Wednesday, March 18
Cajón del Maipo, Chile
-33.78, -70.07
The day begins with a departure toward Las Melosas.
An old military outpost, isolated, almost frozen in time. From this point on, the environment starts to shift.
The paved road ends. A gravel track leads toward Fundo Cruz de Piedra. Fewer signs of life. More distance. The Andes become real. But the terrain isn’t the only challenge.
“The weather is changing,” Thomas reports.
Snow is expected at the pass. Possibly rain. Conditions remain uncertain. From here, the expedition moves forward day by day.
Midday, a detour becomes necessary. The team descends to San Miguel to have their passports stamped, a required step to access the pass. For a moment, the outcome is unclear. Then the confirmation comes through: The stamps are secured. The crossing is possible.
Back in the valley, the mood shifts. Relief, mixed with tension. The weather continues to deteriorate.
As night falls, the team gathers around an asado. A brief moment of calm before what comes next.
Tomorrow, they ride toward the pass...