Date: Wednesday 21 September 2022

Trajectory:  Roque Saenz Peña – Pampa del Infierno

Distance covered: 260 km

A good breakfast at the hotel … 

….and off to visit a local zoo outside Roque Saenz Peña. Reputed to have dealings with traffickers, but who knows? 

Lots of animals here., including quite a few local species. I dipped on the giant armadillo but did find a smaller one. 

There were lots of birds in the zoo too, but for my bird of the day I chose an elegant crested tinanmou, mainly because s/he was so friendly and made cooing noises at me. 

Before leaving Roque Saenz Peña I found a gomería because I had a slow leak in the rear offside tyre. 

A twig had forced its way between the steel rim and the rubber of the tyre. Easily fixed, and there was a great lunch place next door for tallarines and stewed meat.

It was only eighty kms to Pampa del Infierno, although the road was gradually deteriorating as I arrived. The railway still runs through town, with an old British signal and switching gear still in place.

Hotel Dos Hermanos very friendly and comfortable, with a lovely garden and super-safe parking.

Carlos, perhaps one of the brothers (?), will cook for me tonight. 

There is no wifi, so I’ll get this off when I can. Tomorrow I’m going to Tantanacuy ecolodge – Luis Dellemea messaged that he is unable to meet me here and has apparently sent instructions by whatsapp. I’ll go to a service station tomorrow and download them – and fill a couple of jerrycans with diesel as I’ll be going into the hinterland.