On the road . March 2010 . Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil
Splendido Hotel, Montevideo, Uruguay, 20-03-10
Blest are those who drink beer
We haven't moved for two weeks. And we've had a great
time. The owners and staff of the campsite are amazed
that we have remained put for so long. Not one mountain
trek, no wanders in the forest, not a horse ride to
our names. Nada, unless you count cycling to and from
the supermarket up the road for daily supplies.
But you know, we don't care. Others,
and by others I mean; "non touring cyclists"
don't seem to realise that our normal travel life is
extremely active. They see our loaded bikes, but it
doesn't really sink in what we actually do everyday.
We not only see mountains and forests and lakes, but
we clamber up them and through them and along them and
then we wild camp on and in and next to them. We also
contend with all the usual routine stuff that goes along
with that, which I can tell you right now, takes up
a lot of time. There are only ever a few hours left
over at the end of each day and you generally have the
nagging desire to fill those with sleep. So, when we
stop somewhere for a while, we really do stop...
Tip
of the month: a little memento
Having business cards with
your web and email information is definitely
a growing trend among travellers and a nice
memento for those you meet.
For a start, it is easier
than writing your details, goodness knows
how many times, on bits of paper that get
forgotten in a trouser pocket. Additionally,
apart from being impressive, there is little
chance of handwriting misinterpretation.
It is also not necessary to go to the trouble
or expense of printing them off professionally.
A simple layout on an A4 page, which can
be easily printed off in an internet cafe
will suffice. That way you only have to
carry a few at a time with you.
Villa los Coihues (Argentina) - San José do Norte (Brazil)
Kilometres: 935 km. and 140 m.
Riding days: 15 (quite a few short ones too)
Alti meters: 3,194 meters up
Weather: sunny, sunny, sunny
Best accommodation: Camping
Los Coihues near Bariloche. Great fun and very relaxing!
Special thanks to:
James alias "the cycling lawyer" for his
expert help • James again for his expert
skills in chillin', eatin' and drinkin' • Blest Brew House for being
there • Kwik, Kwek and Kwak (Dutch
for Huey, Dewey, and Louie); the rooster and
his lady hens; Polka (the saint bernard),
Bernardo (the "thieving steak off the
barbie" great dane puppy), and old arthritic
boy husky for keeping us entertained at Camping Los Coihues • The staff at Camping Los Coihues for being really relaxed and keeping such
a great campground in order • Mum and Dad for all the hassle
of trying to send a camera to Argentina when
it is impossible to send lithium ion batteries
via Australia Post • Mum and Dad again for the MP3
present, which we still have to buy, but cannot
find for a reasonable price in Argentina • Patrick and Elaine for the
cold water and roadside chat on our way to
Montevideo • Osvaldo for escorting us through
the city centre to our hotel and the warm
welcome to Montevideo • Petrol station attendants throughout
Brazil for letting us camp each night on their
premises.
Breakdowns:
18: flat tyre (Son)
27: broken tent pole
31: broken tent pole...
31: flat tyre (Son)
