Hosteria de la Patagonia is lovely and we could stay here for a fortnight, but it's time to Break for the Border and make our first tarmac border crossing!
First thing we see when we reach the Chileno Aduana Post at Rio Jeinimeni 5km out of Chile Chico is a sign stuck to the window which says "SINCE 08/2016 EVERY FOREIGNER WHO IS NOT RADICATED IN CHILE CAN NOT LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITH CHILEAN CAR".
Radicate? verb: to (cause to) take root - (Oxford English Dictionary). We've been in Chile for a month now - so are we Radicated??
Passports stamped no problem so we've left Chile - but what about Pablo our trusty 4x4 - can he come too?
"NO" says the first Aduana Official pointing to the the Radicated sign!
"SI" says David giving him our Declaracion Jurada.
"HMM" says the Aduana and calls over the Boss.
"NO" says the Boss pointing to the Radicated sign!
"SI" says David giving him Clause 17.2.3 of the relevant Aduana Law.
"HMM" says the Boss and phones the Queso Grande who reluctantly leaves his office and comes over to review David's paperwork.
Queso Grande grumpliy accepts that we Foreigners are correct and his sign is not!
Paperwork is printed and stamped and we are through!!
PHEW!
Next stop Argentina where the process is much more straightforward although the Border Control Officials are all very frosty - perhaps it's the sight of our British Passports!!
Celebrate our successful crossing with lunch at Viva El Viento in Los Antiguos - the first town we reach (2km over the border) - Steak & Malbec for David - Pollo & Craft Beer for Amanda!
