In November of 2017, We traveled to Chile again for a revisit to some wonderful cactus habitats. This trip included as many cactus as I could pack into a modest trip. We saw many Copiapoas, Eriosyce, Eulychnias and Neochileanias ( an old but justifiable name) November is spring time in the way southern hemisphere so we were also treated to a number of blooming bulbs and other plants like Calandrinias (Cistanthe).
This was a beautiful and special trip as the northern part of Chile had gotten some rain earlier this year and was not nearly as parched as it can be. We also visited some small Islands off the coast to see both plants and animals including whales and penguins. We took a short detour to the infamous San Jose mine where 33 people were trapped half a mile underground in a mine collapse. It was a story with a happy ending as all of them survived the two month ordeal. I look forward to sharing!