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  • Armenia 18/4/2016
  • Baku, Azerbaijan
  • Georgia
  • 2-3/4/2016 Trabzon to Batumi, Georgia
    • 21-27/3/2016 Atakent to Trabzon >
      • 12-21/3/2016 Cide to Akakent >
        • 6-11/3/2016 Eregli to Cide
  • 26/2-4/3/2016 Istanbul to Eregli
    • Istanbul 15-25/2/2016 >
      • London 30/1-15/2/2016 >
        • Istanbul 19-30/1/2016
  • Proposed Journey East from Istanbul, March 2016
  • Sth Africa 6-19/1/2016
    • South Africa 6/12/2015 to 6/1/2016
  • Namibia 24/10-5/12/2015
    • Namibia 1/10/2015 to 23/10/2015
  • Zambia 7-30/9/2015
  • 21/8/2015 Malawi
  • 30/7-20/8/2015 Kigoma to Malawi Border
    • 21-30/7/2015 Tanzanian border to Kigoma, Lake Tanganyika >
      • 18-20/7/2015 Kigali to Tanzanian border >
        • 12-15/7/2015 Gisenyi to Kigali >
          • 10-11/7/2015 Rwandan border to Gisenyi
          • 15th June to 8th July Uganda
  • Last days in Kenya
    • 1-6/6/2015 Meru to Nyahururu >
      • 28-31/05/2015 Kenol to Meru >
        • 2011-16 Map >
          • 12-18/10/2014 Beausejour to St Laurent do Maroni >
            • 7-11/10/2014 St Georges to Beausejour, French Guiana >
              • 3-7/10/2014 Amapá, Brazil to St Georges, French Guiana >
                • 1-2/10/2014 Porto Grande to Amapá, AP >
                  • 26-29/9/2014 Macapá to Porto Grande >
                    • 16-23/9/2014 Almeirim to Macapá >
                      • 11-16/9/2014 Rurópolis to Almeirim, PA,BR >
                        • New Page
                        • 13/8-10/9/2014 Rurópolis, BR to Christchurch, NZ, return >
                          • 2-12/8/2014 Altamira to Ruropolis >
                            • 1-4/8/2014 Pacajá to Altamira, PA >
                              • 29/7-1/8/2014 Marabá to Pacajá, PA, BR230
        • 21-28/5/2015 Ongata to Kenol >
          • 5-21/5/2015 Iten to Ongata Rongai, Nairobi >
            • 2-6/5/2015 Kitale to Iten >
              • 1-2/5/2015 Lodwar to Kitale, Kenya >
                • Kenya: Omorate to Lodwar 20/04- 1/05/2015
  • 12-18/4/2015 Abra Minche to Omorate, Ethiopia
    • 3-10/4/2015 Waliso to Abra Minch >
      • 16-30/3/2015 Dese to Waliso, Ethiopia >
        • Ethiopia 9-16/3/2015 Me'kele to Dese >
          • 19/2-8/3/2015 Ethiopia
  • 25/1-18/2/2015 Sudan
  • 16-17 Luxor to Aswan
    • 8-15/1/2015 Asyut to Luxor >
      • 7-10/1/2015 Giza to Asyut
  • 1-6/1/2015 Cairo
    • Proposed passage Cairo to Cape Town Jan 2015 >
      • 21/10-12/11/2014 Suriname and Guyana
  • Updated Gear List
  • Rodovia Transamazônica
  • 21- 25/7/2014 Redencáo to Marabá, PA
    • Pará: 17-22/7/2014 Confresa, MT to Redencao, PA >
      • 9-13/7/2014 Nova Xavantina to Confreza, MT >
        • 3-4/7/2014 Barra do Garcas to Nova Xavantina >
          • 26-31/6/2014 Rondonópolis to Barra Do Garcas, MT >
            • 20-23/6/2014 Rio Verde, MS to Rondonópolis, MT >
              • 13-17/6/2014 Bonito to Rio Verde de Mato Grosso >
                • 9-11/6/2014 Jardim to Bonito MS, BR >
                  • 7-9/6/2014 Pedro Juan Caballero, PY to Jardim,BR >
                    • 9,10,11/5/2014 Remanso to Concepción onboard MV Osmar >
                      • 6-7/5/2014 Remanso,PY >
                        • 6/5/2014 Asunción to Remanso, PY >
                          • 27/4-2/5/2014 Foz do Iguaco, BR to Asunción, PY >
                            • 24-26/4/2014 Andresito to Puerto Iguazu >
                              • 19-21/4/2014 El Soberbio to San Antonio, AR >
                                • 16-17/4/2014 El Progreso to El Soberbio, AR >
                                  • 13-15/4/2014 Apóstoles to El Progreso >
                                    • 28/3-1/4/2014 Buenos Aires,AR to Paysandu, UY >
                                      • Profile Paysandu to Brazil
                                    • 9-12/4/2014 Tapebicuá to Apóstoles, AR >
                                      • 8/4/2013 Sawmill, north of Bonpland to 3km sth of Tapebicuá
                    • 28-30/5/2014 Concepción to Pedro Juan Caballero PY >
                      • 23-25/5/2014 Aquidaban back to Concepción >
                        • 16-20/5/2014 Tres Gigantes Estación Biologica >
                          • 14-16/5/2014 Vallemi to Bahia Negra on the Aquidaban >
                            • 13/5/2014 Bus trip Concepción to Vallemi
                    • 1-6/6/2014, Pedro Juan Caballero
  • 25/1/2014 USHUAIA
    • 23-24/1/2014 Rio Grande to Rio Lasifashaj >
      • 22-23/1/2013 Punta Arenas, CL to Rio Grande, AR >
        • 16-19/1/2014 Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas >
          • 14-15/1/2014 Torres Del Paine National Park, CL >
            • 8-12/1/2014 El Calafate to Puerto Natales >
              • 1-7/1/2013 Villa O'Higgins, CL to El Calafate, AR >
                • 27-31/12/2013 Cochrane to Villa O'Higgins >
                  • 19-26/12/2013 Coyhaique to Cochrane >
                    • 12-18/12/2013 Rio Santiago Bastia to Coyhaique >
                      • 6-12/12/2013 La Piedra del Gato to Mañihuales >
                        • 5-9/12/2013 Quellón to La Junta, CL >
                          • 29/11/2013 5/12/2013 Castro to Quellón, Chiloe, CL >
                            • 24/11/2013 Puerto Montt to Castro >
                              • 16-23/11/2013, San Martín, AR to Puerto Montt, CL >
                                • 9-14/11/2013 Temuco, CL to San Martín de los Andes, AR
                                • Cunco to Temuco and Santiago by bus
                                • Untitled
                                • 20,21/10/2013 Malargue to Los Frisos,AR
                                • 22-29/10/2013 Las Frisas, AR to Cunco,CL
  • 13/3/2012 Penonomé to Playa Gorgona
    • 14/3/2011 Playa Gorgona to Panama City
    • 15,16/3/2011 Panama City >
      • 14/4/2012, Shelter bay & Gatun Locks >
        • 15,16/4/2012 Canal transit >
          • 17/4/2012 Shelter Bay Marina onboard SV Bijou >
            • Feb 2014, An account of a road trip in New Zealand
          • 18,19/4/2012 Shelter Bay Marina
      • 17.../3/2012 Onboard SV Moondance, Brisas de Amador >
        • 25 March to 9 April, Gorgona, PC,Las Bresas >
          • 11/4/2012, Shelter Bay Marina,SV Bijou
          • 12/4/2012, Shelter Bay, and a bit of exploring
        • 11/3/2012 Las Lajas to Santiago >
          • 12/3/2012, Santiago to Penonomé
  • 7/4/2013 Bella Unión, UY to north of Bonpland, AR
    • 4-6/4/2014 Salto to Bella Unión, UY >
      • 2-3/4/2014 Termas de Guaviyú to Salto
  • Overnight Stop Map
    • 20-27/4/2012 Passage Portobelo to Santa Marta, Colombia
    • 28-29/2012 Santa Marta
  • Chile to Argentina (click on this header for an entry)
    • 6/9/2013 59km up the road camping
    • 7/9/2013 the corner to Paso Jama, Argentina
    • 8/9/2013 Paso Jama to adobe ruins on Salar de Olaroz
    • 9/9/2013 Ruins to south of Susques
