We set off from Uyuni and suddenly we're on fresh smooth tarmac. After the corrugated route into Uyuni, Route 5 towards Potosi is a welcome change. However, the air is cold at 4200m and within minutes I'm cold.
Fortunately we stop about 20 minutes later at a mine in Pulacayo . Here we walk around the surface facilities and see the last train that Butch and Sundance held up. The authorities caught up with them not long after and one of the pair was shot dead; the other is reported to have escaped. Not quite what Hollywood would have you believe.
 |
| The last train held up by Butch and Sundance |
The mine used to be run by the British, but was shut when it became uneconomical. Now with the high global demand for minerals the mine has reopened and there is a new virtual town supporting it, including a school, social club and even a children's playground. The mine is off the tourist trail and doesn't feature in the Lonely Planet guide book. Many of the buildings are decayed and it all looks very rundown. Despite that, silver, zinc and lead ores are now mined here.
 |
| It's been here a while |
One thing that caught our keen eyes was a toilet block seemingly balanced precariously on a cliff edge. Its foundations were crumbling and the walls were cracked; it wouldn't be long before the whole thing ended up in the ravine below along with the human waste emitted from it . But, it was the only toilet around so we braved it and the pungent smell inside. As the block had no doors, Steve dent stood guard when it was Dr Rosie's turn.
By the time we hit the road again it has warmed up a little. Route 5 takes us south and once in the hills it's like a whole other country: the road is superb as it winds it's way through the contours. We make good progress and arrive in Potosi in time for a late lunch despite the brief flurry of snow.
In Potosi, while checking into the hotel we meet a Canadian guy who has ridden down from Canada on his Kawasaki KLR. He's trying to sell it before flying back and Cory puts him in touch with a potential buyer; importing and selling cars and bikes is a tricky business here and it helps if you know someone who's familiar with the pitfalls. The Canadian guy talks a little about his trip and says the roads in Bolivia are the most fun in South America (he's also impressed by the KLR and will buy another when he gets back to Canada).
:
well thumbed from my BlackBerry
1 comment:
To use that toilet dangling on an edge, you guys and gal must be nuts.
Post a Comment