Friday January 31st Puerto Madryn to Sierra Grande
Well it was a strange evening last night after doing 40 lengths in the paddling pool, washing the kit, etc personal hygiene is next to godliness so they say. I just think it’s better than smelling like a fish.

We asked the lady host if there are any restaurants open, she guided us downtown about 1 km.. So we walked, weird little village nothing is finished just loads of roaming dogs, pure Aylesham stock so OK with that, provided Bingo went first. Got to the so called restaurant, it didn’t look like a restaurant probably because it wasn’t, the lady was very nice but did not offer to cook our tea, so it was the walk back and cook in the trailer. Both a bit concerned that if we eat what we have will have no contingency plan if it all goes pear shaped tomorrow. I have another cunning plan ask the nice lady host if I can buy some eggs, onions and vegetables off her. She smiles I think she said yes, but what she actually said was I will take you to the shop. So I hop in her car and sped of down the ripo tracks, all the time I am thinking don’t just get beer and chocolate not really my forte shopping. There is no way you would know this place was a shop, just looked like another unfinished building with a barn. I managed to get some pasta, onions, garlic, sauces etc as well as a few beers and chocolate was quite pleased with my little self.

So we ate and drank like kings eventually in the “village of the dammed” . Once again wholly debited to our amazing host, the people we have met have been incredible, makes us feel pretty humble.

Suppose I should get onto the cycling bit, well lo and behold the wind has died down as we left our lovely host and the village of the dammed just after 6. It was an absolute pleasure to ride, skipping through the miles with not a care in the world, provided we get to Sierra Grande before the rugby starts. To be honest it was a no brainer as we hit the 60 mile mark just after 10 in the morning, stopped at a road side cafe, think we may have been their first customers since 1956, but got a nice cold lemon drink and a cafe con leche, the place sold everything from hunting knives to toothbrushes. Left then enjoyed the roll in to Sierra Grande, bit of a gentle climb before we entered the sleepy town, usual ice cream and cold drink then headed to one of the two hotels in town, first one not open till 3, so go to the other one, all good room and bikes sorted. Couple of hours to relax and sort out the rugby viewing.