Making actual progress...

This blog entry isn't half as interesting as the last one, which I am happy to say is due to our relative success and lack of tears that have been spilt in the last week.

With those tearful days still fresh in our windswept memories we checked the weather forecast for the following day and promptly crawled back into bed for a second, perfectly sheltered, rest day.

The decision proved an inspired one as we began cycling, pushing our legs in a circular motion as before, but this time moving forwards at surprising speed. This was a bit more like what we had planned. The winds barely hampered our progress as we propelled ourselves up the coast. That day was the easiest yet, but we made the most ground. We stopped to camp in a picturesque little field beside the ocean. On closer inspection we found around 20 lamb carcasses, got a bit scared and moved on to a place with a little less dead things.

The next day was similarly calm and progress was good, we easily outstripped the herd/pack/gaggle of emus that raced beside us. Day three followed a similar pattern until the winds picked up as we approached Puerto Natales. Although enduring a tough final 10km, we were feeling happy and nicely overconfident as we dug into our evening steaks.

We had another day to let the bikes rest before heading back to Argentina. They needed it, I fail to believe that anyone else has ever done this cycling touring lark carrying several kilos of condiments around with them. We spent a rainy and windy morning climbing to the border, and then about 5 minutes going down the other side. The day brightened up and it was a beautiful day winding our way beside a river. The next 3 days followed in a similar vein, with us making good progress and passing fantastic scenery (and flamingos). On the evening of the third day we turned a corner and began a 20km descent overlooking spectacular views of Lago Argentino and the surrounding countryside. One more morning spent battling against the wind and we have arrived in El Calafate. For the first time ahead of schedule.


                                 Donate lots of money to Casa de Sara please!