    • 10/9/2013 Sth of Susques to bottom of range, camping >
      • 11/9/2013 bottom of the range to Purmamarca
      • 12/9/2013 Purmamarca to Lake campground near Salta >
        • 13,14/9/2013 Dique Cobre Corral to Salta,AR >
          • Salta south >
            • 17/9/2013 Quebrada De Las Conchas to Cafayate
      • 19/9/2013 Cafayate to 15km to Rio El Tesaro, camping >
        • 20/9/2013 Rio El Tesaro to Rio Belén, sth of Hualfin
      • 21/9/2013 Rio Belén to Belén >
        • 22/9/2013 Belén to a creek bed 42km sth
        • 23/9/2013 creek bed to 10km nth of Pituil
        • 25/9/2013 north of Pituil to Chilecito
        • 25-30/9/2013 Chilecito, AR
        • 1-7/10/2013 Chilecito to Caucete, AR >
          • 9-12/10/2013 Caucete to Tunuyán, AR
      • 13-15/10/2013 Caucete to San Rafael, AR >
        • 17/10/2013 San Rafael to Malargue, AR
  • Chile from 28/8/2013
    • 29/8/2013 Ascotán to Chiu Chiu
    • 30/8/2013 Chiu Chiu to Calama, CL
    • 31/8,1/9/2013 Calama to San Pedro de Atacama, CL
  • 20/7/2013 Titicaca area to Bolivian border
    • 20/7/2013 Sicuani to Santa Rosa >
      • 21/7/2013 Santa Rosa to Juliaca >
        • 22/7/2013 Juliaca to 6km past Huancané >
          • 23/2013 Huancané to Conima, camping >
            • 24/7/2013 near Conima, Peru to Puerto Acosta, Bolivia >
              • 25/7/2013 Puerto Acosta to Nth of Ancoraimes
  • 26/7/2013 Nth of Ancoraimes to Achacachi
    • 27/7/2013 Achacachi to Copacabana >
      • 28,29/7/2013 Copacabana BO, Kasani PE, Copa. BO
      • 30/7/2013 Copacabana, BO to Desaguadero, PE
      • 31/7/2013 Desaguadero, PE to El Alto, BO
      • 1,2/8/2013 El Alto to La Paz
      • 3,4,5/8/2013 La Paz
      • 8/08/2103 La Paz to Nth of Ayo Ayo, Camping
      • 9/8/2013 Nth of Ayo Ayo to south of Villa, camping >
        • 10/8/2013 Sth of Villa to just sth of Oruro, camping >
          • 11/8/2013 Sth of Ororo to Sth of Pazna, camping >
            • 12/8/2013 Sth of Poopo to Challapata >
              • 13,to17/8/2013 Challapata to Jirira 18-26/8 to Ollague,Chile
  • Peru 20/4/2013.....
    • 20-22/4/2013, Macará to Olmos, PE
    • 23-27/4/2013 Olmos to Chachapoyas,PE
    • 27/4/2013, Chachapoyas, PE
    • Chachapoyas to Cajamarca, PE >
      • 1/5/2013 Lejmebamba to Cerros de Calla-Calla >
        • 2/5/2013 Cerros de Calla-Calla to Balsas >
          • 3/4/2013 Balsas to a farm house overlooking Limon >
            • 4/5/2013 farm house campsite to south of Celendin >
              • 5,6/5/2013 Sth of Celendin to Cajamarca
    • 7/5/2013 Cajamarca to 9km before Cajabamba >
      • 8/5/2013, 9 km north of Cajabamba to Laguna Sousacocha >
        • 11/5/2013 Haumachuco to Trujillo
        • 9,10/5/2013 Laguna Sausacocha to Huamachuco
      • 18/5/2013 Lima
      • 23-25/5/2013 Trujillo to Caraz, PE >
        • 26,27/5/2013 Caraz to Huaraz, PE >
          • 28/5/2013 Huaraz to 34km south of Pachocoto,PE >
            • 29/5/2013 Farm 25km past Chacapoto to 12km on Huánuco Rd >
              • 30/5/2013,12km up Huanuco road to camp at 4600m >
                • 31/5/2013 near summit to La Union
    • 1/6/2013 Huánaco to camp near Acobamba >
      • 2,3/6/2013 Camping near Acobamba to Huánuco
    • 16/6/2013 Huancayo to Cuzco and Machu Picchu >
      • 16/6/2013 Huancayo to south of Mariscal Cáceres, camping >
        • 17/6/2013 sth Mariscal Cáceres 4km sthLa Esmeralda,camping >
          • 18/6/2013 Sth of La Esmaralda to Huanta >
            • 19/6/2013 Huanta to Ayacucho
  • 22/6/2013 Ayaucucho to top of pass before Ocros, 4200m
    • 23/6/2013 cerca la cumbre a 5km sur de Puente Pampas >
      • 23/6/2013 Sur de Puente Pampas a 5km este de Uripa >
        • 24/6/2013 above Uripa to Andahualas >
          • 25/6/2013 Andahuaylas to 10km below the summit >
            • 26/6/2013 near the summit to Puente Pachachaca >
              • 29/6/2013 Abancay to Curahuasi >
                • 30/6/2013 Curahuasi to a camp on the Rio Apurimac >
                  • 1/7/2013 Rio Apurimac to Izcuchaca >
                    • 2/7/2013 Izcuchaca and Cuzco >
                      • 4,5/7/2013 Izcuchaca to Cuzco >
                        • 9,10,11/7/2013 Cuzco to Machu Picchu >
                          • 11-16/7/2013 Cuzco >
                            • 17/7/2013 Cuzco to Quiquijana camping on el Rio Vilcanota
              • 27,28/6/2013 Puente Pachachaca to Abancay
  • 4/6/2013 Huánuco to just south of Huariaca
    • 5/6/2013 Huariaco to Cerro De Pasco >
      • 7,8/5/2013 Cerro De Pasco >
        • 8/6/2013 Cerro De Pasco to Junín >
          • 9/6/2013 Junín to 20km south of La Aroya, camping >
            • 10/6/2013 Sth of La Aroya to Huancayo
  • Medellín to Ushuaia, 2013 (april 2013 here,)
    • 31/1/13 Riosucio to Anserma >
      • 1/2/2013 Anserma to Cartago >
        • 6/12/2015 to 4/1/2016 South Africa
        • 2/2/2013 Cartago to Buga >
          • 3/2/2013 Buga all day >
            • 4,5/2/2013 Buga to Cali >
              • 6/2/2013 Cali to Piendamo
    • 27/1 Medellín to Bolombolo
    • 28/1 Bolombolo to La Pintada >
      • 29/1/13 La Pintada to Supia >
        • 30/1/13 Supía to Riosucio
      • 8/2/2013 Timbio to El Bordo >
        • 6/3/2013, San Clemente to Manta, EC >
          • 7/3/2013 Manta,EC all day >
            • 9/3/2013, Manta to Tena by bus >
              • 12,13,14,15 Tena to Limoncocha >
                • 16,17/3/2013 Manta >
                  • 18-23 Manta, Galapagos, Manta >
                    • 24,25/3/2013 Manta to Machalilla NP, EC >
                      • 26/3/2013 Machalillo NP to Machalillo >
                        • 27/3/2013 Machalilla to Puerto Lopez >
                          • 228,29,30/3/2013 Puerto Lopez, EC >
                            • Untitled
                            • 31/3/2013, Puerto Lopez to Ayungue, EC
      • 19/2/2013 Otavalo, Ecuador all day >
        • 20/2/2013 Otavalo to Sth of Otón, Ecuador >
          • 21/2/2013 Otón to Quito >
            • 22,23/2/2013 Quito, Hotel Húngaro >
              • 26/2/2013 Quito to Tandapi, EC
      • 27/2/2013 Tandapi to El Carmen, EC >
        • 28/2/2013, El Carmen to Pedernales, EC >
          • 2/3/2013 Pedernales to Tabuga >
            • 3/3/2013 Tabuga to Canoa >
              • 30/4/2012 Last day Santa Marta >
                • 1/5/2012 Santa Marta to Barranquilla
                • 2/5/2012 Barranquilla to Santa Veronica
                • 3/5/2012 Santa Veronica all day >
                  • 4-5/5/2012 Santa Veronica
              • 6-7/5/2012 Santa Veronica >
                • 8,9 &10/5/2012 Santa Veronica
              • 11/5/2012 Santa Veronica to Cartagena >
                • 12/5/2012 Cartagena all day >
                  • 13/5/2012 Cartagena to San Jacinto >
                    • 14/5/2012 San Jacinto to Sincelejo >
                      • 15/5/2012 Sincelejo to San Bernado >
                        • 16/5/2012 San Bernado to Puerto Escondido >
