Cartagena, Bolívar [Colombia]

For the next month, I decided to bike in "lite" mode.  I won't be carrying the usually camping stuff (tent, stove, cooking items, etc.).  I thought it would be fun to try something new.  So, I've made arrangements to get all that stuff once I reach Quito...

For now, I'm only carrying clothes and a few necessary items.  It also means that I'll be staying in hotels/hostels.  They are supposed to be quite inexpensive in Colombia.  I thought it would be a nice comparison.  But, it does feel like cheating.... taking a shower and sleeping in a bed is quite unexpected.  Taking a shower at the end of each day is very nice!

It's very hot (again).  The last two days have reached 106 degrees.  At least it is a dry heat....  It does necessitate that I rest 3-4 hours during the heat of they day.  It is just too brutal to be doing extreme physical activity during those hours.

Barranquilla, Atlántico [Colombia]

Overnight, I find myself on a different continent... literally.  I left the cold of northern Utah, after an entire day of snowing, and "awoke" in northern Colombia to 100+ degree sunshine.

I made it through immigration and customs without any type of problem.  I expected to be stopped as there was another woman in front of me that was also traveling with a bike and she had to open the box and remove everything.  Nope... I went right through.

I dragged/carried my bike box to the airport entrance and promptly began reassembling "Surlita".  It drew a bit of a crowd over the next hour as I continued to put everything together and re-packed my bags into "cycling mode".

I'm on the road again!!!!

Heber, Utah [USA]... the final departure?!?!?

With stunning speed, the US Department of State delivered me a brand-new, 10-year passport, door-to-door, in just two weeks!  Great news!!!

Air ticket has been purchased and I hope to be in South America next week.  Colombia!!!!!!!