Tongoy on the coast to Cochiguaz in the Andes

Leaving Tongoy we could see the fishing fleet that has already been restored.

We had camped across by the trees and the main wave hit to the left where they are now building cement retaining walls and piling up sand to break a wave that might come in again.  The restaurants 

 on the left were devastated, but are already open for business.  I had the best empanada (cheese and shrimp) I have ever had in one of them.

Here in this small resort village they have just built a high school right across from the beach.  I suppose it was started before the tsunami.

We follow the coast up to Coquimbo where one of the two mosques in Chile are.

We head west into the famous Elqui Valley .....up pass a dam.

..where there is a huge wind harp that is played by the winds that come up this valley.

We drive into Vicuña.

This is sun beaten, windy valley with mountains of all colors towering above it.  The western side of the Andes is very different from the eastern side.  We only can see a little snow.

In this valley grapes are grown in adverse conditions.

 And avocados are grown, too.  That triangle of green are avocado trees....growing in rocks as far as I can see.  And who tends these orchards on such steep terrain?

It is all pretty amazing!!!  We climb out of this valley to Pisco Elqui, the home of the famous poet, Gabriela Mistral.

And I get introduced to a drink....mote con huesillos. (barley with apricots) it is wonderfully refreshing!

We return to the Y and go up to Cochiguaz ( a zen, reiki retreat) where we will camp and go to the observatory at 9:30.

Camping by a mountain stream tonight. ....Adobe picnic table and benches....(the main building material here in this part of Chile.)