The trip took us west to just before the city of Antofagasta where we turned south on our route to Copiapo, all new scenery for us. However, due to the fact that we were still in the Atacama, it meant seeing essentially the same scenery we see around here except with the opportunity to drive along the coast for a lot of the trip.
Finally, the ocean comes into view...in case you're having trouble finding the ocean in the picture -- it is there to the left.
We also passed through a few fishing villages...
We arrived at Julie's home mid-afternoon and enjoyed a tour of her home and the expat living area. I asked Larry if he was sure there wasn't something he could be doing at Freeport's mine in Copiapo -- I think I could handle expat life indefinitely if we lived there....
Enjoyed a great meal and great wine that evening. Oh, and again the next evening. Did I already mention that I think I could deal with life in Copiapo....
On Saturday, Julie took us to the first beach near her home (playa La Virgen.) It was beautiful. Summer is over which means no crowds. It is a small bay with turquoise water and white sand beach. We enjoyed the peacefulness and sun until hunger called, so we loaded up and headed for a restaurant along the beach at Bahia Inglesa.
A cute puppy and cute Larry.
And then, it was time to return to Calama. This scenery reminded us of Arizona.
Our friend Ed, a buddy since our Bolivia days, pops into Calama on a fairly regular basis. Always a pleasure to catch up.
We are eagerly awaiting our first visitors to Calama! Mike and Sue from Phoenix will arrive here on our 29th wedding anniversary -- April 17. We'll have approximately 2 weeks together -- sounds like a lot of blog photo opportunities to me!
