Date: Monday 22 August 2022
Trajectory: San Luis – Villa Carlos Paz
Distance covered: 367 km (no diversions)
No breakfast in hotel this morning (it was only US$10!) so got coffee in an YPF station. Left San Luis at 08.00, very slow start with extensive road works that the sat nav couldn’t handle but eventually got onto the open road.
I was heading north-east this time, so was spared the morning sun in my eyes, and after yesterday I learned to keep the sat nav on at all times. Noticed a considerable difference between shortest and fastest route – some eighty km extra for the fastest – I found out later why.
After a while the plains of San Luis shifted into the sierras of Cordoba. The Province of Cordoba didn’t have an impressive arch to mark my arrival, just a weathered common or garden road sign, but I did notice the ny new province was more populous, more prosperous and more sophisticated – the latter reflected in the many food options along the route. I had seen a number of rabbits along the route, and it seemed fitting that I should have rabbit stew for lunch – very tasty.
You see strange things along the route, or perhaps anything that’s a slight distraction grabs your attention. I was amused by this family in high viz advertising a roadside eatery …
Again an abundance of birds along the route, and I largely resisted the temptation but was tempted by this Golden-billed saltator at one of the coffee stops.
But my best find of the day was the brocket (?) deer. I first saw one skulking in the undergrowth – he decided he didn’t want to be photographed …
… but a few kilometres along the road I saw another who was more than happy to pose.
My bird of the day is this red-backed hawk, one of a pair that kept me entertained at another coffee stop.
The Cordoba hills are beautiful but very twisty – the combination of height and endless bends made me carsick, the first time I can remember since I was a child.
Fortunately, I felt better as soon as the road straightened out and arrived safely in Villa Carlos Paz, where my hotel was waiting for me.
Tomorrow to meet my friend Walter Cejas at Lake Ansenuza, part of a new National Park established in part through funding from the British Bird fair a few years ago.
I’m beginning to feel very envious and wishing I was with you! That red backed hawk is beautiful.
Also known as variable hawk, as it seems to come in different colours. We must plan our next trip – pity you’re not here to share the driving!
Floki would like to know why the deer is so short and fat. Indi would like to know what the rabbit tasted like. I would like to know if the advertising was successful and whether you bought any salami. Love the photographs of the sierras and the birds.
That’s the kind of deer it is. There are many different kinds of deer in the world. The rabbit tastes a little like chicken, but a bit stronger. I didn’t buy any salami there, but see blog for day 6.