It seemed to be dark late this morning. The sun was hiding behind the mountains. It was chilly. 4 degrees in Poki, so not warm outside. I had left some underwear and socks hanging outside to dry overnight. Unsurprisingly, they were not dry, so had to be hung up in Poki all day.
Our overnight parking place had been peaceful and dry too. The road was already quite busy when we got going. It is lovely to have blue skies and sun. The only drawback is the dust. On gravel roads when it’s dry there are clouds of dust. Dennis doesn’t like being behind someone eating their dust, or going slow to keep sufficient distance away, so overtakes everything we meet up with.
We have driven all day around Lake General Carrera. The border crosses the Lake at Chile Chico. The Lake has a different name on the Argentinian side, Lago Buenos Aires. I am pleased we drove as the scenery has been magnificent. We would not have experienced this if we had caught the ferry.
Yesterday, after we realised we could drive around the lake, rather than wait until Wednesday for a ferry, we went back to the office to see if we could get a refund. It was closed for lunch between 13.00 and 15.00. We weren’t going to hang around waiting for it to open. The tickets cost 21,000 pesos, about £17. I have emailed and asked for a refund, but I’m not optimistic. It won’t be the end of the world if a refund isn’t forthcoming.
About 20 kms before we reached Chile Chico we stopped to photograph Laguna Verde (Green Lake). It was the most amazing turquoise colour. I don’t think the photo does it justice, though.
We’re camped at a nice camp in Chile Chico, close to the border. I think campsites in Chile have improved as we’ve come south. There are many to choose from in Patagonia. Perhaps the competition has made them up their game.
We didn’t complete the Carretera Austral. We left it when we reached the southern edge of lake General Carrera. We travelled more than three quarters of the way. The 265 on the southern side of the lake, was just as spectacular.
At the campsite tonight are a young couple who are hitch hiking. Interestingly they are also a Kiwi and a Pom. She is from Kent and he is from Auckland.
Views: 72
Not catching the ferry turned out well, terrific photos guys, keep them coming.
Sorry, Mel. Crossed into Argentina. Left the mountains behind us. The scenery is now dull, to say the least. There will be more of the pretty stuff later!
Wow looks stunning. Great how opportunity presents itself at the right time! Such a great adventure. Sorry we are a year behind you. Will have to remember these magical spots & visit them too.
Hi Sarah, it’s going to be while before you get to these parts. Enjoy the opportunities you have, as they come. Hope you able able to source parts.
Dad xx