Day 227 - San Carlos de Bariloche

Our shoes had dried overnight, and we continued our trip.

The engine suddenly quit working. However, that was deliberately planned. We wanted to test how far we could still drive when the gas tank needle hit the red zone "Reserve." The result was 24.85 miles.

We should have done that at the beginning of our trip but better now than never. Route #82 followed the shores of Lake Mascardi to the house of a Meteorologist whom we had met two days earlier when we hiked to the waterfall.

He was preparing an Assado (BBQ) and insisted we join him and his friends. He spoke English and talked passionately about his weather station and profession.

Our VW Camper was thirsty again in the town of Villa Mascardi. The beautiful mountains were still all around us and hopefully will be for a while!

We reached San Carlos de Bariloche after only a short drive. The place could be compared to a Swiss town on a lake similar to Brienz. Some of the homes were built in the typical Chalet style, suggesting the presence of Swiss, German, or Austrian immigrants.

After shopping, we started looking for Residencia Matterhorn, recommended by Bruno at Copacabana Beach. It was a well-known Hostel. The owners, Adrian & Greta Meier, greeted us warmly but were fully booked.

Adrian kindly accompanied us to the Swiss Club, where we could stay tonight. Five Swiss boys were staying there as well. They traveled in a Dodge van with NY plates via Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
We are looking forward to quizzing them and learning about those countries.

Ursula made a sausage salad with cucumbers for dinner, all purchased at the local German Deli store. What a luxury!

Stats: Miles 114, Expenses $6.60Read more