Day 30 - Argentina to El Chaltén - High Maintenance - 6 Week Carretera Austral - 2024

February 17, 2024

Day 30 - Argentina to El Chaltén

It was a cool morning, the ferry did not leave till 11am so a chance to warm up. As we were packing up no new land mines to avoid, phew.

Waiting for the short ferry ride across the lake.

Morning was cool, David giving us the thumbs up!

Bikes all loaded up for our short ride !

Even a short ride still rewarded with beautiful landscapes.

Been blessed never used this rain jacket for what is was intended. It was used as a windbreaker most mornings.

The little place across the water that David promised we would get Cappachino and Papa Frites, sounds better than French Fries.

Now we have the fun of the Argentinean peso. The inflation is so bad, as I said before bring US cash, or use a credit card when you can. You get 3 different exchange rates. 1 for US currency with 100$ bill a higher or better rate for 20/10$ an 10% lower and a rate in between for credit cards. The 100’s can be used by the narcos I guess. Does the word money laundering come into play.

I can honestly say the ripio in Argentina was the worst.

Again very hard to get a good picture, the potholes were pathetic though. We did have fantastic tail winds as we were getting closer to town, just faster as your butt bounced off the seat.

You learn to ride standing up, not for speed, for comfort. The riders that have a brooks saddle, smiled they didn’t have it as bad. Next on my shopping list.

Was bad enough that Pedro took out a spoke and got a flat 1 km from town.

Tip, bring extra spokes and know how to replace them. I’ve adjusted my brakes twice, the pads are getting worn.

It is not every day you have to constantly brake going down hill.

40km of crap riding, however we were lucky sun and clear views of the mountain.

Danger for fire ! Ha I thought it was wind warnings.

People can stay for days and with cloud cover never see the top. With the next few days of rain we will wait and do some day hiking. We will hope we can see the summit as we hike. A 10 hour hike we will do over 2 days and camp half way.

We made it ! Sore butt and all. I believe the next time I ride will be in Canada in April !

You now go to a town/city that is 100% geared towards backpackers and mountain climbing. David explained people will get part way camp wait for a break in the weather to climb higher. The serious ones with the ropes and stuff.

As you walk around town you hear every language, people from all over. These are serious mountain climbers. I feel like a foreigner with my bicycle.

David found an awesome bed and breakfast. Clean, warm shower and a decent price. Argentina is more expensive than Chile some basic cabana are around $60 US a night. David the bargain hunter found one at $45 cash, credit a higher price.

Random dog shot, at dinner he rolled over when I rubbed his belly. Go figure !

Sunday and Monday will be rain days so start our hike Tuesday. Although not cycling I’ll continue this journal so if you extend your cycling trip to do some hiking I hope I can offer some tips.

Today's ride: 40 km (25 miles)
Total: 40 km (25 miles)

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