ARGENTINA

We have been overwhelmed by Argentinian generosity and hospitality. What a great country with great people. After leaving Buenos Aires we followed the coast towards Mar del Plata checking out the beaches, of course, the lovely little seaside villages and the houses!!

At Mar del Plata we met Monno and family, thanks to Nevione and Don Crawford, and were treated to two magnificent Argentinian Asados- BBQs- Mumma mia, these BBQs put Aussie BBQs to shame!! We also finally got the shock fixed by Andy Garcia PH (156 820 045) in Mar del Plata and he really knew what he was doing!!

We then drove into the welcoming arms of Oscar and his wonderful family in Viedma. Oscar has been following the Horizons Unlimited website and spotted that we were heading in his general direction. He then emailed us and invited us to his home. On our way we stopped at the side of the road to talk to 2 German bicyclists. A fellow (Luis) stopped behind us and asked if we were on our way to the BBQ at Oscars. With shock on our face we said "How did you know?" He then said that Oscar had invited him as well to meet us- what a small, crazy world!

I now have many photos of Pat kissing other men as is the usual greeting in Argentina- thanks for the idea Bernie (Pats brother)!! Oscar and family and friends treated us to two magnificent BBQs and many "magic moments" and kept us up til 3am for 2 nights in a row!! Pat and Luis got talking and Pat talked Luis into joining us on the trip down to Ushuaia. Luis is a 26 year old Argentinian and is great fun to travel with, plus he speaks fluent Spanish of course!!

We then continued south along the coast to Puerto Madryn area and saw many whales, seals, penguins, lamas, foxes, rabbits- animals everywhere!! We caught up with John and Annette again and celebrated in the usual style!!

We are now in Comodoro Rivadavia with long 450km/day days ahead of us. Patagonia area is very dry and desert like and really flat and boring to drive through. We are beginning to experience the famous Patagonia strong winds up to 150km/hr!!

We are on target for Ushuaia for Xmas Day and have met many other bikers who are heading that way as well, should be a great party!!

Merry Xmas to you all and hopefully all your dreams come true!