Apparently, Christmas in South America isn't well observed. But Argentinians aren't well known for their work ethic, so that just means they will close up shop early on Christmas eve, and heck let's scratch off Christmas Day too. This means that Bruce and have had a few interesting food sources from gas stations to room service to cover the void, but all in all, we probably have met our caloric intake for the day.
We have a big mileage day ahead of us 374 clicks, so we leave the hotel right after bfast. Bruce is a mountain boy through and through. He normally has little want for a home on the water. After seeing the Llao Llao homes, he thinks he has found the best of all worlds. I can't say I disagree.
We have a big mileage day ahead of us 374 clicks, so we leave the hotel right after bfast. Bruce is a mountain boy through and through. He normally has little want for a home on the water. After seeing the Llao Llao homes, he thinks he has found the best of all worlds. I can't say I disagree.
The first 1.5 hours hugs the lake. We pass the the nesting grounds for the condor birds. No we don't get any condor photos, but they were out soaring, but do waste a good 20 mins trying to fail at least! They are nesting in these cliffs. Can I offer you a photo of a more easy to catch water bird?
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The interesting thing about the Andes is that the road never really attempts to cross them often. The flat valley is surrounded on both sides by jagged, tall geology.
We travel among giants today. The trees are GRANDE! They are cousins to the North American Redwoods which can have a lifespan of 2000 years. Somehow, these have persevered and survived being harvested for wood.
For those that don't know, apparently Butch Cassidy escaped the US and ended up a bit north of Chilola, Argentina. His homestead nothing more than a one-room clog cabin. Nonetheless, who isn't attracted to the allure of a wild west saga? But being Christmas day and all, the tribute museum for Butch Cassidy was closed. So, although most wild west outlaws made the victims famous by having a shoot-out at the OK coral, we won't be able to partake today.
But as a nice consolation prize, the we will score free entrance to the park as the rangers have the day off.
But as a nice consolation prize, the we will score free entrance to the park as the rangers have the day off.
We followed this river for most of the afternoon. The water was crystal clear...thanks to its' near subzero feeling temperature no algae grows. However, we were dismayed that flying insects are back in play. We haven't seen them since we arrived in South America last weekend. The 60 clicks of gravel is high-speed hardpack getting us into the hotel at very reasonable hour of 1600.
The El Toro, the lunch stop is buttoned up tighter than a drum. We do grab a quick bite to eat at the gas station. Luckily, the hotel we have planned will be making us dinner. Mushroom and pasta and also veal parm. It was interesting that it has such an Italian flare. But then, the cook tells us that about 50% of Argentina has an Italian background. I guess that explains the kids with red hair!
Bruce is falling in love with road signage. How about crossing the 42nd parallel sign or entering Patagonia? And really can you have a Patagonian coddiwomple if it didn't actually take place in Patagonia?
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Did anyone actually know that pink flamingos were real creatures? Most of my adult life until today, I thought they were only mythical creatures that existed as plastic yard kitsch in the old lady yards of Florida.
