9th Day - Start of the Run toward the finish line

06 Feb 2015

2,150 - 2,630 km

Puerto Madryn  

It was too bad that we did not get a chance to visit Peninsula Valdez, but we had already a very small time margin. As we were getting closer to the province of Buenos Aires, we were still unsure of which road to take to the capital. But instead of setting a fixed route, we decided to ask for the wise council of the gas station staff along the road! To say the least, we were eager to continue our journey, fresh in our heads, our bodies, and in spirit!

The road continued to took us farther up north, still without much vegetation on the sides, except bushes. We had talked about visiting one of the beaches in the area, but we felt compelled to keep going. Moreover, once you get into the groove, build up some momentum and truly enjoy the ride, you are more reluctant to stop, even for a picture.

To escape the oppressing heat that was bearing on us, and why not eat a second breakfast; we stopped at a gas station that had a camping ground next to it. With our flexible plastic bowls, we hid beneath the trees while preparing our standard breakfast of fruits, nuts and cereals with yogourt. We still had a long day ahead of us, hence essential to replenish the body with some nutrients!  

Throughout the day, we passed by small lagoon-like towns, sheltered by the trees from the wide wild Patagonia outside! 

... and the road goes forever on and on

And in the middle of nowhere.... :)

Halfway!! (...to Rio Colorado!)

And then something happened!: 

After Rio Negro (Black River) ...wooola! Wild Trees!! 

Yupp yupp!!

And the truth is, we were both strangely happy to see them, ...weird hu?! 

By now we sort of had a routine with breaks and we knew better what we needed to maintain the spirit high. Music, dance, stupid photos, snacks & water, etc. And with help from the two days of rest, we were able to squeeze quite a few extra km in before dusk. 

The Crew

The afternoons are always a treat, kind of a reward from the days long hours on the road. It is just somehow more relaxing, enjoyable, and soothing. 

Just as the sun was setting behind the horizon were we arriving to Rio Colorado that meant the end of the day. It had been a long day for sure, but we had made great progress!

The spirit was still high, and we were looking forward to enter the province of Buenos Aires the next day, where Caro´s family is from!

It just turned out that that day was one of the best days of the trip!