LOS ANGELES to BUENOS AIRES : expedition journals : <img src="http://www.la2ba.com/interface/flag-argentina.gif"> Lago Posadas

Bajo Caracoles - Lago Posadas: 75 miles

Lago Posadas - Los Antiguos: 110 miles

Had I been alone, I know I would've just continued on the "comfort" of the absolutely boring Ruta 40, and arrived at Los Antiguos that day. Luckily I had an adventurous ride partner who was more interested in exploring and less concerned about arriving.

If I learned anything on the trip, it's to note but be skeptical of all advice and recommendations. The "barbaro, lindo, precioso, increible.." Hand Paintings for me was a total bust. On the other hand, I did hear of people who did not like Medellin (liars). The parts of Ruta 40 that I'd been warned about went by like a breeze, whereas I almost killed myself on roads a girl could ride eyes closed, lol! ;)

So when we headed west on 39 following a tip about a scenic pass from Lago Posadas to Los Antiguos, I wasn't hoping much more than not having to back track all that road. When we arrived Lago Posadas it was already 5 pm and we only had time for a brief look at the lake if we wanted to camp at that campsite close to town (I did) rather than somewhere on the roadside or under a bush (she couldn't care less where).

The campsite was densely lined with trees and sheltered from the wind. But there's wind, and then there's wind. The next morning we were wondering whether if the bikes might just fly off. Better not keep a bike too close to a tent, eh?

We were trapped in that campsite for 3 days, waiting for a break. I was really glad that we were not under a bush somewhere, and there was a town nearby for the essentials, like beer, bread, and dulce de leche. And whereas Kat was loaded with camera gear, the bike next door had everything necessary to cook delicious pasta, including the chef :)

Not much to see here. Not going anywhere either.

When we finally did get our break, we took 41 north and it did have some beautiful views. Some parts were still wet and extremely slippery, but it's not that big a deal when there's someone to help you up every time you fall ;) Still, my hope was the same; that we wouldn't have to back track all this road. Up on the pass we came across a couple of Beemers left by the roadside chained to each other. I can only imagine how frustrating it must've been trying to pass through this in that crappy weather.

Once we passed a "Road Closed" sign facing the oncoming direction we knew that we were in the clear. Shortly after, we were in the town of strange people, Los Antiguos.