jpgBLOG_solderAlejandro and his friend go to work on my radiator. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_yerba.jpgBLOG_yerbaWe spent pretty much an entire day at Alejandro's shop and he taught us about mate! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_alejandro1.jpgBLOG_alejandro1Alejandro is the only mechanic in Tecka Argentina but from what we could tell he is a pretty handy one. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_alex.jpgBLOG_AlexMashing up the JB Weld. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_fixing.jpgBLOG_fixingAlthough the JB weld takes an hour to harden completely it gets noticeably stiff in a few minutes. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_walking.jpgBLOG_walkingWe were only 10 kilometers from the nearest town but it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/30.jpg30At least I have photos of my bike hitting 30,000 miles! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_layingdown.jpgBLOG_layingdownAlex made a pillow out of her motorcycle gloves and a Marc Jacobs clutch to lay down as we waited for the JB Weld to harden during our first attempt to patch the radiator. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2014-04-29T02:30:23+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/04/03/on-the-move/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cat.jpgcatFor the final portion of our trip we must carry gas cans. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/snailpass.jpgsnailpassA Harley-Davidson starts to make its way down the infamous snail pass of Chile. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/drying.jpgdryingI (Alex) took apart one of the window fixtures in our room to create a drying rack for our clothes. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yamaha.jpgYamahaNathaniel talks to the mechanics at the Yamaha shop in Chillán after they repaired the damage another shop did to his bike. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/talking.jpgtalkingNathaniel and Tobee swap stories over pastel de choclo (amazing chilean dish). Photo: Alex Washburn https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/fixing.jpgfixingAlex tries to get her bike moving again on the side of the freeway. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/blog_mendoza_152.jpgBLOG_mendoza_152We stopped to take a photo with this sign along with two Harley-Davidson riders. One of the Harley guys used to be the official photographer of HOG Chile so he took this photo for us. Photo: HOG Guy2014-04-06T00:12:30+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/30/epic-asado/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_146.jpgBLOG_mendoza_146This was the most laid back and laziest cat i've met in my entire life. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_116.jpgBLOG_mendoza_116This grill looks simple but it cooked the best beef I've eaten in my entire life. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_078.jpgBLOG_mendoza_078The tank rested on Ariel's work bench for a while so it could cool off. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_063.jpgBLOG_mendoza_063Ariel displays why he is considered half magician by the people of Horizons Unlimited. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_015.jpgBLOG_mendoza_015When preparing to weld a gas stank you need to remove all of the gas first... Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_022.jpgBLOG_mendoza_022Nathaniel and I had a lot of hanging around to do as Ariel and his helper worked on the gas tank. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_mendoza_027.jpgBLOG_mendoza_027Ariel (left) discusses the crack with his apprentice. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-04-02T01:41:53+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/24/getting-caught-up/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_salta_048.jpgBLOG_salta_048It's not that Patio de Empanada is the ONLY thing to see in Salta... It was just the only thing I was really excited about. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_salta_006.jpgBLOG_salta_006Salta Argentina claims to be the inventor of the empanada. Patio de empanada pits over half a dozen empanada places against each-other and the result is glorious. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-24T22:02:59+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/17/the-road-less-traveled/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_lamafollow.jpgBLOG_lamafollowI was laughing so hard when these lamas started following Nathaniel that tears were running own my face. I quickly pulled out my iPhone to take pictures. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_sandfall.jpgBLOG_sandfallI can't pick my motorcycle up without Nathaniel's help while is has all my gear on it. Without the boxes I can pick it up but it's still difficult. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0342.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0342The road from Uyuni to Tupiza was deceptively vicious. 120+ miles of gravel, sand, undulating ripples and very few people. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_lamanuzzlefull.jpgBLOG_lamanuzzlefullAlex makes friends with the rural lama. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2014-03-18T04:46:29+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/09/the-bolivian-death-road/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_deathroad_006.jpgBLOG_DeathRoad_006Our couple photo on the Bolivian Death road. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog2_deathroad_082.jpgBLOG2_DeathRoad_082A cross marks where people have died on the Bolivian Death Road near a series of small waterfalls. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_deathroad_017.jpgBLOG_DeathRoad_017The view from the top of the Bolivian Death Road. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-23T17:06:59+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/13/big-pictures-salar-de-uyuni/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0337.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0337After touring the Salar de Uyuni we were ready to pack up and head south once again. The ride directly between Uyuni and Tupiza Bolivia is 125 miles of intense sand, gravel and not much else. Around mile 60 I (Alex) fell over in the sand and realized while inspecting the bike that a sub frame bolt had rattled loose. We had to stay an extra night in Tupiza to go over the bikes and prepare them to cross to Argentina. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0094.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0094If you visit the Salar de Uyuni I would suggest bringing a flag to add to the collection near the buildings where most of the tours stop for lunch. The fluttering colors are gorgeous against the the duo-chromatic surroundings. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0249.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0249There are two 'islands' on the Salar de Uyuni. We paid our 30 Bolivianos to walk around the Isla Incahuasi and it made a strange contrast to the smooth expanse of white surrounding it. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_02841.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0284 Nathaniel decided before we had made it out onto the Salar de Uyuni that he wanted a photo for instagram of himself standing out in the middle of the salt flat 'sin ropa'. The other people in our SUV thought this was hysterical. Nathaniel was the only person in our car of 8 who did not speak Spanish so this was his bonding moment with the others. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0244.