Ushuaia to La Quiaca
The Unexpected Beginning of a Northbound Dream
Diego Roson’s journey, though destined from Ushuaia to Alaska, took an unexpected turn right from the start. Due to logistical factors, what was originally planned from Ushuaia to La Quiaca had to be reversed, beginning a northbound adventure filled with unforeseen experiences and challenges.
Diego’s odyssey truly began in a moment of quiet introspection, long before the engine’s roar marked the start of his physical journey. As he slid back the truck’s tarp in La Quiaca, his eyes fell upon his motorcycle, waiting patiently in the shadows. It was a poignant revelation, a tangible symbol that his long-held dream was about to unfold. “Our dream was starting,” he reflected, a mix of awe and excitement in his voice.
Preparing for the road, Diego and his lifelong friend Willy underestimated the task of packing their gear. Under the scorching morning sun of San Salvador de Jujuy, they scrambled to organize their belongings, a task that would later necessitate several stops for readjustments and balance checks. It was a humble commencement, marked by laughter and the subtle, teasing spirit of Diego’s late father. A man who had lived with the soul of a Daniel Boone, he had instilled in his son an unquenchable thirst for adventure. His father’s spirit, laughing gently on his shoulder, seemed to revel in the early moments of the trip, amused by the rookie mistakes of the first few miles.
As dawn’s first light crept over the horizon, Diego and Willy embarked on the inaugural leg of their adventure, which they had fondly named “Monos on the Road.” Their journey commenced with an early departure from La Quiaca, marking the beginning of what promised to be an unforgettable story. The town, silent and deserted at 7:00 AM, offered a tranquil backdrop as they began their ride. In keeping with a road-tripper’s tradition, they proudly affixed their “Monos on the Road” sticker onto a route sign, marking their passage and joining a community of travelers who had passed before them.
As they left La Quiaca under a brooding black cloud casting its shadow over the mountain range, a sense of suspense enveloped the early kilometers. Unprepared for a sudden storm, they were caught off-guard and drenched, the combination of their wet clothes and the chilly 52°F (11°C) weather sending shivers to their bones.
Their first noteworthy pause came when they spotted an abandoned bus in a field, evoking scenes from ‘Into the Wild.’ Compelled to capture the moment, they briefly felt as though they were part of a grand adventure akin to the movie.
Their journey through the Northern Argentine landscape was a revelation. Diego was astonished by its beauty, stopping countless times to take photos. Each stop was a reminder of his misplaced glasses, a humorous nuisance that he vowed to address urgently.