Dec. 30, 2017
So… if I had to explain what the last two days have been like I’d do it like this…
It’s been like an old school Nintendo game. 8-bit glory. Allow me to explain my logic here. See, a lot of those games were basically the same level over and over with added elements to make things harder and harder.
So, following that logic yesterday was 3 levels:
1 – wind
2 – wind, and potholes.
3 – wind x 2, potholes, and guanacos.
Today was sort of the boss level adding gravel to the equation. Oh, and construction zones that were torn up sections with no workers.
But like the champion I am I kicked it’s rear. 73km of ripio and dodging all sorts of crap will wake you right up in the morning. It. Was. Epic. One of those days where you’re just on. And I was ON. Sometimes on two wheels, a couple times on 1, and maybe once or twice on none.
So. Much. Fun. So much.
That said, the road I was on is notorious for being incredibly dangerous after a rain, and I could see why. Some sections were sure to become lakes. Others slick clay fields. I’m very glad I caught it on a good day. No rain in that area all week has been a major help.
After that it was all beautiful asphalt. And wind. That’s still a thing. I spent a good part of today laid as close to the bike as I could be. Nearly in it. Seemed to not help at all, so I had that going for me. Or whatever.
I stopped for gas in Tres Lagos and met this cool group traveling in this giant, off-road bus. Brits I think. Totally awesome. More Brazilians as well. Everyone wanted to chat with me, like I was a rockstar. Everyone insisted I was crazy for doing this trip solo on a bike. One gentleman said, “he’s not crazy, mate. He’s got massive balls.” So there you have it.
As I sped towards El Calafate I crested a hill and got my first look at Lago Viedma. Wow. Just… wow. I HAD to stop at the turnout, where another surprise was waiting for me – a little fox. Dude was running about and getting pretty close. Pretty cool.
Beyond that it was mostly head down doing the work. Fighting the wind. Luckily I remembered to pack my balaclava because today was time to ninja up! The wind is just so biting and manages to find every way under your gear.
Awesome view after awesome view led me into El Calafate. I’ll be here until New Years Day. Probably indulge in their dinner tomorrow night. The hotel is called Design Suites, and it sits on a hill overlooking Lago Argentino. Beautiful, but so damn windy.
When I got here I was unloading my gear in my room and my heart sank. No passport. I tore through my things. Asked the front desk. Looked outside and halfway down the cliff. Nothing. My stomach turned over. That was it. Trip over. I gave it one last search and found it. In my jacket. A pocket I NEVER use. Thank the maker (is that my first Star Wars quote of the trip?)!
Time to have lunch and head into town. They apparently have good dinner and shopping. Because I’m a shopper, right?! Hah.
Tomorrow I’m making the trip to the local glacier. One of three still growing. Excellent.
Today is about the halfway point of my trip. I’m not sure how to feel. So much has happened. So much ahead. But every day from here brings the end nearer. Le sigh.
Later,
Ryan
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Ryan Cavalier 