The winds have been blowing for 16 hrs now.
They didnt let up till late this morning. I crawled from my tent - all in one piece. I can still hear they were blowing in the open space of the Salar - how hard is difficult to tell. My thoughts of continuing NW to Chile are at reconsider - despite being only 65 km from the border.
I ride to the open space and find they are still blowing from the direction I should be going - not at all as strong as during the night, but enough to keep me at slow enough pace that I might run out of water before reaching Llica.
I call my friend who has experience with these mountains to get his advice. Turn around, find alternative route unless you have a week you can spend locked down in your tent. I dont have a week I can spare - unfortunately. I turn back, down, but quickly feeling like Ive made the right decission as winds in my back but me at an avrage speed of 31 kmh.
I return to Inca Huasi, where I stock up on water and have lunch. A rider from Germany, whom I start chatting with offers me his map of Argentina (where Im now heading), as he is returning home. Another right sign.
Set camp on the salar, place my blinking torches, and fall asleep.
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