25.02. – 26.02.
After I waited in Mendoza for another rainy day to get over, I moved on on Wednesday. As it turns out in the afternoon, it was maybe a good idea.
The weather is good today, it stays dry and I’m taking a greater distance of 400km to Villa San Augustin. Andi and I spent two nights there already about a month ago. Nice hostel, relaxed owners.
This time I took a different, direct route from Mendoza. My bike seems to be ok. On the last 150km through the pampa I meet very few cars. Due to the problems in the last few weeks, I still feel a bit uneasy to ride alone through such long distances.
In Mendoza, I’ve seen on the satellite images that the rain affected a wide range of the area. From Mendoza to Villa San Augustin, the whole landscape is soaked in water. The desert was turned into a muddy plain. The area around Villa San Augustin seemed to have been affected stronger. Although I am on a paved road, I had to cross small rivers several times. Twice the road was washed away.
Just before the village, a wide strong flowing river blocked the road. There were already several cars waiting. I drive slowly up to the water line. On the other side, a policeman waved that I should not cross. I did not intend to do that immediately. Buses, trucks and SUVs are allowed to cross. Small and medium-sized cars were towed with a community truck across the river. After a few minutes the policeman crossed the river and told me that I am not allowed to cross with the bike. Two days ago another motorcyclist was killed here.
I had to wait until someone came along with a pickup truck. It did not take very long. I took off the luggage and with the help of a few other people we lifted the bike on the car. The locals gained some extra money on taking some other motorcycles across the river too.
The operator of the hostel in San Augustin told me more. On Monday, a Chilean motorcycle traveler ignored the warnings of a campsite operator near the river. The unfortunate man was washed away by the water, while trying to cross the river and did not survive.
27.02. – 28.02.
Before I left the hostel, I was told to take care, as I have to cross two more rivers. Although they were deep, the water was not very strong. However, I had to continue with wet shoes and feet.
I stay in La Rioja and San Miguel de Tucumán. They are just stopovers. I do not like these big cities. It’s hard to orientate and the people drive like crazy.
01.03. – ?
Back to the countryside, back on the Ruta 40. The area here near the Andes is very beautiful. From Tucumán a winding route leads along a river through the mountainous Tafi de Valle. Two contrasting landscapes on the one and on the other side of the mountain. It’s raining slightly from Tucumán. The area is green and forested. Crossing the pass, the landscape of the Calchaquíes highlands is more bare, arid and cactus-covered.
Cafayate is a cozy little wine-growing town. Famous, or the hallmark of the area, are wines from the Torrontés Riojano grape, a white wine.
At the moment, I am extending the stay from day to day.
It is a bit hard to get food in the afternoon here. “Food? The kitchen opens at 9pm.“ Before that time you just get little things, like sandwiches, salad or empanadas.
On Sunday, a motocross race took place. I watched for a while, how the drivers were flying across the track.
There is also a wine museum, where they put up a small monument for the wine. The story of the origin, the grape varieties, the importance of soil and the scarce water … . Everything is explained clearly and in an entertaining way.
The north of Argentina has really caught me. The landscape, the sunny weather, the coziness … the good wine, the steaks. Actually, I wanted to be in Ecuador in the middle of March, but just today, I exchanged some money again. I will probably stay a few more days in the area.
Thank you for reading, Jürgen.