                          • 17,18/ 5 /2012, Puerto Escondido >
                            • 19/5/2012, Puerto Escondido to Planeta Rico >
                              • 20/5/2012 Planeta Rica to Caucasia >
                                • Untitled
                                • Untitled
                                • 21/5/2012, Caucasia to Tarazá >
                                  • 22/5/2012, Tarazá to Valdivia >
                                    • 23/5/2012, Valdivia to Yarumal >
                                      • 24/5/2012, Yarumal for the day >
                                        • 25/5/2012 Yarumal to Santa Rosa de Osos >
                                          • 26/5/2012, Santa Rosa de Osos >
                                            • 27/5/2012, Santa Rosa de Osos to Medellin >
                                              • 28/7 2011, Hannibal to Grafton
              • 5/3/2013, Canoa to San Clemente,EC
      • 9/2/2013 El Bordo to Tablon (April 2013 here) >
        • 1/4/2013 Ayungue to Salinas, EC >
          • 2/4/2013 Salinas to Posorjas,EC >
            • 3/4/2013 Posorja to San Carlos,EC >
              • 4/4/2013, San Carlos to Angas,EC >
                • 5/4/2013, Angas to Soldados, EC >
                  • 6/4/2013, Soldados to Cuenca >
                    • 7-9/4/2013, Cuenca, EC >
                      • 10-14/4/2013 Cuenca to Loja >
                        • 14-18/4/2013 Loja to Macará, EC >
                          • 7/2/2013 Piendamo to Timbio
      • 10,11/2/2013 Tablon to Chacahgui
      • 12/2/2013 Chachagui to Yucuanquer
      • 13,14,15/2/2013 Yucuanquer to Ipiales >
        • 16/2/2013 Ipiales to Bolivar, Ecuador >
          • 17/2/2013 Bolivar to nth of Ibarra, Ecuador >
            • 18/2/2013 Nth of Ibarra to Otavalo, Ecuador
    • Colombia 2012
  • Terrain Profiles
  • Nicaragua
  • Blog
  • Memphis to Venice, LA
  • Home and August entries
    • 8/8/2011 Sweetwater to Salida >
      • 9/8/2011 Salida to 3m North of Cripple Creek, CO >
        • 10/8/2011 Cripple Creek to Phantom Canyon >
          • 11/8/2011 Phantom Canyon to Pueblo >
            • 12/8/2011 Kansa to Warrensberg, MO >
              • 13/8/2011 Warrensberg to Clinton, MO >
                • 14/8/2011 Clinton to Sedalia >
                  • 15/8/2011 Sedalia to Tipton >
                    • 16/8/2011 Tipton all day >
                      • 17/8/2011 Tipton to Red Oak Park ,Lake of the Ozarks >
                        • 18/8/2011 Lake of the Ozarks all Day >
                          • 19/8/2011 Red Oak all day >
                            • 20/8/2011 Red Oak Park to Boonville >
                              • 21/8/2011 Boonville to Columbia >
                                • 22/8/2011 Columbia all day >
                                  • Untitled
                                  • 22/8/2011 Columbia to Portland >
                                    • 24/8/2011 Portland to Defiance >
                                      • 25/8/2011 Machens to Portage Des Sioux >
                                        • 26,27,28/8/2011Portage Des Sioux to Alton >
                                          • 29/8/2011 Alton to Columbia >
                                            • 30/8/2011 Columbia to Chester >
                                              • 31/8/2011 Chester to Grand Tower >
                                                • 1/9/2011 Grand Tower, IL to Wickliffe, KY >
                                                  • 2/9/2011 Wickliffe to Columbia, KY >
                                                    • 5/9/2011Tiptonville TN to Ripley TN
                                                    • Untitled
                                                    • 3-4/9/2011 Colmbus to Hickman, KY >
                                                      • 6/9/2011 Ripley Meeman- Shelby SP >
                                                        • Untitled
                                                        • 7/9/2011 Meeman-Shelby to Memphis
    • The proposed itinerary
    • A few words about the river
    • My Bike
    • Journal- Intro
    • Journal Entries late July early August >
      • 29/7/11 Grafton all day >
        • 30/7/2011 Grafton To Alton >
          • 31/7/11 Alton all day >
            • 1/8/2011 Alton all day >
              • 2,3/8/2011 Alton to Colarado Springs >
                • 3/8/2011 Colarado Springs >
                  • 4/8/2011, Colarado Springs >
                    • 5/8/2011 Colarado Springs Day 2
                  • 6/8/2011 Pueblo Dakota Springs >
                    • 7/8/2011 Dakota Hot Springs to Texas Creek >
                      • 7/8/2011 Dakota Hot springs to Texas Creek
    • The Gear list
  • Sydney to International Falls
    • IF to Northome >
      • Northome to Three Island Lake >
        • Three Island Lake to Itasca State Park >
          • Itasca Park full day 1 >
            • Itasca Park full day 2
  • Itasca to 4m north of Walker
    • 21/6/11 Walker to dare I say it Park Rapids
    • 22/6/11 Park Rapids all day >
      • 23/6/11 Park Rapids to sth of Walker
    • 24/6/11 Sth of Walker to Oak Haven Resort
    • 25/6/11 Oak Haven to Bena
    • 26/6/11 Bena for the day >
      • 27/6/11 Bena, from my tent to the shop and back
  • 28/6/11 Bena to Grand Rapids
  • 29/06/11 Grand Rapids to Pallisade
    • 30/06/11 Palisade to Crosby
    • 1/07/11 Crosby to Royalton
    • 2/07/2011 Royalton to St Cloud >
      • 3/07/2011 St Cloud to Monticello >
        • 4/7/2011 Monticello to Ham Lake >
          • Ham Lake all day >
            • 6/7/2011 Ham Lake to Prescott, WI >
              • 7/6/2011 Prescott to Pepin
          • 8/7/2011 Pepin to Perrot SP
    • 9/7/2011 Perrot SP to Wabasha, MN
  • 10/7/2011 Wabasha to Hastings
  • 16-17/1/2015 Luxor to Aswan
  • Zambia 7-30/9/2015
  • 11/7/2011 Hastings to Wabasha
    • 12/7/2011 Wabasha to Lansing,IA >
      • 13/7/2011 Lansing all day >
        • 14/7/2011 Lansing to Pikes Peak SP >
          • 15/7/2011 Pikes peak SP to Dubuque, IA >
            • 16/7/2011, Dubuque to Bellevue >
              • 17/7/2011, Pleasant Creek CG all day >
                • 18/7/2011, Pleasant Creek CG all day >
                  • 19/7/2011, Bellevue to Silvas, IL
          • 20/7/2011, Moline for the Day >
            • 21/7/2011, Moline to Loud Thunder Park >
              • 22/7/2011, Loud Thunder park to Keithsberg >
                • 23/07/2011, Keithbergs to Fort madison, IA >
                  • 24/7/2011, Fort Madison to Nauvoo
                • 25/7/2011, Nauvoo to Quincy >
                  • 26/7/2011 Quincy all day
    • Granada to Panama, Feb 27 >
      • 9, 10/3/2011 Servo to Playa Las Lajas
  • 8/5/2017 Tehran
I apologise for the navigation problems with the site, the search engine in the top right hand corner is very good, however.
PictureClassic UY landscape, complete with Eucalypts

