Ruta 10 - the Trampoline of Death

The title and content of this update may secure a bit of blow-back from certain family members 👀. Unfortunately, there is only one way to travel the 190 miles from San Agustin to Pasto and that is by Ruta 10. The portion that crosses the Andes is about 45 miles in length and unpaved; it acquired the name Trampoline of Death due to the elevation changes and the reality that the narrow road clings to the side of the mountain. It claimed the lives of the unwary. It is safer now that guard rails have been fitted in many sections. 

The weather did not play nice again, cloud and rain for the first 25 miles of the Trampoline. At about 25 miles a landslide blocked the road and was being cleared. The rocks could be heard crashing down the ravine as the debris was dumped over the side. Fortunately, once a track wide enough for a moto had been cut we were allowed to proceed. The cars and trucks had a longer wait. The weather brightened after passing the landslide but not by much. The sun made an appearance in the last 10 miles on the descent into Pasto. Take a look.

The evening was spent in the company of Jairo Martinez, hostel owner, and, as it turns out, one of only three people in the world to create incredible artwork using a typewriter. He uses deft touches of the keys and turns the paper holder up and down, backwards and forwards to create the works. Spot John Lennon on his wall...

Jairo created the images, above right, in about 10 minutes tapping at his keys. It was possible to hear the changes in strike force as he manipulated the keys. An unbelievable talent living in the shadow of the Galeras volcano, Pasto.

Today the sun came out for the short 60 mile ride to Ipiales, the staging point for my first land border crossing into Ecuador. Every country has its treasures and Colombia is no different. Surely one of the most striking and unique is the Sanctuary at Los Lajas, 10 km outside Ipiales.

Tomorrow brings the second country of the tour into view. 

T2