Raine: We managed to get on the road in good time this morning. Had to get fuel which is about half the price we pay at home. Another epic journey. The change in landscape was remarkably sudden as we left: it was greener and the rivers were flowing. We saw a greater variety of vegetation and more livestock as well as a flock of rheas. Also there were more birds flying around, especially birds of prey .. we saw two different species fighting over a carcass on the road...the larger one flew off with the small rabbit. We had a about 200 Km’s of quiet road but as we approached Bariloche their was a lot more traffic. There were many breathtaking views and exciting roads... I particularly loved a snow capped peak in the distance ...just the shape of it... sadly it was not defined enough to get a good photo. On arrival in Bariloche I was surprised at the size of the town and how busy it is. Also it was only 22c ... 15 degrees less than yesterday! All the towns we visit in Argentina are based on a grid system and most roads in town are one way which in many ways makes life simpler when driving and walking. We’ve only driven the wrong way a couple of times!! Our apartment has beautiful views and is well equipped. Rather hoping to find some good food as it’s a more cosmopolitan city.

Paul: amazing changes in the landscape but also the cultural feel of the place. The town we are staying near, Bariloche, is a centre for tourism. Skiing in the winter and hiking and water sport in the summer. As we are in the southern hemisphere it is summer here.

Fun facts: there nearly as many penguins as people in Patagonia. Patagonia is larger than 80% of countries in the world.

On the road again 

We’ve seen rheas!

Not emus but rheas. However Raine is still teasing me about emus. Sorry about the quality of the picture 

Landscape is definitely changing 

Many more trees. Forests in fact

We are in Patagonia!

Mountains and lakes of Patagonia 

View from our apartment. Home for the next 4 nights