After breakfast we caught the colectivo (bus) back into Bariloche to pick up our 4X4. Unfortunately the car rental office was shut. We tried to telephone but the number was not recognised. When we returned to the office, a man and a woman had just arrived with our SUV.
After completing the formalities, K drove first. It has a weird handbrake, four pedals and keeps stalling on inclines.
After completing the formalities, K drove first. It has a weird handbrake, four pedals and keeps stalling on inclines.
Four pedals.
After much cussing and swearing in a torturous one way system, we managed to find our way back to Torres Blancas and loaded up.
Leaving the hotel.
We headed out of town south. The roads are lined with wild lupins, as well as broom and Welsh poppies.
Lupins
We stopped at Lago Miscardi for a quick sandwich, and were befriended by two opportunist dogs.
Lago Miscardi
The road wove through snow capped mountains, and at Rio Foyel we stopped to photograph the blue river.
Eventually the valley widened and we were on open road. The carriageway had lots of "baches" (potholes) but out 4X4 sailed over most of them.
Open road
Eventually we reached Esquel, the home of the famous Patagonian railroad, "La Tronchita." We had little problem in finding a hotel for the night, Hosteria Cumbres Blancas. It is quite upmarket.
Hosteria Cumbres Blancas
At the back of the hotel was a lawn with some rabbits. We hope they aren't on the menu tonight!
For dinner we didn't eat rabbit, but went to Don Chiquito Restaurant which is next door. Whilst you await your dinner, the waitress gives you puzzles to amuse yourselves. Kevin was particularly taken by a cross puzzle that works by centrifugal force.
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