ARGENTINA

We left Chile behind on a cold, frosty morning and crossed the Andes from Osorno, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina.  There were fields of tulips.  The rolling foothills were beautiful in the early morning sun.  As we climbed, there were warning signs to be aware of ice and volcanic ash on the roads.  There was a major eruption in this area on July 4^th and the fallout of ash became more and more evident .

         This sign says there is ice and ash on the road.                                                             

There were drifts beside the road and trees were dying.                                                                                                                                                          

 A few inches of fresh snow covered the brown ash when we crossed the summit into Argentina.  Mari had never seen snow, so she was very excited.

                                                                                                                                 

The border crossing was easy but takes time.  We do “border adjustments” because certain fruits, vegetables and meats are not allowed.

                                                                                                                

Papers must be checked here and then checked again there.  Everyone is friendly and no problem.

The drive from the border to the tourist town of Bariloche was like traveling through the Canadian Rockies.  Snow capped mountains, lakes and forest.  The ash was trying to spoil the beauty but not succeeding.  Bariloche is a big ski town.

                                                                                                                                      

  There were big groups of students visiting because they were on holiday.  We were told the volcano eruption had kept visitors way down and the airport was still closed.  We spent one night in the town to take care of changing money and other business and then moved to a national park campground on Lake Gutierrez.  This was an actual campground with electricity. 

This was the first time we have had electricity in South America.  Since the standard voltage in Argentina is 240 we had a transformer to reduce it to 120.

                                                                                                                               

The areas for camping were spread out and had big fireplaces.









                                                                                                                                    

 We found wood for a wonderful fire.  Temperatures were in the 30s’ so the heat was great.  We cooked our dinner over the open fire.  Those of you who know us will remember that this is a favorite thing for us to do.  The lake was crystal clear and was even OK for drinking.

                                                                                                                           

Hiking to a waterfall kept us warm.

                                                                                                    

We have now moved about 300 miles south and staying in the tiny town of Jose de San Martin. We saw flocks of pink flamingos on the way.

                                                                                                                           

 Temp. was 35 this morning.  Not much goes on in this small village.  We visited the only store that was a combination hardware and grocery.  Folks here, as they have everywhere we have been, are friendly and try to help us gringos. 

Roads are not quite as good now and the towns are more remote.  We fill our tanks every chance because service stations are also few and far between.  Diesel is cheaper-about $3.65 a gallon. 

Take care,

Gerry and Bill