We had a short stop in Valparaiso, too early for shipping paperwork, so we continued going north, first along the coast then inland, going to Ovalle and visiting the Elqui valley. We are back in the mountains driving along the oasis, small towns and lots of vineyards. As we are moving north, the vineyards are growing leaves, and the desert is in flowers. lots of cactus, but very scenic drives on the small roads. This region is famous for star gazing, with many international big telescopes up high in the mountaians. This is also the end of the week of school holidays with the National Day caelebrations. Only one month to go before we are due back in Hervey Bay, still plenty to see!