Crossing the Pampas

Two days and 725 miles from Zarate but the Pampas is not done with me yet. Tomorrow the Andes will come back into view after another 200 miles or so of flat roads, scrub and grassland. Yes, for sure the Andes are far more dramatic than the Pampas, but it is not without interest.

But first, Brits might find the photo below of interest, sighted while wandering around Zarate...would have thunk it? A Brit telephone box, with telephone installed and functional! A Tardis next?

Well, I made a reasonably early start leaving Zarate at about 7.30am, to a bit of a chill under a clear blue sky. I'll take it. A few pictures from along the way on what was an enjoyable low stress ride, with throttle hand set at 55-60mph for miles on end.

No tolls for motorcycles in Argentina.

Some vittles along the way. A gas station snack and lunch at a restaurant that served a brilliant steak, cut from one of the former inhabitants of the Pampas, sooooooo tender and juicy.

A few pictures of the Pampas.

And the payoff for the distance travelled so far, entering Patagonia from the northeast; a bit of a dream come true really.  The sign was about 35 miles from Santa Rosa where I stayed the night.

Another early start from Santa Rosa, though not so much chill, it was 64F at 7.45am when I left. I was surprised by the undulating terrain with a few small lakes along the way, some completely dried up. This area is normally dry, but the past winter has been exceptionally so, according to the host at the homestay last night. The one below caught my eye, still filled and I saw specs of pink in the distance.

Yes, they are flamingoes; another surprise delivered up by the Pampas

Neuquén, the capital of La Pampa region, was the target destination. The planned route took me across country on Ruta Nacional 152, though as I made the turn onto RN152 there was a police check point, where I came to a stop. Asked my destination I was advised that the road had some problems, not sure quite what, but they recommended using a different route, longer in miles but not in time. I took the advice and as a consequence met up with the three Argentinian moto amigos below, who are also heading to Ushuaia.

Rather a lot of luggage on the 250cc single cylinder Honda, ridden by the well rounded guy on the left. We passed each other a few times on the road during the day. Who knows I might bump into them again as I head south.

Evidently the area north of Neuquén is a source of hydrocarbons. Just as well the wildfire was not close to an oil well.

And fruit growing. Pears based on the signage by the road.

Neuquén is a relatively large city, and being in Patagonia commemorates the Falkland War (as we Brits call it). Many of the military bases used in the war are in Patagonia, the memorial to the fallen was simple; an infinity reflecting pool, quite well done.

Most restaurants in the town do not open until 8pm or even later. I managed to find one not too distant from the hotel that opened at 7. Spaghetti and meatballs washed down with two glasses of a local craft IPA. I'm ready for bed!

All for now.

T2