Stage 24 Chilicito to villa union 119k 1240m climb

Beautiful day again and changed route. Uphill over a pass first on paved then unpaved over the top. Found my hill climbing legs and ground up. 12 to 14% on the dirt. Granny gear used again only for the second time on the trip.
At the top great view of the pass and down on a long dirt road mostly straight. Could really get some pace up. Great fun and passed most. Back onto paved. Pretty treed village. Fred and I stopped at a bar for a coke sitting on the veranda. Anna and others passed so off again. Hill climb on paved then to unpaved road clinging to the side of the pass. Stunning country steep drop tok canyon below. River with water flowing at the bottom. Plenty of photos. Climb up through a narrow pass and road opens out to a reservoir with snow covered Andes in the background.
Hit the top for lunch and find the lunch truck broken down and back in Chilicito. Set off on a good downhill winding aroun. Then a bit of a slog into the wind. Camping truck passes and have to wait just before rearranged camping at a police post. Fred and Anna there. Fred and I stay and direct riders as stragglers up to 2 hours away. Chat to police man. Buy white wine and olives at wine shop and have a happy time. Tamsin last so we chat to the police guy and get him to arrest her. Mock. Good fun. Camp site next to a service station. Not very good so book into hotel next door.