San Lorenzo

Again an early start was had from Mendoza as we were to have 2 days of travelling to our next destination, a ranch above Cordoba. Miles upon miles of vineyards gave way to farms full of cattle and horses.

We have all been given jobs whilst on the trip. James is one of the luggage loaders whilst I get the weird combination of binlady and librarian. A few hours into the trip I take my job seriously and go sort out the library, and a pack of Uno! We have also been divided into cook groups when camping. James and I have been divided into rival cook groups. Whilst mine is pretty chilled - we easiy went round a Walmart of all places to get our ingredients. James' had a little more tension as they prepared our lunch!

A few hours of Uno and a great Spotify throwback Thursday powerballad playlist later and we arrived at our camp of the night. By the side of a riverbed it was quite picturesque, with woodpeckers and tropical birds. We were introduced to the Dragoman tents. Though modern-ish they are designed on the tents from the 70's and are pitch black inside!

Joining our group huddle for super were the camp cat and dog. The dog took James' fancy immediately as a golden retriever and we called him Shadow. He would hold a pebble in his mouth and expect you to throw it like a stick. After a bitternhot choclate we headed for bed.

Next morning we set off for a 5 hour drive to the ranch. Within 10 minutes we took a swing to a dirt road which was famous for being a pilgrimage with great views over the area. The truck stopped and it was announced that we coukd take roof seats!! From then top of the trucks we had a brilliant views and the road climbed up to the clouds.... the drizzly clouds, the first rain in months.

As we rounded a corner a muddy uphill was seen and Mamasita tried but the wheels kept spinning and we slid towards a wall. We were stuck. We all got out and set down traction mats to no avail. We were officially 8km away from the main road and the next village. We had lunch and waited it out as David ran for help and we flagged down help from some passers by. A policeman came up and was helpful considering we were a bunch of gringos getting stuck on his road on palm Sunday.

We waited it out as a convoy of taxis were called to get us and a plannwas hatched on how to free poor Mamasita. We found a nice hotel and waited for news. Only an hour later Mamasita was parked innfron David having dug under the wheel and placed rocks for traction, reversing her a few km back through the windy road and oerforming a 44 point turn to get her back!

We deserved a meal out and it was Faye's birthday. We wound down over good food and wine hoping for a smooth running day to the ranch tomorrow!!Read more