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Kevin and Joannie on tour
The weather here is in the low 30s and clear blue skies. After a slow start (which get slower and slower as the holiday progresses) we joined the queue for fuel at the YPF station. It took us nearly 45 minutes to be served. We hadn't seen queues like this so thought there must be some shortage but no, the petrol station on the other side of town was quiet. Very odd.
We drove north to visit Las Lenas, which is a ski resort near Cerro Paraguay. It was a well paved road running up a valley. Part of the way up the valley was blocked by a huge lava flow. You can see from the pictures with houses in them how tall it was.
The river had carved its way through the flow on one side of the valley and made a pleasing gorge. Whilst we were walking to take photos in the full heat of the day, a local asked if we needed help - mostlikely thinking we had broken down.
Further up the valley we came across a herd of goats. Around here many farnsteads have the sign "Vende Chivo" - i.e. they sell goat kid, but also we saw one today selling llama kid.
We passed Los Molles, a small hamlet where there is quite a bit of accommodation, especially cabanas. We're glad we didn't stay here as there were no shops or anything.
Having reached Las Lenas we were surprised. We were expecting something like in the Alps with little shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs serving gluhwein. No this was a very regimented resort, owned by one company. There was one small café opened and not much else. Very little character at all. The scenery was however breathtaking.
Driving back down we stopped at Los Pozos de las Animas, two huge sink holes that have formed disturbingly close to the road.
Further down there was the Laguna Encantada, a small, pretty turquoise laguna that came complete with a Romeo and Juliet style legend and a witch.
There were some big fish in the lagoon and we saw quite a few birds.
By the lagoon was a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes with the usual plaques thanking her for her Intercession. People had brought rosary beads, flowers and other small items.
Back in Malargue we ate a dinner of spinach, sweetcorn and mushroom crepes with pommes noisette - not bad using just one ring and a microwave.
We drove north to visit Las Lenas, which is a ski resort near Cerro Paraguay. It was a well paved road running up a valley. Part of the way up the valley was blocked by a huge lava flow. You can see from the pictures with houses in them how tall it was.
The river had carved its way through the flow on one side of the valley and made a pleasing gorge. Whilst we were walking to take photos in the full heat of the day, a local asked if we needed help - mostlikely thinking we had broken down.
Further up the valley we came across a herd of goats. Around here many farnsteads have the sign "Vende Chivo" - i.e. they sell goat kid, but also we saw one today selling llama kid.
We passed Los Molles, a small hamlet where there is quite a bit of accommodation, especially cabanas. We're glad we didn't stay here as there were no shops or anything.
Having reached Las Lenas we were surprised. We were expecting something like in the Alps with little shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs serving gluhwein. No this was a very regimented resort, owned by one company. There was one small café opened and not much else. Very little character at all. The scenery was however breathtaking.
Driving back down we stopped at Los Pozos de las Animas, two huge sink holes that have formed disturbingly close to the road.
Further down there was the Laguna Encantada, a small, pretty turquoise laguna that came complete with a Romeo and Juliet style legend and a witch.
There were some big fish in the lagoon and we saw quite a few birds.
By the lagoon was a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes with the usual plaques thanking her for her Intercession. People had brought rosary beads, flowers and other small items.
Back in Malargue we ate a dinner of spinach, sweetcorn and mushroom crepes with pommes noisette - not bad using just one ring and a microwave.
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