The Death Of A Town

CHAITEN BEFORE
CHAITEN AFTER

Back in July, I wrote about the town of Chaiten, in southern Chile, that was covered by volcanic ash from the eruption of a nearby volcano in early May of 2008. I just discovered these pictures that show the total and utter devastation of the town of Chaiten. The majority of the damage was caused by the volcanic ash filling the river and causing it to leave its banks. As you can see in the pictures, the river flooded the entire town with what must be a volcanic mud. If you notice, in some places you can only see the roof tops sticking out of the mud. I'm hoping to visit Chaiten in January if the Authorities allow me into the area, so I can see for myself what is left of the town.

To see my pictures taken in Chaiten, go to the Picture Galery and look for the Chaiten alblum.

November... Still Riding Weather....thank you Global Warming!

A Rochester Tradition

Here it is... November 14th, and I am still able to take the bike for a spin. On Thursday, Nov. 6th. Don Miller and I took a nice ride to Charlotte, on Lake Ontario, stopping on the way at Schallers Drive In for some Ground Rounds and Fries. The weather this past week has been unseasonably warm, to say the least. After some great burgers, it was on to the Port Of Rochester, former home of the Farce Ferry, and then back home via the Lake Ontario State Parkway.

On Friday, it was still warm enought to take the bike to Applebee's to meet up with the guys that Sharon work with, for a few cold ones. Now... if I can just hold out until January, when I leave for South America, and a couple more months of riding... under the warm South American Sun! (Schaler's pictures by Peter B)

A Rochester Nightmare