28/3/2014 Buenos Aires, AR to La Estanzuela, UR

Camping

D56, T4, Av13.62Max41, Tot 56, 25560

26° fine and humid


Well after almost six and a bit weeks spent with friends and family in New Zealand, time spent in Temuco Chile with Gustavo and Ingrid, and ten days in Buenos Aires with my oldest son Ben, we had not seen each other for 15 months, though we did not do a great deal, it was special time together.

I have to say for me, life is now back to normal.

During my break, a fierce little throat cold was contracted in NZ, it accompanied me back to Temuco and onto BA. It is so nice now to be back in perfect working order, all be it a bit unfit.

Ben and I were awake about 0500 as I had to catch the 0830  Buquebus ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.

It was a fast 1hr trip for about $65 to the coastal town in Uruguay.

After having spent so much time in cities, a decision was made not to visit Montevideo. The need to be north for dry season was also a consideration.

This city can keep for one day when I am traveling on a different budget, one that may allow me in the company of others to enjoy all a city has to offer. My present budget falls well short of these activities, you know good food, a few shows and the like.

My present budget is geared towards long term meandering.

After having spent this time in NZ and Buenos Aires, it is no wonder people continually wake up every morning and go to work to get money to propel their almost uncontrollable lifestyles along. Lifestyles in reality, controlled by the multi nationals, where they get their food from, buy their petrol from, communicate through and manage their money with.

Along with other companies that control the vices, that for many,  help numb this existence.

These few entities that have no other purpose than to appease the greed of their management and share holders, are for most people, the  initiators of the treadmill that they will revolve for life.

Whilst in Buenos Aires I could not help but notice the multitude of people that were not middle class, but a class not so poor, but just in between somewhere. People that sometimes more often than not struggle on the treadmill.

Possibly, for the wealthy in this country,  it is just where they want the masses. The thought of having to share their spoils is unimaginable.

