Tuesday, July 1, 2008

The Road to Salta - Part 10

Tuesday 17th Wednesday 18th

The road from Cafayate to Salta is 190kms of unbelievable otherwordly canyon scenery reminiscent of Arizona. Passing out of the valley, descending all the way, the scene changes to England. Green pastures, variegated forests, gentle rolling hills. 2 continents in one day ride.... It´s another great cycling day.

Beautiful striations and wind perforated rocks...



Every turn revealing new wonders...





Deep river gouged canyons....



The Obelisk....



Finally coming to the valley exit...



Struggling to find a camp site at the end of the day, we enquire at a tobbaco plantation, where the finca owner shows us to the perfect spot and provides us with firewood....



Wednesday we cycle the remaining 40kms into Salta to complete the journey. An epic section of Ruta Cuarenta stretching 1300 kilometers of incredibly scenic Argentina. Breathtakingly broad valleys, distant snow capped peaks, huge passes to climb, golden sunsets, endlessly straight roads telescoping to the horizon, surreal Martian rock formations, hot days, freezing nights, agonising ripio - it´s got everything.

14 days continuously in the saddle and all without a single shower or wash, it´s a surprise when Hector at Yotasto hostel allows us in the building. His sense of smell must be in question. Salta - we finally made it! Now a couple of days rest, once I´ve hit the shower...



400 kilometres to go - Next stop Bolivia