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thisbigroadtrip

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Mar 5

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My first self instigated rappel. We have been assu

My first self instigated rappel. We have been assured the nerves of setting up the rope, and then trusting you haven’t screwed up as you lower yourself over the edge, is something that will dissipate over time. Always fun to try new things and #suesca was an amazing location for us to learn.

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Mar 4

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The mass of colour in #Colombia makes photography

The mass of colour in #Colombia makes photography an easy feat. You can usually close you eyes, point, shoot and come up with something interesting. Our trail through the mountains dropped us into Buenos Aires (Colombia) at school closing time. Their school bus was a Escalero (possibly even spelled like that). A colourful, super wide, fairground ride of a bus with bench seats and little in the way of appreciation for personal space. The kids were as in awe of our camper as we were in their bus.

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Mar 3

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Sitting pretty in amongst a huge swathe of coffee

Sitting pretty in amongst a huge swathe of coffee plants. This little road snuck through the fincas around Chinchiná in the upper part of Colombia’s #coffee zone.

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Feb 17

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One of our Colombian Highlights (and let's face it

One of our Colombian Highlights (and let's face it the whole damn place is a highlight!) was our week exploring the mountains in the El Cocuy region.
This was taken in the cactus fields at just over 4,000m with the drone having a low battery. For those of you that don't have a drone, when you take off they usually record a 'home point'. A place where they will return to if anything goes wrong.
I got the drone into the air and jumped in the truck for the 'follow shot'; sitting in the passenger seat, controlling the drone as we drove down the trail. After a while, a few beeps indicated a low battery warning, which I overrode as it was within view, close, and I could fly it back easily. Not realizing the consequences I continued flying to the point where the battery was so low it decided to return 'home'. Unfortunately 'home' was now a kilometre back along the trail and in the middle of the road where it took off.
Two things need to be considered at this point.
1) I wasn't aware it was actually heading 'home'. I just thought it had fucked off into the distance for no apparent reason. Seemingly intent on escaping.
2) Sprinting a kilometre in the desert heat and at an oxygen deprived 4,000 metres - chasing a drone that seemingly has no intention of stopping isn't that much fun.
I found it hovering a metre above the floor, exactly over the spot where it took off; staring at me. It also recorded that breathless moment for posterity.

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Feb 16

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This is the view in the opposite direction from ye

This is the view in the opposite direction from yesterday's image. The rock in the distance is what everyone comes to see and climb. You can just see the steps zig-zagging up the side. It's a pretty impressive chunk of granite with amazingly smooth sides.

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Feb 15

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The stunning landscape of Guatape. The town is fam

The stunning landscape of Guatape. The town is famous for the giant chunk of granite poking out of the ground (picture to follow), but looking in the other direction is equally breathtaking.

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Jan 30

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We’ve spent the last few days on a climbing cour

We’ve spent the last few days on a climbing course, learning everything we need to go and climb on our own and - hopefully - survive. It’s been amazing to learn something new and a whole bunch of climbing, rappelling and rope skills. Apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks.

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Jan 28

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On Sundays, around 200km of major roadways in Bogo

On Sundays, around 200km of major roadways in Bogotá are closed to cars, trucks and motorcyxles, allowing cyclists and runners to enjoy traffic-free streets. This resulted in one of the smaller adjoining roads becoming a stomping ground for loads of local kids to obsess over the humble wheelie. Fast, slow, pimped out rides and style points .... all day long, all on one wheel.

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Jan 23

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The main strip in Bogotá resembles a massive yard

The main strip in Bogotá resembles a massive yard sale. The street is lined with people selling stuff, any stuff. No stuff too old or too disheveled. Occasionally there is focus, a toy stand (all toys, no stand) or a dusty selection of electronics. Usually items are laid out with care not befitting their value. And sometimes there is simply a huge collection of random stuff piled into one a pyramid of junk and clothing. The latter being a popular spot as people hunt for a rose amongst the thorns.