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0244Driving through the Salar de Uyuni is a strange experience. White hard packed salt stretches for miles in every direction and the local guides navigate across the expanse of nothingness using the surrounding mountains as navigational markers. Once we got out onto the salt flat we were glad we hadn't driven out there alone. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/blog_saltflat_0210.jpgBLOG_SaltFlat_0210A Brazilian girl dances for her boyfriend's camera on the Salar de Uyuni. Tourists usually bring props to play with the strange perspective the salt flat creates but this was positively ethereal. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-04-10T15:34:16+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/03/02/leaving-cusco/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro6.jpggopro6GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro5.jpggopro5GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro4.jpggopro4GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro3.jpggopro3GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro2.jpggopro2GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/gopro1.jpggopro1GoPro still of the highway heading south from Cusco. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog2_cuscoprotest_feb25_563.jpgBLOG2_CuscoProtest_FEB25_563A woman ads her own opinions to a growing list of complaints during a protest against the Peruvian government in Plaza De Armas of Cusco Peru on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2013. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cuscoprotest_feb25_563.jpgBLOG_CuscoProtest_FEB25_563A woman ads her own opinions to a growing list of complaints during a protest against the Peruvian government in Plaza De Armas of Cusco Peru on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2013.Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cuscoprotest_feb25_190.jpgBLOG_CuscoProtest_FEB25_190Protestors burn a coffin adorned with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala's name and photos in the Plaza De Armas of Cusco on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2013. People gathered from various regions of Peru to protest corruption within the Peruvian government and prevented traffic from flowing through the city and greater Cusco region. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cuscoprotest_feb25_474.jpgBLOG_CuscoProtest_FEB25_474Police monitor protestors as they march through Cusco, Peru on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2013. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-04T00:19:58+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/28/machu-picchu/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_machupichu_066.jpgBLOG_MachuPichu_066The famous view. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_machupichu_262.jpgBLOG_MachuPichu_262One of the best parts of visiting Machu Pichu was getting to pet this baby llama. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_machupichu_042.jpgBlog_MachuPichu_042The ride to Machu Pichu on the train was so soothing and pleasant I fell asleep through most of it. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-04-15T00:49:55+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/25/cusco-cuzco-qosqo/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_330.jpgBLOG_Cusco_330More things to help you with the altitude: Coca tea bags and candy. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_212.jpgBLOG_Cusco_212Look! Another view of Plaza De Armas! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_157.jpgBLOG_Cusco_157A group of nuns walks from the hills down into Cusco. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_283.jpgBLOG_Cusco_283Coca tea besides being tasty can help with altitude sickness. Almost every corner store will sell it and almost every hotel will give it out free. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_027.jpgBLOG_Cusco_027La Valeriana in Cusco has amazing pastries and hot beverages. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_087.jpgBLOG_Cusco_087As nathaniel healed we took a bus tour of Cusco (20 soles). Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_080.jpgBLOG_Cusco_080We went back to examine the scene of the accident a few days later. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_218.jpgBLOG_Cusco_218Spencer (of San Francisco) walks through Plaza De Armas in Cusco. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_181.jpgBLOG_Cusco_181A japanese couple makes their way down a steep alley towards Plaza De Armas in Cusco. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_cusco_153.jpgBLOG_Cusco_153El Christo Blanco overlooks Cusco and provides a great view of the city. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-01T02:14:28+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/30/chasing-asphalt-to-ecuador/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_otavalo219.jpgBLOG_Otavalo219An overall image of the central portion of Otavalo's Saturday market. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_otavalo121.jpgBLOG_Otavalo121An example of the textiles for sale in Otavalo. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_otavalo097.jpgBLOG_Otavalo097The greatest street food we've had so far in Ecuador was figs stewed in sugar cane and stuffed still warm into a soft bread roll with cheese. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_mitaddelmundo045.jpgBLOG_MitadDelMundo045We pose on each side of the equator line at the La Mitad Del Mundo monument just outside of Quito. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_laslajas080.jpgBLOG_LasLajas080A woman kills and prepares a guinea pig in the back kitchen of the restaurant where we ate lunch in Las Lajas. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_laslajas0291.jpgBLOG_LasLajas029https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_otavalo188.jpgBLOG_Otavalo188A pair of locals walks through the large market of Otavalo. A lot of local women wear hats similar to this one. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_laslajas029.jpgBLOG_LasLajas029Jørgen poses with his KLR650 and custom made trailer (less than $100) before we leave the Sanctuario de Las Lajas and go have guinea pig for lunch. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bog_laslajas021.jpgBOG_LasLajas021The Santuaria de Las Lajas is an incredible place to visit... When we arrived I couldn't help thinking 'Colombia just HAD to wow us one more time.' Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mapcolombia.jpgmapcolombia2014-02-24T21:55:27+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/01/the-swing/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/carlos_theswing144.jpgCarlos_TheSwing144Carlos talks about his life living on the mountain watching the volcano above Baños Ecuador. His family visits him once a week (on sundays) but other than that his everyday company are his two cats, two cows and the tourists that float through. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-01T02:17:03+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/21/happy-10000-miles-autopistaend/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_105.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_105This should give you a pretty good idea of the 500 miles of scenery we had on our way to Cusco. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_096.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_096I couldn't stop staring at the rock formations on our last day of riding into Cusco. They were amazing! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_073.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_073Nathaniel rides through a canyon a little more than two-hours west of Cusco. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_049.