6th Day - What you find in the middle of Patagonia

03 Feb 2015
1,700 - 2,080 km
Comodoro Rivadavia

After a good night´s sleep, we just had to buy an extra tank before we headed out on the longest stretch without gas stations, and the longest day so far on the trip. We had breakfast at the hotel before we set out to find the tank, and then left the city behind!

We had already discovered that the first distance after the breakfast was always tough, especially since I always wanted to make a good amount of km before we took a break. A stupid sense of achievement which does nothing for you except exert unnecessary strain .. that in the end doesn´t even matter.  

But with a short stop on the side of the road with some snack, water and music, we were back in the game! At times when we feel really tired, we step it up with some wild dance-moves (that no one can see!)

Much later we arrived to our stop, half the long distance to Puerto Madryn. As "Garayalde" it was marked on our map, and we had planned to eat some lunch and rest for a bit. ... We were surprised when the attendant told us the gas station was all there was...

"eh...?!!"

The reality, a gas station, without restaurant, in the middle of nowhere with a 200 km radius of deserted vastness around us! As we were both tired and hungry, we were later recommended to continue some 14 km to where we could find a restaurant along the way. - Alright, not too bad!

The "restaurant", appeared more as an abandoned gas station. As we pulled up to the front door, we could feel the emptiness in the small breeze, the dust that covered everything, the shy dog that hesitantly got closer for a bit of food. After a look around, we settled with some crackers to eat and "mate" to drink, and pushed on!

Shade!!... a rare sight in these parts. - We just had to take advantage of it!

... before getting back on the road again!

Finally! We arrived to a gas station, in the middle of nowhere, ...that at least could sell us a sandwich and some coffee!! Moreover, well recognized as a motorbike "lagoon" in the vast dessert by the countless stickers on the windows and the door. Appropriately, we met some Brazilian motorbikers heading south. We shared some stories and laughs before they were off again!

There are no words to describe the coffee and sandwich break we had at this gas station! Well needed, much deserved, spiritually consumed! - Later we jumped back up on the bike with our spirits high! We were in reach of our destination! 

What can we see beyond the next curve!?? - > A city!!

Although not Puerty Madryn, we were lucky to find a 2 floor apartment for a cheap buck! So we stayed in Trelew instead, less than 100 km from our next destination. We settled in, went to buy some groceries, and for the first time in a really long time, were able to cook in a kitchen!!

 A wonderful finish to a long, exciting day! And the food was delicious! (...eventhough she is not a fan of this picture!)