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Jan 11

235 5

We’ve seen busier places! The heater had to be f

We’ve seen busier places! The heater had to be fired up for our slightly sub zero night. A shock after the scorching 35, 36, 37°C at Barichara. But, we are now back in civilization and, rumour has it, a hot shower is available at @colombianhighlands

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Jan 10

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We are at six days of almost exclusively off road

We are at six days of almost exclusively off road trails. Colombia’s scenery has been amazing and the mountain passes a blast to drive - the #boyaca Deprtament is beautiful. Claire just picked a winding road in a mal and we went for it. Bluebird skies the whole way too, we don’t miss Central American rainy season much! The camping has picked up a notch too, lots of places to wild camp, some stunning ‘middle of nowhere’ and some just really nice town camping with nice views and tranquillo locals.
We are heading, in a round about way, to Bogota to renew our vehicle import permit for another three months. Should be in the big city by the weekend, who knows, maybe even a shower!

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Jan 9

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Winding our way up to the glaciers. Inevitably rec

Winding our way up to the glaciers. Inevitably receding as confirmed by a guide we met up there. The trip took us around a mountain / hill. After 6 hours off road we ended up camped 8km from the town we stayed in the day prior. Beautifully inefficient! Once back in El Cocuy we filled up at a gas station, bumped into a guy who called another guy. Met him in town and he told us about his @balconesdeelcarrizal hotel just up the trail. Stunning location overlooking the town and glaciers. Added to iOverlander for all those heading this way.

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Jan 7

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Taking the path less travelled. I mean, it's proba

Taking the path less travelled. I mean, it's probably less travelled because it's cold, there is no oxygen and you'll have trouble sleeping but the vistas can be pretty epic. We actually got up for a run in the morning, which was easier than expected! The few locals that bothered to live up on this plain were somewhat surprised to see a gringo and fringe labouring up and down the trail whilst they carried around armfuls of wood for their fires.

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Jan 6

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Sun down on our way to #elcocuy Enjoying the wide

Sun down on our way to #elcocuy Enjoying the wide open spaces but the below freezing overnight temperatures were a shock. Thankfully our heater worked at altitude (we were at 3,200 metres and diesel heater are only rate es for around 2,300. Add an early morning run and it was a good start to the day.

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Jan 5

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It’s great being back on the road again and even

It’s great being back on the road again and even better to drive up to some barren landscapes and be ‘people free’ for a day or two. I am not entirely sure where we are but we are on the way to El Cocuy National Park and have stopped here for the night.

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Dec 31

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When in Panama! Just found this in a photo clear-o

When in Panama! Just found this in a photo clear-out. That time we went for a wander around Churillo, played dominos, drank Panela Lemonade and tried on a few Panama hats at the local milliner. Claire looks rather thrilled with my new look, I think.

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Dec 30

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Nestled into the mountains at @guaimarocampsite fo

Nestled into the mountains at @guaimarocampsite for Christmas and New Year. This really is an overlander staple in Colombia, with great views and amenities if you need a break from the road. We have hooked up with @kissmybay again. We follow them everywhere!

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Dec 25

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Sometimes, when someone parks in your view it’s

Sometimes, when someone parks in your view it’s not a bad thing. @guaimarocampsite has amazing vistas but Horacio from Chile has a sweet looking bus :)

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Dec 18

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We try to run most days. It's not always possible

We try to run most days. It's not always possible but on average we run 5 to 6 days a week and between 35km and 80km plus a little strength exercises too. One of the benefits of running is that it takes you to places you would not normally look. Yesterday we ran into a 'Lots for Sale' development, which we knew was on the edge of a cliff. We got lucky, and ended up with this mountain valley view for the night. The camper is towards the bottom left :)

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Dec 9

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Me sitting next to a flag wondering why it’s so

Me sitting next to a flag wondering why it’s so damned hot and windy and dusty in a desert somewhere up at the northern bit of Colombia that even the Spanish couldn’t be bothered to take over. I can’t, frankly, believe people have to live here. An experience. Very interesting. Doesn’t quite make my top 8,000 places to visit list, even though I’m glad I did.

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