This was the best day thought testing on the unpaved. Long uphill on paved up to 2000 m then on & up on dirt.
Desert
Main rd so trucks passing with lots of dust. Drivers good usually slowing. Leaders well ahead Anna’s leg muscle bad so slow but managed. Long dirt downhill for lunch stop. I’m slow Anna speeds down. Anna in truck for afternoon. Sealed rd continues and we cross the Rio Grande river. Only way to describe was majestic. Huge wide valley with farming along the river surrounded by barren rocky desert hills with snow capped mountains of the Andes in the distance. Caught up with Wilbert & Dick & travelled together till I stopped for photos.
Spectacular scenery with changing colours to the surrounding hills with the enormous width of the river though little flow.
Afternoon was capped by the sight of a condor hovering overhead. Was able to pick up on the camera.
Chocaholics
Reached the camp site, a tree surrounded enclosure. Set up tent in the shade by a small flowing water channel. For Emma’s benefit no showers or toilets. Face wash in the channel water. Anna & I drank a good bottle of red & nuts from the day before, then a great dinner. The birthday of the French wife of one of the riders prepared the meal.
My Proper Gaucho hat
Was the best yet 3 courses. Suzanna who speaks Spanish helped me negotiate with the farmer the purchase of one of his black goucho hats. Warm evening.