It was really sad to see so many people like this. The working poor so to speak.

I feel many people in NZ and Australia, also  share this plight, one can easily be fooled by the facade.

In NZ, a beer was costing $9 a glass. Great boutique  beer, I might add. However, what a slap in the face for most people. For example, someone on $30 an hour (good pay by many standards) goes to work for someone and a whole hour of their life given to someone else is only worth 3 beers and a mouthful!!

With the number of people on the planet, there are enough people with the excess money to comfortably afford these prices, so in that respect, places offering beer at these prices will survive.

No wonder the treadmill is crowded. Many people have and will continue to run out of breath, as it inevitably speeds up.

For many, if beer and other spirits were not alcoholic and able to dowse a bit of reality, you wouldn’t buy them in a pink fit. This and the price of coca cola truly make petrol look like they are giving it away. ( coke, $3.90 for 350ml, $11.13/litre!!)

Coffee too, is in many ways over rated and definitely overpriced.

The Argentinos and Uruguayanos have it sorted with their mate. They drink it everywhere, all you need is the Yerba, a mate, a bombilla and a thermos for hot water. Most tiendas sell boiling water. It is so much more social and not restricted to establishments that need to charge ridiculous prices just to justify their existence.

So that said, even though the beer was ridiculously costly, all of it was consumed around  friends and family, a good time was had.
Really that’s how it all works I guess.

So here I am this morning, sitting on my little three legged chair in Uruguay. I am in a rural school and camped the night under an awning of one of the two buildings in the grounds. At a different end of the spectrum, so to speak. An end shared by few people my age.

Again, I am relatively free from the treadmill, such is life for me now. I saw just how fast money disappears visiting restaurants and bars. Along with these pastimes, the mill really cranks up a gear.

Not so oddly enough, it is what life is all about for most people. It’s the funny stuff, the laughs and good company that make it all bearable.

The elevated view looking northeast from my vantage point, takes me across flat land of pasture and scattered shelter trees.

Right now, I can’t think of a better place to be.

Leaving the ferry at Colonia yesterday, I headed into town and bumped into a guy who had worked in NZ on dairy farms and had bought a pushbike and the gear for touring.

We got on well and had lunch together. Eduardo then helped me get the best deal for data only on my new purchase for this trip.

People had said how friendly Uruguanos are.

 I have purchased, a smart phone, it remains to be seen how it changes the dynamics of this kind of travel.

Sometimes being unavailable is a luxury not many are able to afford.

Though, I will go onto say I bought one in NZ on Trade me, it was a fake and I had given the guy $600 in cash. The Samsung S4, bought was an excellent copy, it fooled me in the evening when the guy bought it to my folks house.

This I didn’t need. I phoned him the next day and said, I wasn’t happy with the phone, careful not to mention it was fake.

In a gesture, totally to my surprise, he bought the money back around,  in return for the phone. I couldn’t help but applaud him for his good will.

Anyway as my operational skills improve on the device, I hope to post a few pics on Instagram under the username  browsinabout

You may wish to check them out occasionally.

Leaving town, it was great to have the wind in my face again with no particular place to go.

Just a grand plan and challenge to try and reach Venezuela via the Trans Amazon Highway to Belem at the mouth of the Amazon, and then by boat to Suriname and the Guyanas onto Caracas.

Some money was retrieved from an ATM, at the rate of about 22 pesos for a dollar.

It was so nice to have a uniform rate for changing money. Unlike, in Argentina where the wealthy have no confidence in their own currency and  have money changers on the streets who will give you 11 or 12 pesos for a $US, whereas in the banks you only get 7 or 8 pesos.

These people then ship the money from their country or hoard it in the event of a peso collapse.

This is such a sad situation for a country so rich in natural resources and fertile lands.

So there you have it, some my thoughts on life away from cycle touring. Fresh from being immersed in it for a few weeks. It is so damn good not being totally committed to the  treadmill and  outside the circle for some more time.

I know the treadmill will always be there on my return, it will  really be a case of how much I  will want to commit myself to its monotony, only time will tell ,one guesses. Its forces are insurmountable in many aspects.

My funds won’t last forever, either.

Just out of town, a visit was made to the Plaza De Toros, a grand old bullfighting ring built in the early 1900’s by the Spanish. It was able to hold 8000 spectators, it was quite some structure.

One could imagine all the blood and foam spilt in the now grassed arena, this coupled with the manic roar of all those people witnessing such a spectacle.

Uruguay, so far radiates such a laid back tranquil feel about it.

Though, out of condition, it was sheer riding pleasure on the quiet road in the balmy conditions with light winds.

About 30 km from town, a side road to the coast was taken. The road surface was crushed limestone. The terrain was for the most part flat, it was a delight to be rural riding. The surrounding land use was mostly Soya beans and maize. Cattle and dairying also occupied some properties.

Terrain was flat and easy going. All along these back roads people were asked for directions, many of the roads  were not marked on my maps or on Google maps.

Eucalypts dominate the treescape here.

The humidity took me back to the riding days on the Mississippi, it was comfortable, though the need to keep the water intact up was ever present.

After Patagonia, the comfort offered by the warmth made life easy.

My rear wheel was not quite true again and was just touching a break pad, this was put up with for the day, not wanting to unpack things to tweak this on the roadside.

Whilst, in BA, it was noticed to be slightly sloppy at the hub. A decision was made to buy a spare hub in the event that it should become further worn. Genuine Shimano ball bearings were also bought in NZ. The carrying of heavy loads above the rear wheel had seen the bearings replaced twice.

The bike shop I bought these parts at is a genuine Shimano repair centre, they had a good supply of parts. The address is Canglia Bicicletas Cordoba 3489, Almago.

This would be my last real opportunity to buy such a part.

It is good insurance against this failing somewhere isolated. It will be good practice building a wheel from scratch.

Also renewed for this trip was the power Grip pedals, the bearings were worn. A new cassette was added and the front crank cogs were all replaced.

Two new Schwable, Mondial folding tyres were also bought, one was put on the rear whilst the Dureme was moved to the front rim.

After some time and no sight of the coast, a gravel road was taken back to the highway near Paso de la Horqueta.

Being my first day on the road for awhile, the time for a campsite had arisen.

At about 1700 a school was spotted to my right. Upon inspection, a  good spot beneath an awning of one of the buildings was chosen to set up camp.

Over a coffee, the rear wheel was trued and the brakes adjusted.

Life camping is going to be different in my one man MSR Hubba. It is like a coffin with a pitched roof. It offers great benefits with its lack of weight. Some 3kg lighter than the Hilleberg Tara.

