As nice as it is to see my passport filled with stamps, crossing back and forward between just two countries feels a bit odd. I’d guess we’re up to 10 crossings by now!

After leaving Futalefu we crossed to Argentina again and rode on to El Bolson to spend Christmas in a ‘chill’ hostal recommended by another traveller, which turned out to be a great tip.

The hostal did a lovely Christmas dinner, and we spent the night with BenSnacks and Alex (who came there from across Argentina, a full days ride just to be with the three of us!), it was really nice.

With another hike in the mountains thrown in, it was a great break from the road and wind, and we were more than a little sad to leave, and say a last goodbye to BenSnacks as our roads wont meet again on this trip.

Ben’s on the end of his rtw trip, headed to Santiago now to ship his bike back home.

Hopefully we see Ben in AU someday, or we’ll put up with the shit food in France and go visit him instead 😉

Next town 200km north is San Carlos de Bariloche, a heavily tourist town, with some great hiking and a main street full of tourists in matching coats denoting which bus company they’re travelling with. Odd.

So today is Sally’s birthday!! Which was supposed to start with a 10km hike to a view point, but it’s windy as hell, and the view point is covered in clouds so we turned back on the way to the trail head and walked about the city instead. (i.e. tacna time).

On the last hike we did (pic above) I offered to take Sally to a Michelin starred restaurant for her birthday… if she’d jump into the beautiful but freezing river we were following.

Me ‘one star for every minute you can stay in’

Sally ‘do I need to do a full minute?’

Me ‘yes, in up to your neck’

Sally ‘you bastard’

Ben ‘wow really?! does this offer apply to me as well?’

Me ‘no BenSnacks’

So it’s hamburgesas or pizza for dinner (the staples of food in Patagonia).

There will be Pisco though.