We had been at the seaside cottage in Chile for almost two months. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas had passed and our belongings had been pared down as far as we could.
We prepared the rental for the new owners and cleaned up Beauty and the Beast for her first impressions.
Pacha enjoyed her final afternoons in the sun. And our resident turkey vulture stole her last bone. We were exhausted from the work, but the place had begun to feel like home to us. It was the perfect transition out of the camper.
Then they were there! The buyers arrived and the whirlwind began. We had just a few days to teach them everything and pack up and get to Santiago airport.
The test drives and lessons began…
And then the handoff! The new owners moved in, and we loaded up our rental truck to go to the airport. That was quite a production.
The airport procedure. Involved checking the crate, then checking the dog and her paperwork. And finally locking her into the crate with zip ties and sending her off.
It was a perfect flight and we arrived on time. Finding our luggage, and our dog, took a little while. They never really explain the pick up process. But LATAM is terrific to work with and answered all our questions. Then we found her……tail wagging, barking at us and calm as could be.
We gathered all the luggage and the crate and went to the curb to wait for our ride. This massive, long experience was coming to the real end. The Pan-American Highway and thousands of side roads, special memories and amazing people were all wrapped up in our minds, our luggage and our blog posts.
Thank you for being with us through these travels. It has truly been incredible. Perhaps someday we will transfer all these photos and stories into a bookie, or several. If you’re still with us by then, please reach out and say hello. Knowing that someone is reading all this has given me the motivation I needed to maintain the blog and keep the stories going. Until then, keep going!
Always enjoy your writings. Always hoping for more. Loved the pictures and stories- traveling vicariously through you. Welcome back to the US.
How long were you on the road total? I remember you being at my place many years back. I’m wondering if that was part of the same trip or not. I can’t keep track!
enjoyed both of the Chile commentaries…
Linda Kooiker “No one has ever given me a good reason why we should obey unjust laws.” Helen Keller
Welcome Home!
Good morning… A great \”journey\’\’ comes to an end……………….I\’ve followed for the past years and marvelled at all the ups and downs….but you never gave up on your dream. Good luck to you both on your next \”adventure\’\’…….it wil be a big act to follow. Happy trails and more !!! John Lupien
Loved it! Very inspirational – thank you.
Wow! I started following you when you were still in Alta and we were preparing our own overlanding journey. You were our inspiration and guide. Since our road trip ended, 11 years ago, you’ve been our dream of life on the road. Best wishes for the next chapter.
Howdy from Brad in Arkansas
Congratulations!! I’ve been following your blog for a long time. What an awesome adventure!!
Back in the USA? wow! How long has it been?
Welcome back! ❤️
We seem to have followed you to South America, lagging a year behind. And now we are all exploring Europe. One day, we will meet I’m sure. Until then – and afterwards – our overland adventures continue! Enjoy your summer in the US!!
Every time on the “panam” and got to a really cool spot that I thought I’d be the first to find….you guys had already been there….
Welcome back! What a wild ride!! Thanks for sharing ,,,stay safe.
Welcome Home 🙏🏻. Looking forward to hearing even more about your adventures. BTW…I received a live liver donation from my 1st cousin in April 2025 and I am doing remarkably well. Thank you for coming forward ❤️
Dean Obernesser
Love and appreciation you sharing your travel adventures….