Orion Meredith Photo.
So here we are, on back streets of Santiago, and there is a preist, a rabbi and a talking squirrel...
ok, no. But seriously, it could have happened, given the random events that took place on our trip to Chile with the Meredith's, Orion and Emily. Our Gringo posse consisted of the two of them, plus Rosie and myself as we did our Tour de Semi-Stout/Eat as many Empanadas as possible in a three week time span.
Team Gringo at the Rio Claro Camp. Orion Meredith Photo.
The country of Chile welcomed us graciously into its midst, complete with a Chilean shuttle bunny sent to sweep us off our feet, and into the beautiful Maipo Canyon. Once in the Cajon del Maipo we stayed with Emily's friends, the Astorgas, who own and operate Las Cascadas de las Animas, an amazing adventure tourism company based on the shores of the Maipo River.
Maipo River Valley. Orion Meredith Photo.
Blue angels on the Upper Maipo. This rapid had a sweet constriction around the corner with some nice big waves. Orion Meredith Photo.
After about a week of paddling and lounging in the warm valley, we packed up, and headed south to Pucon, were we stayed at Dave Hughes's awesome Pucon Kayak Hostel. I highly recommend this as an option for anyone planning on traveling in the area, especially if you are looking to be able to have a boat rental, and a nice bed to sleep in.
visit http://puconkayakhostel.com for more information. During our stay in Pucon, we rallied to hit the classics in the valley, such as the Nevados, Palguin, upper and lower Trancura, and Liacura, as well as lucked out with some rain and managed to get a run, albeit a very shallow run, down the Turbio.
Gabriel on the Nevados Slide. It was great to go back to this classic run this year and be able to run the entire creek from the bridge down, now that the wood in the upper canyon has moved. Running the upper section almost doubles the length creek and adds some incredible gorged in boofs. Orion Meredith Photo.
Orion Meredith boofing the last drop of the Turbio put-in slide. Such an awesome creek with great scenery and some really nice drops. Martin Belden Photo.
Martin Belden dropping into the Medio Palguin. We had a great flow this day, and the landing was so nice and fluffy. It just doesn't get any better than this for a big falls. Orion ended up boofing huge off the curler at the lip and was looking like he was coming in for a hard landing, but managed to put his bow down, and had a great line. Emily Meredith Photo.
Hanging out at the put-in for the Upper Palguin. The owner of the property, Ben (owner of Kayak Chile) loves beer and BBQ, just so ya'll know if you stop by...
Orion Meredith Photo.
One week later found us on the road again, this time heading back North, to the Rio Claro. The Claro is a river I had known about since I first started kayaking, and along with Upper Cherry creek, was one of the rivers I always wanted to go to. The Claro was everything I hoped for, and more. With a nice juicy flow, we ran a few laps on the 22 saltos and the 7 tazas, as well as an aborted mission into the entre saltos, but more on that later. Clean waterfalls, spectacular scenery, and a canyon whittled away by an artisan creek, the Rio Claro has everything you could ever want, in an unspoiled setting.
Rosalynn Belden dropping into the first of the 7 Tazas. This was her first real waterfall run, and she killed it. Emily Meredith Photo.
Martin Belden running the last of the 7 Tazas, and boofing way bigger than Orion...
Emily Meredith Photo.
After five days on the Rio Claro, we made our way back to Santiago to return our rental truck, and then made for the coast, were we visited Vina del Mar and Valparaiso. Good food, great wine and sunny times on the beach made up the next few days until we returned to the Maipo for a final visit before our return flights Stateside.
And now its over. Another trip logged in the memory books, and photo albums, never to be forgotten, and yet, never to be repeated. Funny how it works out like that.
I owe a big thanks to Orion Meredith for taking the majority of the photos from this trip, as well as Dave Hughes who hooked up a great spot to stay during our trip. Also, to Emily Meredith for making so much of this trip possible with her great connections, and of course to Rosie, who always helps keep me pointed downstream and productive in this crazy world.
Check back soon for more trip reports and video edits from Chile!!
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