That old geyser

Ug.. 340 was rough, but we managed. ON possibly the bumpiest bus ride ever I did manage to sleep and all of a sudden woke up around 6am to pay my entrance fee at the El Tatio Geysers. Fortunately for us, Shelly and Stewart were along for the ride to share in the early am pain. Once again we were back up at a high altitude and cold temperatures. flashbacks to both Peru and Patagonia from last year with the wind. But you have to get up there at sunrise to see the geysers bec. that´s when they´re active. And though it was v. v. early, it was really lovely to see a sort of sunrise behind snow capped mountains and a massive field of geysers going off. it was wild!! Everywhere you stepped there were geysers. I was convinced I was going to step into one, and it wouldn´t have been pleasant since they are boiling hot. Unfortunately Steph did happen upon one, but she´s ok, despite having a wet foot for the rest of the day.
While we started to eat breakfast, probably around 8am, one of the bigger geysers started erupting which was so cool. To stand in this massive field with geysers going off all around you, surrounded by the snow'capped mountains and volcanoes was just wild. so so much fun! After finishing the geyser tour we headed off to the hot springs where the brave were stripping down and jumping in. I´m sure it felt good, felt great to stick my hand in it, but the thought of taking off umpteen layers of clothes and then gettting out of the hot water and into that freezing wind was just not appealing. But Stewart in the end was the brave man amongst us and went for it. I think he would agree it was worth it, despite maybe his clothes falling into the mud. eek..
my favorite was watching some guy in a little red speedo jump in and out and then run around taking pictures. it was hysterical, and you better believe i got some great photos of that.
Cold and tired we headed off to the second and last part of our trip, Cactus Valley. This partcouldn´t have been more different than the morning. We hiked off into the canyon in the hot hot sun, now stripped down to minimal layers and lathering on the sunscreen. It was pretty cool to be surrounded by desert and cacti and yet be walking in these green reeds with a stream. WE followed the stream down to a small waterfall and pool area where we all relaxed for a while. The hike down to it was amusing, and a big of a surprise, as I think I and Shelly would attest to. I nearly took a girl down jumping down from a rock and then slid on my butt down a massive rock into the swimming area. no worries, no injuries, just laughs and a sore ankle and butt. So in the end it was a lot more rock climbing then any of us expected, but we made it. And it was a really lovely canyon. We finally bid Shelly and Stewart farewell, as they like most others, are traveling for a few months. so jealous. And we actually had an afternoon to rest at our hotel and hang out poolside. Tonight is supposed to be our stargazing tour, but due to the clouds, it may not happen. Regardless, we´re happy and relaxed and relieved to be somewhere for 3 days. esp. somewhere as nice as this.
I have to say, when I recommend Chile to people I would ABSOLUTELY recommend you come here! The south and Patagonia are a must too, but this is a can´t miss as well. The landscape is just wild and the views are stunning. The town of San Pedro de Atacama is just this smalle little green blip amongst all this desert.- The town has a wild west feel to it, but it´s really cool. And there´s lots of adventurous, fun travelers here. Def. def. come visit!