Reading an interview about a guy that rode the Trans Amazon, his first piece of advice was to travel light, hence my decision to abandon the Tarra.

Though it served Callum and I everso comfortably in Patagonia last year.

I was worn out, and very relaxed, and looking forward to pasta, tuna and sauce after a couple of hot chocolates.

There was a dog living here at the school, he was a friendly character who enjoyed some pasta with me and made sure the tuna can was clean and the sauce packet was spotless as well.

The evening sky was clear, it was comforting to peruse the stars and just dwell on things once the Southern Cross had been located. My hot chocolate added to this comfort.

Sitting on the well head in the school yard, spellbound by all above, thoughts of the road ahead with its many awaiting experiences and the unknown,  was a fitting way to end the day.  

Uruguay and the ambience about it only enhanced this state.

It was great to climb into my humble abode harbouring that lovely worn out feeling.My sleeping bag is a tropical edition, it more than sufficed in keeping me warm in the 22° plus temp at 2100 after my tent was entered.    




29/3/2014,  La Estanzuela to Playa de la Agraciada


Camping

D86, T5, Av16.68 Max41, Tot 142, 25,646

26° fine and humid, light northerlies


Up at first light, though this is not that early. Sunrise in these parts is at 0700 and sets at about 0700. Short days compared to Patagonia.

Give me the warmth and short days anytime.

The dog had slept near the tent all night, he was up to welcome the day, looking for more food, I might add. He really was hungry. My guess was that he hung around for the kids spare food, but did it tough on the weekends.

It was going to be another hot day, it was already warm.

Once away about 0930, again, the road was easy rolling undulations, it made for good riding, offering a free wheel at regular intervals.

Lots of wildlife have been encountered, unfortunately much of it flush with the road. Animals include, dogs, cats,snakes, armidillos, birds, possums and other small rodent type animals.

With the presence of so many Eucalypts, parrots abound, and can be heard squawking in large groups within the canopies of these trees.

Again the landscape is all under crop with silos jutting above all at regular intervals.

The amount of harvesters and other equipment associated with grain growing was parked everywhere. Each farm passed had a shed or parking area littered with the often late model machinery.

I bought bread, onions and tomatoes at Conchillas. My routine was slowly starting to fall into place again.

By now, the heat of the day was setting in.

Incidentally, my starting weight for this journey is just a tad under 70kg.

At least 6kg of this needs to go, to be back in shape. As the heat and humidity increase moving north, this may well be achieved.

Arriving at the entrance to Carmelo, a great shady passage was made through a stand of Plane trees on both sides of the road.

A left turn was taken down to the local beach, the riverside areas a called beaches.

Here under the shade of a Willow tree, salami, tomato and onion encased in fresh bread rolls was enjoyed.

The river Uruguay is still very large at this point. There were sandy areas, though much of the riparian area was reeds and mud. The locals said it was ok to swim.

Arriving at Nueva Palmira, a relax was had on the foreshores.

The heat was taking it out of me.

Around 1600, a turnoff  to Playa de la Agraciada was taken in the hope of camping there the night.

Time was spent chatting with the lady and her son in the tienda on the highway at the intersection.

Almost all countries here are now teaching English in the schools. The young boys’ school was no exception.

Arriving at the shores of the river, the camp area was inspected. A swim was enjoyed in the comfortable brown river water.

It was infact a good chance for a wash.

Few people were about. There was a large camp area on the foreshores, it was heavily treed in gums. There were concrete tables and chairs with power and water, just perfect.

They owner kindly let me camp for no fee.

Not feeling hungry just soup and carnita were enjoyed.

The evening sky and associated sunset were superb, all shades of orange were displayed.

My camp was set up under some gums, that carried only small amounts of dead wood.

These trees pose an ever present danger from falling limbs. They suffer from a phenomenon known as sudden branch failure, where live limbs are shed .

Campers have been killed and seriously injured in Australia whilst camped under this species of tree.

It is a natural instinct to camp under shade on a hot summers day. It always pays to inspect the safety of that shade before your tent is pitched.

The trees I was under, posed an acceptable risk.

My phone and computer were charged, the balmy night was wound up over a herbal tea listening to music. It had been a tiring day in the heat.

With the gentle topography, 70 to 80 km in a day is easily attainable here without being in a hurry.   

 

30/3/2014, Playa de la Agraciada to Mercedes, UY

D84, T5, Av16.05, Max42, Tot 226, 25,730
Hotel

Light northerlies, wet all day, some heavy rain

Sub tropical conditions


Last night was an affair that involved little sleep. The  sky at dusk had been a sight to behold, absolutely lovely colours as the sun set over Argentina on the far side of the river.

All the locals had been complaining about how hot yesterday was. Me too, for that matter.

Anyway come 0130, a front hit my camp. It was a classic type of Mid North coast southerly buster. A heap of blustery hot wind then cold wind followed by rain.

 My little old tent got a hammering.

Though, of most concern were the many Eucalypts around my tent. I had checked them as the tent was pitched.

The deadwood present was only light.

However, in 40 knot winds, even a small piece could render my tent uselss.

I hurredly got up and moved all the gear out to another camp table.

In the meantime, the windblown rain had arrived.

I stripped down just to my raincoat and a bare bum, probably visible to the people in the bar across the car park.

It was a mad rush, everything was getting wet.

Finally, once all was placed in the tent and the tiny vestibule. It was time to crawl back into this little shelter.

The trees were now at a safe distance.

Being a bit damp was of little  concern, tiredness saw to that.

It continued to pour all night. The little Hubba kept me as dry as a bone, some consolation as I was already wet before climbing in.

From 0200 till daylight a state of light sleep existed. Come daylight, the showers eased. Knowing this weather pattern, it was time to move.

Often in these climes, there is a cessation in the rain early in the morning before it again settles in for the day.

A move was made, a coffee brewed, porridge, honey and raisins devoured.

My airbed was soaked on the lower side, everything was damp. It was a case of just packing as best as possible so as not to imbibe anything dry with moisture from things already wet.

The tent went on last, it was probably a kilo heavier with water.

Of all my cycling here in the Americas, never has so much equipment been wet and damp at the beginning of a day.

 In this respect, luck has been with me. I remember many nights where, though it was raining, I was either in a hostal or under some shelter.

My attire for the day was an Ice Breaker tee, Keen sandals, Ice Breaker boxers, Patagonia shorts and my marmot minimalist Goretex coat with cyling gloes.

On my head was my peak hat and neck warmer.

All of it wet.

No sooner than I headed off, as guessed, the rain set in again.

