Tuesday 18th February 2025 Santana do Livramento to Rosário do Sul
Dinner in a down town fast food restaurant last night, not what we was looking for, we was heading for some gastro pub, long since gone or never existed, meal all sorted so no worries. Border towns always a bit strange so let it pass as we walk back to the hotel, get some more chocolate, water and some cheese bake things, I was still hungry, need to keep up my calories.

In bed just after 9 as its a school day tomorrow, no rest for the wicked, up early fresh as a daisy, sort the bags out find the bikes, they are locked up over the road in a garage, the night duty porter just looks at us in amazement as we load the bikes up get some more water and just pedal off into the morning mist, see the look in his face, why!

Not a bad day scheduled little 65 mile ride to Rosário do Sul, all being well should be a walk in the park, what could go wrong! Obviously nothing nice steady day with no dramas. Wildlife front coming on nicely, with Bingo getting excited about the “Lesser yellow headed vultures, circling above us, think they may have thought I was an easy kill, stronger than that, soon shown them who was boss, think they maybe tracking us now, waiting for us to set up camp. Bingo then spots a massive bird of prey, sitting on the fence post on the other side of the road, pretty impressive just watching the world go by, he thinks its a Savanna Hawk? Got to mention the snails, the French would have a Sunday dinner with them, the size of Bingos fist (thats big). Another road kill the Bingo is trying to claim is the Brazilian Porcupine, been dead a while I thought, but as usual he is all over it.

30 miles in stop at another petrol station for a coffee and cold drink, not quite warm enough for an ice cream, but its definitely getting there, once again attract a bit of attention with some of the others patrons, had the obligatory selfies and got them to join the Instagram site, left them very happy.

Just rolling hills, very pleasant with a very big hard should, just loving it, sun coming out, this is what its all about, just happened to pass this truckers cafe, lets give it a try, brilliant place and a lovely meal. Self service just pay by the weight of your plate, Bingos was about 4 kg, mine come in slightly less at just under 3.5Kg the young girl at the counter just smiled, we ate the lot great meal, best I have had so far.

Just a little 20 mile roll into Rosário do Sul, found the digs easily, guy at the front reception was not the most welcoming, maybe something to do with us smelling like a dead Brazilian Porcupine, eventually managed to sort the room out. But he would not sell us a beer, does not open till 5 he said! Not on this shift, we needed supplies so we walked into town got the supplies, mainly beer I might add, then had a pleasant afternoon by the pool, living the high life once again. Our favourite recaptioned guy was then as nice as pie, came out with a few towels and even smiled, must of got out the wrong side of bed this morning.

All good though the restaurant is open at 5:30 result, got to eat.