DAY THREE CONTINUED.....
| Besides the incredible rises and drops in elevation, we are also passing through the contested military zones between Medellin and Cali. Months before, when the Exploration Society scouted the route, a deal was made with all rival military factions in the region to hold temporary cease fires to allow safe passage when the Rallye passed through. |
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In the early afternoon, high in the clouds of the Cordillera Central, we approach a Colombian Military checkpoint. It is like many others we've seen, sandbags, barbed wire, dudes in camouflage fatigues and perhaps a tank or two, along with the usual M-16's, Uzi's and bazookas. Although the Rallye riders are usually passed through with a wave, this time passports and Triptix must be shown as we are passing out of government control. About two km around a curve and up a steep gradient the cars enter Rebel M-19 territory. Dudes in blue jeans or khaki's and button down shirts with cowboy hats and single shot rifles examine our documents once again. |
| Night falls quickly, as does the rain. The area
east of Andogoya is the third rainiest area of the world. Over 300 inches a year fall, all between dusk and dawn. Crazy truckers appear to pay no mind until it's too late. As we enter Popayan, we are searched for |
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