It was 6km back to the highway.

The temperature was a welcome come down from yesterday. Infact it was so refreshing to be bathed in the warm rain.

Riding was good, once on the highway I settled into a cruisy pace and just marveled at all the water running down the road and drains alongside.

After 3 days riding here in Uruguay, observations lead me to describe it as one big farm of soya beans, maize and sorghum. The topography is gently rolling and almost every tree of significance is a good old Aussie Eucalyptus. Parrots abound, so do dead snakes on the road.

It is harvest time here, most bean and maize crops are browning off.

The horizon in many places is dominated by huge silo complexes. Grain trucks are everywhere on the road.

We all wave at each other, these gestures are always comforting , a few cars give me a welcome honk.

Though behind all that glass and metal, many people are probably saying, “Look at that poor bugger”

Little do they know of the pleasure radiating from the totally drenched rider.

The roadside is littered with grain, a lot like Moree in NSW where cotton on the roadside signifies the dominant rural activity in the area.

 Today my small front cog was  hardly used, just after 3 days my strength is returning and the last little remnants of phlegm from the cold have been purged.

Here in Uruguay coke can only be bought in 1 litre glass bottles. So, a litre is being drunk, which is easy in the heat.

I believe that when exercising strenuously for long periods this stuff gives a good sugar hit and cleanses the gut with its acidic properties, that's my excuse anyway.

A litre disappears pretty quick in these mild humid temps.

Riding on, a huge feedlot announced its presence,  long before it was visible.

What a sight, hundreds of cattle just standing looking at me. They were in a huge paddock of nothing but black mud and presumably shit.

It was weird to see the animals just standing motionless. Neither could they sit down or chew grass, they were facing me and looked so bored. What a pitiful existence, just waiting for their next meal of a cocktail of who knows what just to add bulk to their bodies.

A huge silo complex dominated the skyline through the almost visible acrid stink from the enterprise. It was nice to put this sight behind me.

It is not a good idea to think about how these animals exist when chewing on a great steak.

One could only wish they really are dumb, if not, every animal surely would be in a state of depression with a life like that.

Nearing Delores my energy was running very short , the lack of sleep and a hurried breakfast were combining to sap my reserves, some damp bread was chewed enroute just to keep me going.

The big Petrobras station at the entrance to Delores was a welcome sight.

Once in town I asked for the best restaurant with meat. I had forgotten about the black, shitty paddock!!

People directed me to the El Retorno, highly recommended.

Here my wet shirt was changed. It was so damn good to be under shelter with food at hand.

Off course a big bottle of coke literally cascaded into my stomach.

This was accompanied by to pork chops, salad, chips, bread  and a fruit salad.

It cost about $17. Uruguay is quite expensive by Sth American standards.

At the 3 or 4 border crossings into AR across the river. Many people live in AR because it is cheaper and come to work in UY to attain higher wages.

A decision is yet to be made as to where the crossing to AR will be made.

Reluctantly I left the restaurant, though an Instagram post was made, depicting my little banquet.

Using this social medium is becoming quite enjoyable. This is the first time I have used a phone on the trip. Skype serves all my needs both local and international.

The camera on the Samsung struggles with light on occasions so now and again shots are transferred from the Canon.

The real time provided by this toy is great.

Though its presence can be a distraction.

It was still pouring as the road to Mercedes was found. I put some music on and really enjoyed my renewed energy just relishing in  the whole scene.

It truly was so good to be cruising along again, with freedom in the air.

Having waterproof headphones,  favorite music was awash in my head, great stuff, life is so good.

It was an easy 30 km to Mercedes, arriving about 1600, it was decided to be very choosy about accommodation . Having so much wet gear, the establishment had to offer good drying conditions and a big room.

The first place fell short of these needs.

After about an hour of checking out the town and asking around. The Hotel Marin was occupied.

At 600 pesos for a night this was up there with US prices.

The woman gave me some discount, as the internet was infact not working.

 Everything was so wet, water had even made it into my front panniers through the connection points of the outside  pockets, my map holder was wet inside.

Luckily the map of Uruguay and Paraguay is plastic, not so the others to follow. This issue will need to be rectified .

The tent was taken up to the roof to dry in the now breaking sky. The breeze up there helped enormously. A pedestal fan was obtained , a line was strung up in the bathroom and the desiccation of many of my belongings had begun.

For me a hot shower followed by a shave sufficed.

Cold chicken and salad was bought at the supermarket.

Today had been a great test in wet, trying conditions. I think a few more days like this may be on the cards, looking at the weather patterns here. 

The gentle hum of the fan sent me to a peaceful oblivion.   

 

31/3/2014 Mercedes to San Javier
Camping

D92, T5, Av19.61, Max45, T 318, 25784

Fine, light northerlies, 25°


The day was one of clear blue skies, arising coffee was made in the room using the resistencia, great things they are.

 Once packed the owner let me leave my bike inside the courtyard, as things had to be done in town. Things like buying bread, tomatoes and onions for lunch.

Life is very laid back here in Uruguay. Many people are wandering around with their flasks and drinking mate from their mates, it is almost more common a sight here than in AR.

The plant is also grown here in Uruguay. It was great riding in the sun again, my runners were tied onto the front panniers to dry in the air movement around them.

The river Negro was crossed just out of town.

Most rivers encountered so far are a dark colour, a colour that would cause one to hesitate taking water from them, even using a filter.

The intensive agriculture and cropping, probably does not do these water courses any favours, the soil type could also possible add to the colour.

Leaving the main road, Ruta 24 was taken, this was a track with dirt and wet areas in the low spots, for a secondary road it was very basic. Though some 15km it did improve and become concrete.

My body is still adjusting to these warm temperatures, up till now my water intake has not been enough I feel .

There have been times when I just rapidly run out of energy.

Such a time arose today about 1400, it just came upon me. Luckily on the right some few km on from the occurrence, a gate was open into a Eucalypt plantation.

Here hot chocolate, bread rolls, salami, onion and tomatoes were enjoyed.

Each meal taken now, a few cloves of garlic are added.

This is being done in the hope that the mosquitoes will find my blood a little less enjoyable. The garlic here is very strong so hopefully it will have some effect on  their desires to extract my blood.

Leaving here and heading north, 50km had been covered with no tiendas about, my water was almost gone.

Luckily some guys were working on the road. They gave me a heap of deliciously cold water, such a luxury.

At about 1430 the turnoff to San Javier was spotted. This town is on the river.

Many articles about cycling and travel in UY say there is little to see, this I agree with, however the enjoyment is the same as ever. As said, yesterday, the gentle undulations just keep on keeping on as do the soya bean crops.

