Desert Problema!

We didnt realise that coastal Peru is just one big flippin desert!
So we were riding through a shingle road in the middle of nothing but wind swept sand and freezing wind when Craigs bike died... and I mean really wasnt goin anywhere!
We waved down a pickup, and met yet another prime example of exceptionally kind people! The guys on board helped us load on, then drove Craigs bike for about 7hours through the dessert to Lima. I was following, desperately trying not to lose them, as they raced along at 130ks per hour in the dark! There was one stop where they had to pay off some Policia for their excessive speeding habit! They shouted us dinner and dropped us where we were staying! And wouldent except a cent from us!
Today was spent between the internet and the tool box, as we worked to try and figure the problem... after stripping and reassembling a good part of the entire bike, we found it had skipped a couple of teeth on the cam timing chain.
This adjusted, it was away! And we are living in hope that theres not somthing more sinister that caused it to happen in the first place!

Middle Earth!

Today we stood in the middle of the world... and i guess we have officially made it over half way from the top of the world to the bottom!
Crossing the equator in Equador was a cool experience, there were people there trying all sorts of balance and strengh tricks, which apparantly alter when you are on the equator. Personally I find it hard to believe that standing on the equator line or two meters to the left or right of it, is going to make any difference!
But people were buying the theory without question, so good on them. And its amazing how one looses their balance when they are told they are going to!
Equador seems like a great place tho, lovely people and really cheap food and fuel! $1.50 per gallon!!!
And we didnt get kidnapped in Colombia, not even a close call, almost dissapointing!!! But will probly keep our mothers happy!

South America!

The boat didnt sink... the bikes didnt fall into the briny... and we made it to Colombia!
The yacht trip turned out to be a real highlight of our trip so far, we spent five days in total, 3 sailing and 2 cruising in the sanblas islands north of the Darien. What an amazing place! Beautiful white sand beaches, coconut palms, super clear carribean water, epic snorkeling, bonfires on the beach, smoked fish, phosfluorescents, stars, lightening shows... what more could one ask for??
Colombia seems great, they say that two thirds of the worlds kidnappings occur here... but strangely it feels really safe!
Its a beautiful country, with winding roads through the Andes mountain range, jungle, cool architecture and lovely people.

Panama!

Well it would seem we have successfully navigated Central America!
Currently we are in Panama and making our way towards the port we sail from.
Costa Rica was amazing, especially the Carribean side, where our Bob Marley friends were once again hanging out!
The border into Panama was intresting with a huge and dodgy bridge, but otherwise easy in the scheme of border crossings.
Now its check out the canal! And all going to plan, hop on a sail boat... South America here we come!