Merry Christmas -- Feliz Navidad

Merry Recycled Bottle Christmas Tree

It is so good to see that Argentina is very environmentally responsible and in general takes recycling seriously. This is the Christmas decorations found in the main square in San Martin de Los Andes and made from recycled soda bottles.

Ruta 40

Ruta 40 is the road stretching the full length of Argentina and holds much of the same nostalgia as Route 66 in the United States. It joined small communities is remote parts of the country, very often being the only link to the outside world. As newer paved roads were built many parts of Ruta 40 were bypassed as were the small villages that for a brief period thrived.

Not much out here

On this lonely 200 km section I only saw one other vehicle, that passed by with a wave and a cloud of dust.

Lago del Diamante beneath Volcan Maipo

Taking a detour into the mountains off Ruta 40 I visited this high Andean lake with the road crossing what at times seemed could not possibly be anywhere but on Mars as the red volcanic terrain seemed other worldly

Had to spend the night in the town of Malargüe after abandoning my ride early the day before due to incredibly strong wind that pelted me with not just sand but small rocks. Patagonia is known for its wind as the region is within the "Roaring Forties". Eager to get on the road the next day I set off early in the morning on a windless, cloudless morning only to get just around the corner when my front tire decided it had undergone enough abuse and need a long rest. Front inner tubes are a lot easier to change that rear ones so I will take that small consolation from the moto gods.

San Martin de Los Andes

Roses in bloom add Holiday cheer

I spent three days in San Carlos which is a bustling tourist town with a small ski area during the winter months. I treated myself to a day on the rivers with a guide in the hope of catching some trophy trout. What a magnificent day even though the trout were few a far between and all four seasons were represented in a matter of 8 short hours. 

The 7 Lakes ( Ruta Seite Lagos ) road from San Martin to Villa Angostura was incredible with mother nature putting on a display that overshadowed any Holiday decorations that man could possibly dream of.

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday season and that Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All prevails not only in your lives but in the hearts of all mankind.