2-7-07 Chos Malal to Margarue, 220 miles (about 50 miles of rough road with deep gravel)
The deliciously fatty food is taking its toll. Amie pinched my “back fat” today, something she hasn’t seen in months. I guess that’s what a month in Argentina will do; a month full of Alfajors, Steak and mash, giant ice cream scoops, beer, greasy empanadas… all this without any vegetables. The lack of veggies isn’t by choice either (if you can believe that!). Yes, all the weight we lost in central America, Peru and Bolivia is nearly back.
Today’s ride was beautiful—one of the best of the trip for natural beauty. We headed up Ruta 40 from Chos Malal towards Mendoza stopping in Margerue (spelling?). Amie was snapping photos like paparazzi as we past some amazingly stunning rivers and mountains. About 150 miles in today, the fantastically maintained road just gave out to gravel and sand. It was incredible. Here we were in the middle of nowhere on perfect pavement, only to turn a corner and see a sign “Fin Pavimiento” and it meant it. We slid and skid for 30 miles before reaching pavement again. After 20 miles or so of 70mph glee, it was back to white knuckle concentration at 20mph for another hour or so. Mentally and physically strained we decided to stop in Merguere instead of San Rafael.
Merguere is the gateway to the best skiing in Argentina. That is great news to us because we haven’t been anywhere where it is off season in a while. Off season is great—everything is cheap! This town is quaint enough, there are all the services we need, and the hotel we have is nearly sanctuary status. It wasn’t easy to find, the hotel shuffle today had 5 other stops, but persistence pays off. The nicest one is also the cheapest.
My little spot on www.beastskills.com made me blush. I’ve been following the site since we left and am inspired by the creator to no end. Anyway, if you type Mike Tornincasa at Google, it is now one of the first places my name appears. Good thing too, my old friend from UCSC, Paul Foster was searching for me after having lost my contact info and was able to get in touch thanks to the site!
Scenary is incredible (again)
Strange clouds today
Mike sore from all the kidney punches
I recommend this road to all motorists
Today’s ride was beautiful—one of the best of the trip for natural beauty. We headed up Ruta 40 from Chos Malal towards Mendoza stopping in Margerue (spelling?). Amie was snapping photos like paparazzi as we past some amazingly stunning rivers and mountains. About 150 miles in today, the fantastically maintained road just gave out to gravel and sand. It was incredible. Here we were in the middle of nowhere on perfect pavement, only to turn a corner and see a sign “Fin Pavimiento” and it meant it. We slid and skid for 30 miles before reaching pavement again. After 20 miles or so of 70mph glee, it was back to white knuckle concentration at 20mph for another hour or so. Mentally and physically strained we decided to stop in Merguere instead of San Rafael.
Merguere is the gateway to the best skiing in Argentina. That is great news to us because we haven’t been anywhere where it is off season in a while. Off season is great—everything is cheap! This town is quaint enough, there are all the services we need, and the hotel we have is nearly sanctuary status. It wasn’t easy to find, the hotel shuffle today had 5 other stops, but persistence pays off. The nicest one is also the cheapest.
My little spot on www.beastskills.com made me blush. I’ve been following the site since we left and am inspired by the creator to no end. Anyway, if you type Mike Tornincasa at Google, it is now one of the first places my name appears. Good thing too, my old friend from UCSC, Paul Foster was searching for me after having lost my contact info and was able to get in touch thanks to the site!
I love the old cars, mostly american and italian
Scenary is incredible (again)
Strange clouds today
Mike sore from all the kidney punches
I recommend this road to all motorists
posted by Pedro and Maria at 5:16 PM
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