So it was clear that i will need to head out a bit further east in order to escape the bulk of the rain and for a change - it promised more country land and easier camping options. The day was cold and windy and the forecast for San Martin de los Andes just rain for the next week but who knows, it might be better on my route.

upon closer revision to the maps i had downloaded, while the bridge was out, 20km further upstream there seemed to be another bridge and then a road of questionable quality following upvalley

upon cresting the little pass i could see some sunshine up ahead and i was going kind of that way. sent a bunch of cows and horses and deer into a stampede and chased off a wild boar (javali) but as you may notice video taking is my priority and the photos have really taken a dip. Plus there is a little part of the camera that somehow doesnt open when i turn it on, so if i dont zoom in too well there would be two black areas in each photo (not visible on video as it gets cropped out).

i set up at the best wind protection i can find with hopes to see a great sunset but instead the moon came out, which is nice too

the morning was chilly but the sun was out. Lots of wildlife sightings everywhere

i rode toward the endless emptiness ahead and appreciated the mountains from afar, cold but dry.

the ride up the valley was great and when i saw an empty puesto, I really liked the idea of packing a non-frosted tent fly in the morning even if there were 2 more hours of daylight ahead. Resident horse keeping an eye on me, just in case

i am sure horses do that with many others but i really feel honored when they take an interest in me. These gathered from nearby and went on the road infront of me and yet were still very afraid of the man or the odd contraption that he was on.

then, music to my ears and candy to my eyes. A bridge

i spent rather hopeless 20minutes looking for the road where it was supposed to turn off. there was simply nothing. and my hopes were to follow 40+km upvalley. I bushwalked in the right direction and eventually this beauty showed up, a little soft but rideable nontheless

then a road joined from way off the mountain, which i had seen on the map and it was my plan B but the track continued upvalley toward the peace rock. Grades were just silly at times…

then two dogs showed up and i started talking to them, then their owner came out around. not the first time people have caught me talking to their animals.

Carlos was very nice, get off the horse and shake hands. His Rhuana and goat skin leggings protecting him from the cold and the stylish boina hat, although not protecting much from the cold is always what the arrieros here wear

I admired the rocks and the birds and maybe they admired me too… or were wondering when i would die to they can have a snack

With Carlos promising a clear way to the junction further up the valley i opted for another fairly early camp. a big tree meant no frost and warmer night and the views were spectacular. I got to chow down for dinner more of the idahoan potatoes that Matt had brought from USA. Its one of the things i love the most about USA, the people, the national parks and the idahoan instant mash potatoes.

the morning was crisp and cold

All that was missing is somebody stopping and giving you a red bull… and although i rarely drink those it seemed like a good time. I havent had coffee for a while and was actually eating vegeterian last week so energy levels were quite low. I zoomed up that hill like a maniac and knowing its not snowed in at the top was also great.