2023…. A Good Year To Go… ?

The Mapocho River running through Santiago flooded this year, coming from the worst rain Chileans had seen in a long while. Chile also suffered wildfires early in 2023 because of extreme heat. And in August and early September, when central Chile was supposed to be experiencing the cold temperatures of a southern hemisphere winter, some towns reported over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, in an unprecedented heat wave.

Fire earlier in 2023 in Chile

Much like many parts of the world, wild weather had been affecting Chile in 2023. As we arrive in Santiago, Chile in mid-November, we are aware of the climate anomalies that are occurring. In the research for the trip, we were expecting normal cool temperatures as we head south, and normal rain (not heavy) for that time of the year. But we are also planning for the unexpected– perhaps it’ll be warm when we get nearer to the southern tip, or perhaps there’ll be less rain as we travel. Hopefully, no forest fires will block our path south. Anything is possible.

Flooding in Central Chile. Photo: Carabinos Maule

Chile in 2023 has shown us what can happen in this time of climate uncertainty. But we’ve done as much preparation as possible. There is no good.. or bad… time to go. There is just opportunity. As in just about every long distance bike travel, we will go with whatever the climate brings us, fully aware of what might ensue– for such is adventuring on a bicycle.