30/12/07 Wet and cold day in Villa Traful therefore we set off to drive part of the 7 lakes route to San Martin de Los Andes. The road was very rough for 80% of the way and 120km took over 3hours. The scenery on the way on the "main" road was stunning even through the rain. San Martin is a very attractive town on the edge of Lago Lacar and a local ski centre; it was well worth a visit. We chose to return by a different route which was via stone roads....

Much has happened in the past few days. We have flown down to the Lake District. Landed in Bariloche and picked up a hire car. Vist to Bariloche; not quite our scene, touristy i.e St Bernard dogs waiting to be photographed with visitors for a fee. Stocked up with provisions at Carrefour and drove the 90 km to Villa Traful. The last 35 km is gravel road and probably a stone caused the broken fuel line with we found the next day. Met Willis's childhood friend Jos...

Spent Christmas Day with Willis' Argentinian family hosted by Auntie Willis and Uncle Carlos. Great food and wine, reminiscences over family photographs, followed by a large tea!

December 24th; spending four days at the Hurlingham Club and spending christmas festivities with Willis's aunt [the orginal Willis], uncle Carlos, cousin Roxy and sister Wendy plus other family members. Hurlingham has swimming pool [much used by Willis and Gillian, polo fields, a golf course, several bars and restaraunts [closed for christmas]. Somewhat faded grandeur in spendid surroundings. Mostly relaxing between meals with the family. Christmas day will be at...

Relaxing in Pinamar; the temperature rising day by day 29 yesterday. Gillian and David did a one day trip to Mar Chiquita in the hope of visiting the wetlands and salt marshes; however the area has restricted entry and boat trips are only available on Saturdays. Nevertheless we could see many birds by walking around the edge. David has completed "This Thing of Darkness" by Harry Thompson [his only novel]. It is a novel based on the relationship between...