The southern desert is very different than the north. There are no more mountains, and the Pan Am follows the ocean. The four-lane divided highway is new with broad shoulders. Yesterday, 107k with views of the ocean and long stretches of farmland, which are growing vegetables, oranges, grapes, and some rice and cotton.

We rode through Pisco, home of the national drink, Pisco Sour. From what I have been told, Pisco is like a brandy. We should discover more as we head to Ica, a wine-producing area. I hope to stop at a few vineyards this afternoon.

Last night, we stayed in a large, three-bedroom, three-bath condo with a lovely pool. Too bad it is too cold to enjoy the pool. Yesterday’s high was 20, and it cooled quickly at night.

The big treat yesterday was we finally got blue skies and sunshine after maybe two weeks of dull, overcast, gray skies.

We are in a lovely fishing town that caters to tourist and sport fishing clients, Paracas. There were 20 Americans in the restaurant last night who were here on a fishing vacation. Two young ladies also from Ontario are touring Peru.

We also met Gary from Edmonton, riding his BMW 850 to Rio and back. We had lots in common; he crashed and broke his wrist and two ribs when a child ran out in front of him in Costa Rica.

Every day, we realize what a small world we live in and how the people are similar in every country: friendly, hospitable, welcoming, and curious about where we came from, what we are doing, and where we are going.