BOTTOM LINE:
Drive from Huilo Huilo, Chile to San Martin, Argentina
BACK STORY:
We woke up to blowing winds and a hard rain outside our cozy room. Although my choice would have been to stay snuggled up in the bed, I knew better. We had a long drive ahead of us plus a lengthy border crossing.
Following one more lovely breakfast at the Magic Mountain...where nomes, fairies and magical things are said to live/happen, we were off. The good thing about the rain was that it dampened the dirt/gravel roads keeping the dust down and our little car got a much needed shower.
Whenever we are in driving mode, we are both searching for any form of wild life. Not only did we get to see the endangered Pudu deer in Chile, but today I spotted a teen wild boar running along the road. Unfortunately Bruce (Mr. National Geographic) wasn't quick enough to see it before it darted off into the bush.
We made good time arriving back into Pucon about noon. After sharing a sandwich, we were on the road again...making our climb once more into the Andes Mountains. Luckily the road was well paved except for about 20km of gravel.
Our border crossing was much faster than the previous pass we had crossed. At the Argentina emigration, there was some problem with my passport information lining up with their data base. The two women clearly didn't know what to do and ended up just stamping my page and sending us on our way. I have a feeling that whatever it was will come back on another border crossing. No worries. I have plenty of documentation and all reciprocity fees have been paid.
The ride down the eastern slopes of the Andes looked very much like eastern Oregon around Bend...that high desert appearance. There was a river that meandered through the valley but oddly was fenced in for miles. Small cattle farms could be seen in the distance. The rain had stopped and the roads were paved.
We arrived to our destination of San Martin, Argentina about 5pm. Our Piren RCI Resort sat on top of a hill overlooking the city and beautiful Lake Lacar to the south. After checking in we drove into town that was bustling with locals doing their weekend shopping.
 |
| St Martin in distance |
Our first impression of the town was that of an affluent ski resort. The shops and buildings were new and made with exposed smooth golden timbers, giving that mountain lodge look. Everything looked well maintained with two large city parks and activities that would cater to the wealthy from Buenos Aires.
One of the activities was a celebration for the end of a breast cancer awareness 5k run. People were very excited with loud music playing, awards, announcements, food, etc. We chose to walk down a couple of streets to get a feel for the place. Lovely! We were hungry and ended up at the Dublin Pub for a light meal and drink. Then it was back to the resort to finish unpacking and head in for some much needed rest.
No comments:
Post a Comment