ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

We’re heading back to Chile again and other than for the first 100 km up to Sarmiento, we turn north west instead of south west. We debate how far we will drive today. The next city we will likely find accommodation in is Tecka, which is a 485 km drive.

It’s rather busy on the road for the first 70km. Lots of oilfield trucks and many Argentine vacationers, with their vehicles loaded with people and luggage.

We need to watch for wildlife crossing the road as well, such as wild hare, armadillos (they were too quick to take a picture) and emu; entire families.
As we continue north, past Sarmiento, the traffic is reduced drastically. We're lucky if we see a vehicle every 10 minutes. We have no radio reception and no CDs to play. We have to create our own entertainment, to keep us from getting bored and Ramiro from falling asleep.

Finally after four hours of viewing flat, arid land we are starting to see some shape on the horizon in the form of mountains and here and there some sign of civilization.

We still have another 200 km to go for today. We’re on a decent paved road and easily make 110 km per hour. Tomorrow, after we enter Chile it will be gravel road at 35 to 40 km per hour and need to keep this in consideration as far as our timing is concerned. (we do have a ferry to catch).

When driving along the large ranches and seeing the cattle, we are reminded of shows such as Bonanza and wonder who such life would be for the ranchers themselves. So isolated. They must build very strong friendships amongst them selves and family life must also be very strong.

When we left the coast this morning, it was nice and warm, but the farther we head west the cooler it gets. We are dressed in short and short sleeves, which does mot make it appealing to get out of the car. We use every opportunity we get to top up the gas tank, because fuel is scarce. Security guards at the COPEC gas plants are on strike and will not let the tanker trucks pass through the gate, leaving many service stations without fuel to sell. It does give us a chance however, to stretch our legs and use the bathroom.

After 8 hours on the road we have passed Tecka and reach Esquel, a ski resort, which reminds us a lot of Banff, Alberta. The main road into town is lined with cabins. We accept the last cabin left at the very first place we stop at, which turns out to be a good move, because later we see that all places are filled up for the night.

After our daily glass of wine, we go for a long walk to explore the town and come upon a Rotary building. After inquiring when the meeting is, we are surprised to hear it is tonight. They are happy to have us join them. We walk back to the cabin to change clothes and return for a wonderful evening with Rotarians. Our very first Rotary meeting in Argentina.