44. SANTIAGO, Chile (SCTB) - 23.4.2009

"18:20.912S  070:20.316W"

Yes! We arrived as planned and safely on the Chilean Mainland and
left the immense expand of the South Pacific behind us.
Since we left the east coast of Australia, we have flown 99% of the
distance over open water.

The flight from  Robinson Crusoe to Santiago on Monday went well
and in good weather conditions.
It took us 3 hours to reach Tobalaba, Santiago’s downtown airport,
where we had a very friendly reception by a specially organized
Follow Me Car and by Madelaine Du Pont, an old friend from us,
as well as the local press.

We now spent now two days exploring Santiago and its surrounding
areas, including a visit to some famous vineyards and a Santiago golf
club, with Madelaine Du Pont, acting as our local tour guide.

Thank you both Madelaine and Hans!

Tomorrow morning 23rd of April, we continue our flight north along
the costal airways to Antofagasta and Arica in the extreme north of
Chile, leaving the high mountains of the close by Andes range, reaching
up to 25'200 feet to our right.

Here some impressions fom our stay at Santiago.


On finals Runway 19 at Tobalada Santiago downtown airport (SCTB)



At the wine factory- exhibition- restaurant (Madelaine and Rolf)



Vineyards as far as you can see.....


Busy downtown Santiago


Looking for a job.....


Downtown Santiago


At the golf course "Sport Frances"


Sunset at Santiago with the Andes mountain range to the right, reaching up to a height
of 25'200 feet