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_049Just another piece of the scenery... Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_036.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_036Lamas are funny little animals... we witnessed them dust bathing and stretching out on the road for warmth. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_ridingtocusco_009.jpgBLOG_RidingtoCusco_009I saw wild flamingos in this lake on the way to Cusco so we stopped to check it out. Sadly, they floated away from us when I started walking towards the water but it was beautiful nonetheless. Photo: Alex Washburn https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_nascalines_075.jpgBLOG_NascaLines_075I uploaded this photo of 'The Astronaut' just for Paul D. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_nascalines_180.jpgBLOG_NascaLines_180Nathaniel exits the 6 passenger Cessna after our tour. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_nascalines_102.jpgBLOG_NascaLines_102This is the famous hummingbird of the Nasca Lines, it is 310 feet long. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_nascalines_029.jpgBLOG_NascaLines_029Our pilot was not pleased that I kept running out of the safety lines on the tarmac to take photos. Photo: Alex Washburn2025-01-29T16:44:36+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/16/a-quest-for-penguins/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_tour_136.jpgBLOG_tour_136A guy scoots by some overturned fishing boats in La Reserva Nacional De Paracas. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_tour_111.jpgBLOG_tour_111The red sand beach in La Reserva Nacional De Paracas. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_tour_007.jpgBLOG_tour_007La Candelabra! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/penguin.jpgpenguinNathaniel as a general rule does not like animals but he loves penguins. This was one of the little guys we spotted on the tour! Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_tour_087.jpgBLOG_tour_087This is an awkward couple photo. Enjoy! Photo: Our fellow travelerhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_tour_095.jpgBLOG_tour_095One of our fellow tourists (from Hong Kong) at Reserva Nacional de Paracas. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-02-20T18:17:08+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/09/driving-in-the-post-apocalypse/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/pov.jpgPOVEven slight changes in scenery were exciting during our 700+ mile ride through the desert. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_peru_036.jpgBLOG_Peru_036Nathaniel never takes photos of me so here is a selfie I shot with a 40mm. You're welcome. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_peru_110.jpgBLOG_Peru_110We stopped for a quick photo break 200 miles(isn) north of Lima. We were tired and dehydrated when we finally arrived although this desert is not actually that hot. Photo: Alex Washburn https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_peru_0201.jpgBLOG_Peru_020We got to a point on our first day rolling through the Sechura desert where we just slowed to a stop in awe of the nothingness surrounding us. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_peru_020.jpgBLOG_Peru_020https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_peru_015.jpgBLOG_Peru_015The coastal desert region of Peru covers roughly 73,000 square miles of land and reaches inland between 12 and 62 miles. It is known as the Sechura desert in the north. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/desertpov.jpgdesertPOVNorthern Peru greets you with over 700 miles of this. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_riding_010.jpgBLOG_riding_010One of our last views of Ecuador. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-02-20T18:21:01+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/02/05/casa-del-sombrero/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_sombrero_023.jpgBLOG_Sombrero_023Although Alberto Pulla has passed on, his family continues running Casa Del Sombrero. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_sombrero_006.jpgBLOG_Sombrero_006Nathaniel tries on hats trying to determine which one fits best as Juan-Carlos watches and answers questions. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_sombrero_027.jpgBLOG_Sombrero_027Tools of the trade - pretty much unchanged for over a hundred years. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_sombrero_005.jpgBLOG_Sombrero_005Nathaniel tries on hats trying to determine which one fits best as Juan-Carlos watches and answers questions. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/albertopulla.jpgAlbertoPullaAlberto Pulla and I four years ago. Photo: Loni Raehttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/blog_sombrero_084.jpgBLOG_Sombrero_084Casa Del Sombrero is a Cuencan institution. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-02-16T02:58:02+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/25/the-colombians/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/nathanielgroup.jpgnathanielgroupI shot an iPhone photo of Nathaniel over my shoulder as we waited to move onto the next section of trail. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bloggroupride128.jpgBLOGGroupRide128At the top of our biggest hill everyone took photos and relaxed. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/groupride130.jpgGroupRide130One of the riders stretches out in the grass to relax at the top of the hill. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pano.jpgpanoAt the top of the BIG hill one of the group leaders called out "Okay - who has an iPhone to do a pano?!" Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gravel3.jpggravel3On the road with the Colombians. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gravel2.jpggravel2Here is an example of some of the material we went over during the 'easy' part of our ride with the Colombians. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bloggroupride087.jpgBLOGGroupRide087One of the smaller dirt bikes got a flat and everyone wanted to help... since that's impossible most of us stood around talking while they worked. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_groupride083.jpgBLOG_GroupRide083One of the smaller dirt bikes got a flat and everyone wanted to help... since that's impossible most of us stood around talking while they worked. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bloggroupride052.jpgBLOGGroupRide052One of the small dirt bikes got a flat so this photo is of waiting on the side of the road for them to put enough air in the tire to get it to the next town. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bloggroupride043.jpgBLOGGroupRide043Our group photo with the posse of Colombian Motorcyclists. Photo: Hernando Herrera R.2014-01-29T02:09:49+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/23/bogota/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_005.jpgBLOG_005Alex being a photojournalist wanted to go to Club Gallistico and take photos. Club Gallistico is one of the oldest cockfighting establishments in the city and she'll be doing a full post for that on her personal photoblog. Here a rooster waits to have fighting spurs attached to his feet. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_004.jpgDomeThe inside of the dome of Santuario Nacional Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Bogota. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/groupride118.jpgGroupRide118We met up with a group of Colombian motorcyclists and went off-roading just outside of Colombia (details next post). Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_002.jpgBLOG_002A group of tourists checks out a display at the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum) in downtown Bogota. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_003.jpgBLOG_003A man looks out over Bogota Colombia from the Transferico cable car that gives tourists and locals a view of the city from the top of a nearby mountain. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-23T16:16:46+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/19/comida-de-colombia/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/square2.jpgArepaSanGilThis is an example of a San Gil Arepa. It comes stuffed with chicken, avocado, a quail egg and is drizzled with two different sauces. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/square1.jpgArepaCartagenaHere is a photo of my first Arepa. They are different from one another as you travel through Colombia, but they are usually delicious. This example is from Cartagena. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogcartagena004.jpgBLOGCartagena004In Cartagena I hopped up and down when I saw people grilling 'arepas con queso' in the streets. Costa Rica and Panama are sadly lacking in street food and I was excited by both how amazing they looked and by the possibility that Colombia could represent a shift in street food culture. These patties are made of corn, however they almost have the texture of mashed potatoes because of all the cheese mixed into them. They usually have a thin piece of ham in them and the arepa vendor (in Cartagena) will slice it open and add a dash of butter to the melty madness before handing it over. They each cost $1. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogstreetfood.jpgBLOGstreetfoodI purchased this chorizo as it was being grilled on the streets of Bogota for less than $1.50 USD. It was a little spicy and salty and it paired perfectly with this unknown carb they hand out with a lot of their street meats. The only thing it needed was an Angila or a beer from Bogota Beer Company. https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogcolombianstreetfood012.jpgBLOGColombianStreetFood012For the sake of this blog we purchased an 'Obleja' for less than a dollar and a half. For those of you with a sweet tooth I recommend picking up one of these as you wander through Bogota. An obleja is basically two wafers smooshed together and filled with deliciousness. We asked for ours 'con todo' and she layered on the cajeta, sweet cheese, jam and chocolate chips. I had my doubts because I'm not that into sweets, however a solid rule of travel: you should always trust the elderly Colombian woman. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogcolombianstreetfood160.jpgBLOGColombianStreetFood160Mexico has potato chips too and they are usually doused in hot sauce. I've fallen in love with the slightly thicker and much larger Colombian potato chips. They can be a little oil heavy from some vendors, but the texture is unbeatable. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogcolombianstreetfood218.jpgBLOGColombianStreetFood218Churros in Colombia are much thinner than in many other Latin American countries. In Bogota they come in thin circles dusted with the obligatory cinnamon and sugar - they are of course delicious. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogcolombianstreetfood1071.jpgBLOGColombianStreetFood107Plantain chips from the streets of Bogota for $1,200 pesos (63 cents in USD) Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-23T16:15:14+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/17/a-t-t-c-c/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blogvilladeleyva067.jpgBLOGvilladeleyva067Villa De Leyva is full of people walking their dogs (some on leashes some not). It further adds to the quiet no-hurry atmosphere. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_villadeleyva013.jpgBLOG_villadeleyva013The Plaza Mayor in Valle De Leyva is one of the biggest plazas in the America's. It's a huge open cobblestone square with a small fountain in the middle of it with a handful of eateries on its edges. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_barriacharra033.jpgBLOG_Barriacharra033In Barichara you are always either walking up or down a hill. It creates lovely views from every street! Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/blog_barriacharra049.jpgBLOG_Barriacharra049The Cathedral of Barichara dates back to 1705 and seems to dwarf the tiny puebla on the hillside. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-18T02:09:22+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/08/viva-la-stahlratte/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte173_laugh.jpgStahlratte173_laughJesse and Nico laugh at the bow of the ship as we motor out to the San Blas Islands. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte321_island.jpgStahlratte321_islandWe prepare for our BBQ on one of the San Blas Islands. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte431_group.jpgStahlratte431_groupKen, Diana, Jesse, Taylor, Nico, Nathaniel and I pose for a photo after victoriously getting our bikes through Aduana and the Colombian insurance office (it took all day). Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte411_harbor.jpgStahlratte411_harborThe Stahlratte pulls into Cartagena Colombia. Photo : Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte303_bbq.jpgStahlratte303_bbqDiana flips one of her meat skewers at the beach bbq we had on the San Blas Islands. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte302_bbq.jpgStahlratte302_bbqDiana flips one of her meat skewers at the beach bbq we had on the San Blas Islands. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte386_dusk.jpgStahlratte386_duskPassengers of the Stahlratte make conversation on the beach before heading back to the boat for the night. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte213_swinging.jpgStahlratte213_swingingNathaniel uses the Stahlratte's rope swing to jump into the ocean. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte261_jumping.jpgStahlratte261_jumpingA frenchman jumps off the bow of the Stahlratte into the Caribbean Sea. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stahlratte276_nathanielwalking.jpgStahlratte276_NathanielWalkingNathaniel walks on one of the San Blas Islands a few hours after we left Panama aboard the Stahlratte bound for Colombia. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-16T00:36:08+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/14/adventures-in-colombia/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hairblog.jpghairBLOGNathaniel had been wanting a haircut for weeks and we finally made it happen in San Gil. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mountainsblog.jpgMountainsBLOGThe mountains between Bucaramanga and San Gil Colombia are beautiful and the asphalt is perfect. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/floating.jpgfloatingAlex nervously balances her bike on the floating dock that carried our six bikes from the Stahlratte to land in Cartagena. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/leavingcarta.jpgleavingcartaJesse was the last of our group to roll his bike out of our Cartagena Hostel and onto the street as we got ready to leave. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-20T06:27:47+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2014/01/02/costa-rica-is-over/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/boat001.jpgboat001Tourists wave to a ship as it passes through the Miraflores Locks in the Panama Canal. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/croc_001.jpgcroc_001Crocodiles in Costa Rica. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/swimming001.jpgswimming001A swimming hole at the top of Montezuma's waterfall. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-06T03:31:58+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/12/25/pura-vida/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica143.jpgCostaRica143Montezuma may not have the wildlife of Monteverde but it can still surprise you. Here, a White-faced monkey looks to steal any food it can from tourists. These little bastards are everywhere, and while tourists may ooo and aww over their cuteness, we are sure locals perceive them the way Americans do raccoon, a nuisance to be dealt with. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica160.jpgCostaRica160After our hours of hard riding we were rewarded with Montezuma.Montezuma is the beach town you wished Tamarindo was. Maybe because it is on the tip and only really accessible by ferry, or that there are several towns within driving distance that off equal fare, there is a lazy, laid-back vibe in this ocean town. Beach side accommodations can be found on the cheap, and the water is the bluest yet in Costa Rica, however best part yet might just be hanging out in a hammock on the balcony of the hostel and watching the waves roll in with a slight breeze on your face. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica122.jpgCostaRica122What awaited us on road 162 was the most challenging day of riding yet on this trip, some of which neither of us think we could have done two months ago. Fifty-miles of mountains on gravel/rock roads, seven river crossings (including one with 3 feet of water where the motorcycles had to cross), two broken down motorcyclists needing rides, a flat tire on the Rav4 (lucky we had a spare and were right next to a tire repair shop, out in the middle of nowhere), and eight hours later we arrived in Montezuma, a trip which everyone said should only take five. We earned our off-road badges yesterday and the victory dinner couldn't have tasted better. Photo: David Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica098.jpgCostaRica098There could be a reason that the GPS told us to go around the peninsula and take a ferry to Montezuma instead of driving there from Tamarindo. On a path that is not serviceable in the rainy season, Dave in his Rav4 and we on the bikes, set out on our way to Montezuma (maybe this was a little revenge for us), along the only main highway that connects the peninsula with he mainland. Once we got to the junction of 18 and 21, we shut the GPS off and traveled on into the green wilderness. (Here Dave and Nathaniel are fixing Dave's flat tire) Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica093.jpgCostaRica093The waves in Tamarindo are great for beginners, and there are plenty of them that rove in packs known as Surf Schools, that take up all available ocean on the central beach. Most of these schools focus on the mechanics of catching waves and little to no effort on teaching people about how to maneuver the board in water. Subsequently you see lazy-ass Americans being pulled through the water while laying on their boards, lined up perfectly to catch a wave, and then being shoved off by the instructor and all they have to do is stand up (which most do not accomplish). Regardless - having lived in Santa Cruz for close to two decades Dave and Nathaniel were excited to get in the water. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica045.jpgCostaRica045Tamarindo is the greatest little surf spot nobody had ever heard of...fifty-years ago. Now-a-days it is chuck full of boutiques, surf shops, and ex-pats all looking for a piece of the tourist dollar. As it is 'high season' in Costa Rica (from December to April), all the menus have been swapped and hotel rates lifted, making Costa Rica the most expensive country, by far, we have visited in Central America and often putting meals at or above American prices. The town itself is a small main street that hugs the coast and then splinters into dirt roads that go off into neighborhoods. The less adventurous traveler may enjoy Tamarindo for its faux third-world atmosphere and pervasive English, but veteran travelers can find less touristy spots with better surf elsewhere. The street food scene (usually budget friendly) is also pretty weak - this Snow Cone vendor was one of only three good finds Alex made in two days. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica015.jpgCostaRica015A violet Sabrewing Hummingbird hovers near a feeder at Monteverde Cloud Forest. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica012.jpgCostaRica012On the one full day we had in Monteverde we left early in the morning for a hike around the cloud forest (the place where clouds are literally born, from the warm weather on the pacific mixing with the cold air from the Caribbean). The biodiversity of Costa Rica is truly stunning as we saw sloths, quetzals, spiders, snakes, anteaters, coatimundi, and many varieties of hummingbirds. Our tour guide Bernal was one of the best we have had on this trip, animated and clearly loving being able to hike for a living. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica010.jpgCostaRica010The first real day on the road with Dave we were traveling from San Jose to Monteverde to go to the cloud forest. Most of the trip was paved road, however, the turn off to Monteverde was 12 miles of loose gravel and rock on a vertical climb to get to the top. Windy, dusty, and beautiful, the views from Monteverde do not disappoint, as you can see all the way to the ocean. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/costarica100.jpgCostaRica100In San Jose we took the bikes into the Kawasaki dealership to have some basic maintenance done (chains cleaned, oil change, new clutch cable for Alex, replace Honda 50cc ignition coil on Nathaniel's bike since Farmersville). It was on the way back from the dealership Alex's bike blew the main fuse again. Replaced it and blew it instantly. Internet searches, e-mails/calls to gurus, and stripping the bike down yielded only knowing that there must be a short somewhere on the bike (Duh!). The mechanics from the dealership were dispatched over in the morning and finally found the short on the front turn signal. Bikes were nice and shinny for two whole hours before getting put back in the dirt. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-01-02T20:40:10+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/12/16/life-on-the-road/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/granada011.jpgGranada011Here is our 5 step process to get into Costa Rica. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/clutchcable.jpgclutchcableAlex shows off the damage after pulling the frayed clutch cable out of her bike. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/granada008.jpgGranada008Giovanni the Handyman at our hotel poses for a portrait before we leave. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/working2.jpgGiovanniAndAlexGiovanni and Alex thread the new clutch cable through the mighty Gatito Rojito. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bolt.jpgboltGiovanni shapes the nut to cap the end of Alex's new clutch cable. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2013-12-21T14:05:43+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/12/13/volcano-boarding/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon216.jpgLeon216Our secondary guide waits at the bottom of Cerro Negro with a speed gun. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon212.jpgLeon212A guide uses a speed gun to ducument how fast boarders make it down Cerro Negro. Big Foot Hostel runs the only tour with a speed gun. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon1961.jpgLeon196Our Guide Jose gives us boarding technique and safety tips before we head down the volcano. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon193.jpgLeon193Volcano boarders suit up at the top of Cerro Negro. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc06251.jpgDSC06251We pose for a photo with our fellow Volcano Boarders at the end of our Big Foot Hostel Tour. Photo: Our Guide Josehttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc06158.jpgDSC06158Nathaniel slides down Cerro Negro with his GoPro strapped to his shoe. Photo: Our Guide Josehttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/dsc06124.jpgDSC06124Alex slides down Cerro Negro trying to keep the rocks out of her mouth my gritting her teeth. Photo: Our Guide Josehttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/apad_leon133.jpgAPAD_Leon133https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon152.jpgLeon152Nathaniel and I pose for a photo at the top of Cerro Negro. Photo: Our fellow boarder Joshhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/leon196.jpgLeon196Jose gives us safety instructions and tips on how to control the board. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-12-14T18:03:19+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/12/07/tegulcigapa-again/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/onthetrail.jpgonthetrailThe road from Santa Lucia was beautiful and a great road although it gave us our fair share of problems. Photo: Alex Washburn https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/propped.jpgproppedWhen Nathaniel's bike is on its' center stand it is unbalanced and this is how the mechanics held up his bike as they fixed his back tire. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/honduras108.jpgHonduras108Storm clouds approach as two mechanics in a town we don't know the name of struggle to get both our bikes back on the road. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-12-08T01:32:14+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/12/04/motociclistas-sin-fronteras/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/unnamed-3.jpgFronteraAlex poses next to a sign showing we are close to the Honduran border. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/hotel.jpghotelA closed garage door means a room is "Occupied". Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/elsalvador004.jpgSunzalFamilies relax near the beach in Sunzal El Salvador. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/semis1.jpgSemis1Alex and I splitting lanes as we approach the El Salvador border. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2014-01-29T02:11:06+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/09/coalinga-california/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/coalinga002.jpgCoalinga Calif. in a Denny's parking lot.Welcome to Coalinga. https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/donnie.jpgDonnieDonnie fixed some of my wires that were severed when my chain snapped... and thankfully babysat us as we spent 6 hours replacing my chain and sprockets. 2013-12-04T21:33:59+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/11/the-road-to-farmersville/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/santamonica053.jpgSantaMonica053Our second night in Santa Monica gave us enough time to hang out with Mac and Cristina!https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/santamonica039.jpgSantaMonica039The view from the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier was a 180 from the previous 24 hours' worth of events.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/santamonica033.jpgSantaMonica033Nathaniel on the Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/santamonica007.jpgSantaMonica007Mac is in Los Angeles attending the MBA program at UCLA. Watching him iron his shirt before class was how we started our delightful day in Santa Monica. 2013-12-04T21:33:26+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/14/we-are-tumbleweeds/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/map1.jpgMaphttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/map.jpgMaphttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ensenada006.jpgEnsenada MexicoTacos Fenix makes the best fish tacos in all of Ensenada. Our hotel front desk guy said so - and after eating them I wouldn't doubt it.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/catavina074.jpgcatavina074Cacti at sunset.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/catavina065.jpgcatavina065Uno de los perros de Cataviña.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/catavina053.jpgcatavina053In CatavIna there are two places you can buy gas and they both look like this. 50 gallon jugs and an assortment of random plastic containers... This SUV filled up before heading north (120 miles till the next gas station).https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/catavina006.jpgcatavina006Stopping to enjoy the scenery. 2013-12-04T21:32:26+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/15/first-rain-ride/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lareto055.jpgLareto MexicoMotorcycle maintenance before we take off tomorrow. WD40 and some chain lube. (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lareto043.jpgLareto043This afternoon we went to clean and oil our motorcycle chains because of all the water yesterday and they were already rusting.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lareto019.jpgLareto019https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lareto016.jpgLoreto MexicoLoreto Mexico - our accidentally stop.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lareto023.jpgLareto023Loreto After the rain.2013-12-04T21:19:25+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/18/swimming-with-sharks/2013-12-04T21:14:50+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/21/swimming-with-sea-lions/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/selfiegopro.jpgselfiegoproThis is my 'I just found out I have to go swimming today' face. (Selfie: Alex Washburn)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/handsreaching.jpghandsreachingA tourist reaches out to touch a sea lion in the waters surround Isla Partida off the coast of La Paz Mexico. (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney)2013-12-09T01:45:39+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/31/huamantla/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla368.jpgHuamantla368This man grazes goats across the street from my Uncle's house. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla330.jpgHuamantla330My cousin Cesar sprinkles water on our Abuelita's grave in preparation for Dia De Lose Muertos. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla311.jpgHuamantla311The first rounds of gets sits down to plates of carnitas at a Huichan family party. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla300.jpgHuamantla300Nathaniel grabbing a chicharon (pork rind). Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla199.jpgHuamantla199I had to move my motorcycle so we could hang the meat.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla083.jpgHuamantla083To disturb the neighbors as little as possible the butchers decided to kill the pig in a field a few blocks from the house. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla024.jpgHuamantla024Boys herding sheep on the edge of town. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla015.jpgHuamantla015https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/huamantla045.jpgHuamantla045My mom and Nathaniel talk in the patio our first morning in Huamantla as we wait for the butchers to arrive. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-02-01T04:38:01+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/02/oaxaca/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/xoxocotlan019.jpgXoxocotlan019A woman carries marigolds traditionally used for Dia De Los Muertos decorations through the town of Xoxocotlan Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/surrounded.jpgSurroundedFour photographers focus on one woman in the old cemetery of Xoxocotlan. The photographer to the fart left used a remote flash on her for at least 30 minutes. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/xoxocotlan100.jpgXoxocotlan100A young boy lights candles with his sister and grandfather in the main cemetery of Xoxocotlan Mexico in observance of Dia De Los Muertos. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca052.jpgOaxaca052A marigold vendor watches for customers on the streets of Oaxaca. Marigolds are a flower traditionally used to decorate altars and tombs for Dia De Los Muertos festivities. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/graffiti.jpggraffitiPeople walk past graffiti protesting the Halloween-ization of Dia De Los Muertos. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tule042.jpgTule042Martin Santiago Lopez plants marigolds for day of the dead on the tomb of his grandfather as his mother watches in the cemetery of Santa Maria del Tule, Mexico. Their entire family is more of less buried in the cemetery and since the family trade is landscaping they tend to use a lot of plants in their Dia De Los Muertos decorations. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tule044.jpgTule044Señora Lopez of Santa Maria del Tule Mexico in the state of Oaxaca opens a Carona to place on her son's grave. He passed away three years ago at the age of 29. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-12-04T21:13:16+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/20/three-roads/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sanignacio032.jpgSanIgnacio032Our bikes parked in front of Hode's restaurant in San Ignacio Belize. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sanignacio004.jpgSanIgnacio004When we arrived to San Ignacio we had our first meal of the day at Hode's where this flute player provided the soundtrack. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/placencia010.jpgPlacencia010A group of locals concentrates on their game of dominos in the shade next to the only gas station in Placencia Belize. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/coastalhighway006.jpgCoastalHighway006Nathaniel prepares to record me crossing a bridge along the gloriously names 'Coastal Highway'. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-07-03T18:11:19+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/24/big-pictures-guatemala/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flores326.jpgFlores326This is one of my favorite photos from Flores. Like so many men in town this kid showed up to the water, stripped into his underwear, dove and swam for about 15 minutes with a friend and then they hopped back on their scooter and left as quickly as they came. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flores211.jpgFlores211Flores is an island but it's also basically one big hill full of one way cobblestone streets. The only place in town good for skateboarding is in the plaza at the very middle and top of the small community. The plaza has a church, basketball court and plenty of open concrete where the skateboarders have a rail to grind on. Xavier, 15, and Julio Ramirez, 17, (left to right) were some of the local kids we found hanging out there. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flores106.jpgFlores106Flores Guatemala is a tiny island in the middle of Lake Peten Itza. The residents have a habit of jumping in the water at random moments - swimming for just a few minutes and then going back to whatever they were doing. This gentleman went for a really long swim and is resting for a moment while his girlfriend waits on the shore. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flores004.jpgFlores004I don't really enjoy posing in front of monuments and things but I am a sucker for a really awesome wall. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tikal098.jpgTikal098Seeing this family of Coatis was one of the best parts about staying in Tikal. This relative of the raccoon spends its day rooting around the forest floor like little pigs. I walked up to within about 15 feet of them and the older ones were totally unafraid. On their search for food the noodled within two or three feet of me. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tikal072.jpgTikal072Our tour guide kept apologizing for the fog but I liked the way it looked. There is something very pleasing about walking around in it. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tikal061.jpgTikal061Our tour guide (he wasn't very good) leads the group towards Temple 1 in Tikal National Park. This temple was actually in one of the star wars movies and is quite famous. A benefit to going to the site so early is that there are very few other tour groups and the day hasn't gotten unbearably hot yet. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tikal042.jpgTikal042A tourist channeling Indiana Jones looks out across Tikal National Park from the top of Temple 4 just after sunrise. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tikal010.jpgTikal010The border crossing from Belize to Guatemala took about two hours because we sought shelter in the Aduana office from a rainstorm but it should have taken only 45 minutes. We immediate left for Tikal National Park from the border and arrived to our hotel at 5:30pm. Should you ever got to Tikal we recommend the 4am hike to Temple 4. As the darkness starts to lift your view from the top of the pyramid goes from pitch black to grey (seen here) and just the tops of the trees are visible as the howler monkeys and birds start their morning. Sitting on the top of a 1,271 year old pyramid hearing the forest come alive was one of my favorite travel experiences to date - made more poignant by my realization that the sounds we were enjoying have existed far longer. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-12-04T21:12:10+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/29/la-antigua/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua165.jpgAntigua165Drying coffee beans are inspected and rotated frequently by hand. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua381.jpgAlexAlex at the Museo de Chocolate teaches people how to make an old european style hot chocolate mixture. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua320.jpgTeaCocoa tea is a lesser known product of cocoa trees. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua283.jpgRoastingWe all took turns roasting cocoa beans before crushing them and turning them into hot chocolate. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua085.jpgAntigua085Red signifies a coffee cherry is ready to be picked. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua103.jpgAntigua103Tourists walk back to the truck that is transporting them on a tour of R. Dalton Coffee Plantation. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/antigua022.jpgAntigua022Two teens kiss and flirt in Antigua Centro. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-12-04T21:11:46+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/21/the-coastal-highway/2013-11-24T14:46:31+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/16/caye-caulker/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/feedinglimes.jpgChildren attempt to feed limes to their pet dog. The dog has a medical condition which is apparently helped by lime juice. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker162.jpgA couple dances to the music of a local band at the Barrier Reef Sports Bar and Grill on Caye Caulker. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker1001.jpgA young boy fishes with his siblings off a pier on Caye Caulker. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker105.jpgA young boy attempts to wrangle a fish so he can throw it back in the ocean. Even young kids recognize here which fish are illegal to catch. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker039.jpgAriel carries her (boy) kitten 'Jessica' across puddles in her yard so it won't get wet. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker025.jpgA resident weaves through puddles on Caye Caulker as storm clouds start to clear. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker017.jpgPirates restaurant (on the corner) is where we had one of our best meals on Caye Caulker. Don't expect a smile (they don't cater to tourists) but you should expect good solid local food at a local price. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/cayecaulker099.jpgCayeCaulker099A young boy shows off his catch to his older brother. I hung out with these kids for over a half an hour and they caught two fish while the adults on the pier came up empty handed. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sting-ray.jpgSting-RayA stingray cruises the ocean floor looking for food. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sharkwrangle.jpgSharkWrangleThis was Alex's second attempt at shark wrangling. She didn't tell me she was going to attempt this the first time - which was a more successful attempt. Photo: Nathaniel Chaney2013-11-17T04:54:15+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/14/hello-belize/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/mapmexico.jpgMapMexicoA map documenting our progress through Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/river.jpgriverSunset at Haulover Creek shot from the Swing Bridge, the oldest in Central America (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo.jpgPacking for BelizeNathaniel packs his gear, getting ready to cross the Belize border. (Photo: Alex Washburn)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-2.jpgphoto (2)Room at the Caribbean Palms Inn as Nathaniel sleeps in (Photo: Alex Washburn).https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-1.jpgphoto (1)Hector stands on the side of the road as Alex readies to leave for Belize City (Photo: Alex Washburn)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thiago.jpgThiago BertoThiago is riding from Alaska to Brazil, trying now to get through the Belize border (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney).https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_20131112_155105.jpgIMG_20131112_155105Belize immigration stamp in Nathaniel's passport (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney)2013-11-18T17:12:09+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/07/the-land-of-pinas-and-topes/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca-tabasco019.jpgOaxaca-Tabasco019On the outskirts of San Mateo Yetla on Highway 175 out of Oaxaca. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca-tabasco072.jpgOaxaca-Tabasco072Nathaniel does a systems check on his bike (and himself) after a car accessories vendor helped him to an oil free stretch of pavement. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca-tabasco064.jpgOaxaca-Tabasco064One of the Piña vendors we talked to along Highway 145. They juice it, bottle it, ice it and sell it the same day. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca-tabasco036.jpgOaxaca-Tabasco036$15 pesos of Piña juice at a roadside stall off Highway 145 in Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/oaxaca-tabasco051.jpgOaxaca-Tabasco051Piñas at roadside stall just off Highway 145 in Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburn2013-11-13T04:45:02+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/11/10/one-month-in-mexico/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/catavina065.jpgCatavinaThe sun sets on Cataviña Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tule0441.jpgTule044Señora Lopez of Santa Maria del Tule opens a bottle of Carona to place on her son's grave. He passed away three years ago at the age of 29. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/xoxocotlan078.jpgXoxocotlan078Xoxocotlan Mexico.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tule023.jpgTule023A band plays music walking through the streets of Tule Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/valladoid063.jpgValladoid063Cenote Samula near Valladolid.https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/valladoid017.jpgValladoid017Cenote Samula near Valladolid. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/merida022.jpgMerida022Merida Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/merida011.jpgMerida011Merida Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/floating2.jpgFloating2Nathaniel floating in Cenote Samula vear Valladolid Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/chichenitza065.jpgChichenItza065Chichen Itza Mexico. Photo: Alex Washburn2014-03-17T15:04:08+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/travel-log/2013-11-06T04:18:47+00:00weekly0.6https://autopistaend.com/2013/11/05/days-of-the-dead/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ridingontheedge.jpgRidingontheedgeThe road out of Oaxaca. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/corner.jpgCornerThe road out of Oaxaca. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/alexontheedge.jpgAlexOnTheEdgeThe road out of Oaxaca. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tule118.jpgTule118A man dressed in drag dances and poses in the lights of a police vehicle as residents The residents of Tule Mexico exit the city cemetery following a dance part on November 2, 2013.2013-11-05T15:18:17+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/29/bye-bye-baja/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/policia.jpgPoliciaChecking in with security before leaving the port area in Mazatlan. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/exiting-ferry.jpgExiting FerryHeading up the ramp into the sunshine after a 16 hour ferry ride. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/alex-exiting-ferry.jpgAlex exiting ferryAlex exiting the Ferry. Photo: Nathaniel Chaneyhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mazatlan.jpgMazatlanWe pulled into a nice looking hotel in Guadalajara and intended to check into it until Alex saw a more "cost efficient" business across the street. The room was about $24 USD but it had hot water and was clean. Photo: Alex Washburnhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/eva_rick2.jpgEva_Rick2Eva and RIck are the lovely people who own Baja Backpackers in La Paz Mexico. Because of the problems with our paperwork we ended up staying at their hostel for over a week and Alex created a new web site for their business. https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/mazatlan-to-huamantla1.jpgMazatlan to HuamantlaOur route from Mazatlan to Huamantla2025-02-05T11:19:50+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/13/the-adventure-begins/2013-10-22T16:10:22+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/03/why/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/alexklr.jpgAlexKlrMy first few days riding the KLR when I first got my hands on it could be politely called terrible.2013-10-22T16:08:32+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.com/2013/10/19/the-hotel-baja-california/https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/lapaz007.jpgLaPaz007Alex looking very hot and frustrated after 6 hours of dealing with immigration paperwork. (Photo: Nathaniel Chaney)https://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/la-paz1.jpgLa Pazhttps://autopistaend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/la-paz.jpgLa PazEntering La Paz off Mexico Hwy-12013-10-20T05:37:17+00:00monthlyhttps://autopistaend.comdaily1.02025-02-05T11:19:50+00:00