Today I arrived in Northern Chile where the 2009 Dakar Rally will soon be passing through.

The City of Copiapo is known as the gate way to the great Atacama deserts of Chile. For the next two weeks Copiapo will be my home base as I cover the worlds most prestigious off-road race and the event known as Raid Atacama XXVII Desert Trophy.

The weather here is mild, which I'm told is a refreshing change from the typical high temps common during this time of year. My plane touched down around 10:30 local time where I was promptly greeted by a good friend and local know-it-all Pato Rios.

In the town of Copiapo a feeling of anticipation is quite noticeable as the city's population will nearly double in the coming days as racers and support personnel from all over the globe converge on Copiapo for Race Stages 8, 9 &10 of the Dakar Rally.

I look forward to shooting hundreds of vehicles we rarely ever see in the united states. I'm also hopeful that I will get to see my Brother in Law, David Kennedy, Editor in Chief of our sister publication Diesel Power . David is currently embedded with team VW as part of a special on-course media convoy following the race.

I'm told the festivities kick off tomorrow and that I should be well rested for a long day of action.

If you don't know much about the Dakar Rally check out the following link.

Stay tuned to Four Wheeler for daily updates to include video footage I capture with our fearless Danger Cam.