A lot to cover, so here goes. Leaving Lanin we passed through the Argentine Lakes District, with half of the population of both countries also enjoying the cooling effects of the rivers and lakes. We crossed the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (road of the seven lakes) from San Martin de los Andes to Bariloche. This 112 km. pass was UNpaved for about 15km. on the map. In reality it ended up being @ 50km. of rutted-out, dusty, busy road in 85 degree temps. After three hours of choking on dust from crazed Argentine drivers, we pulled into Bariloche, with a 1 inch dust layer on everything we owed. A nice hostel, with laundry were in order. Add on an amazing dinner with truncha (trout), befe de lomo (tenderloin) and venison tartar and we were set.
South of Bariloche in El Bolson, we enjoyed an artisan's fair and some incredible ice cream, before camping in Parque Nacional Lago Puelo. We watched the sun set at the lake while a dozen hawks circled over our heads, playing in the strong winds.
The next two days were spent crossing the Patagonian Steppe. Long roads with sometimes sketchy sections were the norm for this portion of our trip. Wild horses, pink flamingos, guanacos, and choikes were seen with the abundant sheep and cows. We had to stop at one point and fully realize that we were crossing this no-man's land, the Patagonian desert.
We hit the Atlantic coast today and look forward to the wildlife it has to offer.
More to come,
Cha & mc
1 comment:
Incredible pictures! Your travel log is excellent fare =)
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