Stage 12 Uyuni to Atocha 103k 689m ascent unpaved

Set off on the dirt road out of town. Beautiful hilly country with road disappearing into the distance. Reached lunch at 55 k. Set off again tougher riding through sand in part. Had to walk that bit. Then around a corner in the dirt and unexpectedly confronted buy a stunning red rock canyon. Quite some time taking photos. Good downhill ride to a river bed. Rode along it into the edges of town. Trickle of water in the centre mainly colored yellow. Mining arena so heaven knows what is in the water.
Opposite a great black rock face a cemetery with bright blue headstones. A somber place of great quietude. Headed along the river into town but soggy riding so took to the train line.
A mining town but with a station. Dogs and dirt everywhere. Communal shower and in a 3 bed room one of whom has had the stomach bug for the past day so both asleep.
Hot shower. Great soup and salad on arrival including a pasta salad. Sat in the town square which was very clean in comparison with others we have been in. Found a not too good eatery and a plate of pappa fritas and a beer for dinner. Bed