After yesterday’s beautiful border crossing, we have decided to meander down towards San Carlos de Bariloche. Between San Martin de Los Andes and Bariloche are seven lakes linked by part of Ruta 40. As we ride down this section of road, it is hard to find words to describe the vistas as they unfold before us. The muted browns and greys of the mountains, the green hues of the trees and the unbelievable blues of the lakes, pictures will have to suffice.
Lácar lago outside San Martin de los Andes
Rolling pastures of Patagonia near Lácar lago
Looking west towards the Andes near Lácar lago
Lácar lago
Another bend and the scenery changes again along the Camino de los Siete Lagos through the Nahuel Huapi national park
Camping spots abound at the lake shores, and if we had more time, this section of some 150km should be a journey of a few days not hours. At one location we stop at a campsite leads directly onto a beach of golden sand. The location reminds me of Fraser Island at home in Queensland, with sand dunes replaced by mountains. The water is a pleasant temperature, surprising for a mountain lake and make the location all the more appealing to camp at, but onward we must go.
At one lakeside campsite, we meet up with Heinrich again. He joins us as we talk to a Columbian rider who is travelling for 10 months on a bike that is literally covered in stickers. This is definitely bike country, both pedal and motorised, we have seen more travellers, most from Chile and Argentina, in one day than in six months and while I have a great admiration for those pedalling given the mountainous nature of the road, I have no desire to emulate their exertions.
Lago Villarino
We had expected more ripio or dirt and gravel on this but road upgrades are reducing the remaining sections un-tarred road by the day, it is less than 10km now, and I would not be surprised if all the ripio is gone by next summer. It should be noted that as road sections are upgraded, the authorities have made some changes to road numbering to designate the better sections as Ruta 40, so some maps and online information may conflict.
I have talked before about smell, and how it is an integral part of our travels that are hard to convey to our readers. From time to time on this journey, strong scents have reminded me that the sense of smell can both create and bring back strong memories. Here the wind as we ride brings us a whiff of pine as we pass the lumber yards, eucalyptus as the sun warms the leaves on the trees, and logs on fires, all add to the immense pleasure from this under-utilised, in my view, sense.
Nahuel Huapi south of Villa la Angostura
Back onto the Ruta 40 looking back towards the lake district
Baraloche has turned out to be the southern most point we will reach on this journey with our departure for Easter Island on the 4th of March looming . We have decided that our return north will be on the Argentinian side following the famous and scenic Ruta 40 as far as Mendoza.
San Carlos de Bariloche at dusk
– Anthony
2slowspeeds 
Ah the sense of smell, very powerful indeed. I could tell a few stories about personal experiences with it! How lovely the pictures of the lakes are, such different experiences again. All part of the patchwork of life coming together in your own personal quilt. love, Jan and Ineke.
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Beautiful photos as always with equally pictural text to accompany them. I don’t envy the task of choosing which ones to choose for THE book : that’s going to keep you busy for another year when you arrive back home. Looking forward to the Easter Island photos/account. xx
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Its hard enough choosing for the blog, maybe the book will be very large. Easter Island is still a few blogs away but we are catching up.
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You answered my question – was about to ask about the smells you are encountering.The views are truly magnificent , but as you so aptly say ,photos will have to suffice .
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Must be ESP. I do like the smells of timber. I am sure that in some version of software in the future we will be able to add smell to the blog.
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Fabulous photos, as always , but no doubt lots of memories are being stored in your own personal memory banks. Looking forward to Easter Island pics XX
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Anne’s photos are great as usual. I try and use the blog as our memory prompter else I would remember very little after a period of time.
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WOW! I always had the feeling Patagonia was an undiscovered paradise. Thanks for the photos, they are superb. Amazing part of the world, reminds me of the Rockies in Canada. Enjoy it, guys. Take heaps more photos, please!
And stay safe.
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It is. I think the location keeps the visitor numbers down compared with say the rockies. The big difference for me is the scattering of volcanos.
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Wanting to know more about Bariloche I have just spent a short time exploring the internet and I have yet to find as atmospheric a photo of San Carlos as your last one! : ) love it xxx
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Merci :-). Bisous xxx
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Wow what awesome photos and not surprised you wanted to stay longer. Your photo of San Carlos de Bariloche at dusk is just too beautiful for words. Was this taken from a hotel or campsite? xx
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Anne has a real eye for great photos. We are so lucky to have this opportunity.
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