It had been over a year since I was crowned with the title The Phoenix of La Paz due to my miraculous rise from the dead to almost road worthiness. It felt great to be back as we rolled into La Paz at night as I guided us to the overlander mecca Oberland Hotel. There weren't any real problems with me, though I could use an oil change, a wash, and some new auxiliary lights. We took the few days in La Paz to tour around to the various mechanics who had their hands on me last year; I showed off my new motor, gearbox, and all my new expedition gear. It was clear from the looks on their faces that they had never expected to see me again; and they were quite relieved that I wasn't there to have a warranty enforced!
It felt so great to be in La Paz and not be the laughing stock of the overlander community, that I was treated to a US$120 oil change, US$200 lights, 3 diesel washes, and a coil spring alignment. Nothing is too good for the return of the Phoenix.
We had a few days gallivanting with other overlanders at the Oberland Hotel, and then it was time to head north to Peru. Two things of note when trying this yourself: 1) do not set your GPS to shortest route in La Paz as it will navigate you straight up out of the valley without the use of switchbacks. There were moments when I was in first gear low range full throttle and it was a hairs breath from not making it up the near vertical footpath of a road. 2) Do not attempt to leave Bolivia with diesel in your auxiliary cans, as this is considered smuggling in the land of near free diesel.
It felt so great to be in La Paz and not be the laughing stock of the overlander community, that I was treated to a US$120 oil change, US$200 lights, 3 diesel washes, and a coil spring alignment. Nothing is too good for the return of the Phoenix.
We had a few days gallivanting with other overlanders at the Oberland Hotel, and then it was time to head north to Peru. Two things of note when trying this yourself: 1) do not set your GPS to shortest route in La Paz as it will navigate you straight up out of the valley without the use of switchbacks. There were moments when I was in first gear low range full throttle and it was a hairs breath from not making it up the near vertical footpath of a road. 2) Do not attempt to leave Bolivia with diesel in your auxiliary cans, as this is considered smuggling in the land of near free diesel.
As a reward for getting out of Bolivia, I got a new fuel filter as soon as my first tank of Peruvian diesel. It's the little things that make a relationship.