I was told that much of the crop goes to China and Korea. Many crops appeared relatively poor, compared to many seen in the states where the plants were waist high.

Maybe the soils are better up there or maybe they just use more chemicals and fertilizer.

These riding conditions, if one was in a hurry would allow for hundred plus km days every day.

The gentle climbs are easy going and there is always a relaxed free wheel down attaining speeds around 35-40km.

Once in San Javier about 1830, a drink was enjoyed at a local tienda chatting, they locals said there was a campsite on the river banks.

Time was spent talking with people fishing of the concrete wharf, the woman was using maize for bait.

Soon after I headed to the campground on the foreshores, here there was a welcoming party of mosquitoes.

My neck warmer keeps them off my head and socks go part way to protecting my ankles. I do not want to use sprays. With long pants on it is not so bad.

My tent is so small any within can be eliminated from its confines very easily.

Fried potatoes ware enjoyed, laced with ample chilli and garlic.

The Rio Uruguay forms the border with Argentina, which was only a couple of hundred metres wide to the west of my campsite.

Fisherman, in small dinghies were heading back upstream to the town shores.

I was told they were not commercial but more artesanos.

The night time temperature is quite mild probably about 17°. The small tent is still taking time to get used to. I have been putting a couple of panniers at my feet.

Unfortunately, after a few nights I am finding more room is needed to fully stretch put and allow for a bit of movement during the night.

Hopefully all my equipment except for the bar bag can be stored in the small vestibule area. I am pleased to find the little tent  very weather proof.

Having commenced riding today at about 1100, 90 kms was clocked up very easily, such are the riding conditions here, though a light breeze from the north is present most of the time.

1/4/2014 San Javier to Paysandu
Hotel Concordia

D54, T3, 4.5, Av 16.51, Max 45, 372, 25,876

Overcast, mild, light northerlies


I must say, last nights sleep was pretty ordinary, there were people about, it got a bit cool and the need to have a pee arose twice.

So upon arising this lack of sleep was felt.

I took my time packing, so as to let the condensation dry on the tent.

It is so easy to erect and dismantle in these respects it is great.

Another couple of nights should see me get it all organised. It is taking a bit of time to get used to not being able to have a choice of some classic spread eagle type of sleeping positions.

A bracket that was made for the front rack had failed so this was replaced. More need to be made up at an engineering shop sooner or later. Maybe in AR.

Bread was bought on the way from town.

As expected my energy levels were almost zero after 20km. Pulling over by a dark brown creek.

Four bread rolls with sardines, red onion, tomatoes and garlic were devoured. A full pot of water was enjoyed mate,  for me this stuff is better than coffee during the day.

Whilst enjoying the bread rolls, one of my molars let me know of its presence.

Another filling had failed. The pain very present.

A visit to a dentist is on the cards again.

Getting to Paysandu, some 30km on. Some time was taken to find a hotel. I recommend the Concordia in the middle of town on calle 18 de Julio.

At 500 pesos a night it is good value and ground level rooms.

A dentist was found, he had a look and is going to do the required work in the morning, his first question was did I want it pulled out. It appears pulling teeth is a first choice for some people here.

To date the need for dental work has arisen in every country over the last couple of years. Dental work here in South America is very affordable. So far, all the work I have had done has been very good.

This is the first time the internet has been available since climbing off the ferry at Colonia del Sacramento five days ago.

A huge chicken salad was enjoyed at a locals only haunt.

The room has a ceiling fan so a bit of washing was done, knowing it will dry fairly rapidly.

Deirdre had this article sent to her by a friend and forwarded it to me. It can be found on the inside of Leon Cohens album, “Songs from the Road”


Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of The New Republic, wrote an essay for the CD jacket cover. An ode to Cohen’s poetic largess and nomadic spirit, “The Art of Wandering” suggests that “itinerancy refreshes and expands the spirit”, (as does Cohen’s music). I like that.

 It’s as good an explanation as any for why my life has always been on the move, changing its cloak when things get too stale or staid. ( not my words, but an apt description of my life also)

The road is not a line between places; it is a place between places, a place of its own. You cannot understand the ravishments of the road unless you overcome the logistical way of looking at things, which is perhaps the most powerful impediment that our hustling way of life puts in the way of experience. Since we cling to a mainly instrumental view of the road, we have forgotten how to be travellers and we are tourists instead, sitting still before the window and watching the world speed past, when in fact we are the ones who are speeding and it is the world that is still, for those who possess the capacity for stillness. We are too enamoured of destinations. We hunger too much for arrival. We treat the road as an interval between meanings, an interregnum between dispensations, and so we are blinded to the richness of meanings and dispensations in the road itself. If departure is the past and arrival is the future, then the road is the present, and there is nothing more spiritually difficult, or spiritually rewarding, than learning to live significantly in the present. This is accomplished by a schooling in transience, and the road is such a school. Almost as powerfully as the sea and the sky, the road is an emblem of immensity: the horizon into which it disappears is the promise of a release, which is the promise of a horizon, which is the promise of a release. From the stretch of even the most ordinary road, you may infer a suggestion of infinity.

Perhaps this is why singers and preachers have often preferred to wander: itinerancy refreshes and expands the spirit. By means of the unfamiliar, it makes complacence harder (though the cult of the road also has its conventions). The wanderer is the figure who recognizes the gift of alienation. The stranger may be powerless, but he has the force of a fresh eye and an unexpected mind: the inner advantage belongs to him. He knows no stasis. It is of course for sustenance that the singer and the preacher roam from town to town, but not only for material sustenance. The gig is an opportunity to gain distance (which is a gain) and to observe more; to do it differently and better; maybe even to get it right. In some of his songs about wandering, Schubert insisted upon the lucky break of homelessness: "Everything seems clear; nothing is distorted, or withered in the heat of day. Happy in my surroundings, if alone, I go." "There, where you are not, there is happiness." The wanderer may be weary, but so is the man plumply at home, the stationary man, the undiversified man, the solvent man, the man who lives in the illusion that he knows all he needs to know and sees all he needs to see.

PictureThirty minutes into UY and their famous friendliness is exposed, Eduardo, an Uruguallo, was a great help with some local knowledge.

PicturePlaza de Toros Colonia del sacramento

PictureA mixture of transportation

PictureAs it turned out my camp was to close to the trees.

PictureThe roadside was littered with grain.

PictureThe night at San Javier, free camping with electricity and water plus toilets provided by the council. great facilities. Mosquitoes thought so too.

PictureGreat to see Ben after 15 months, possibly a similar time before we catch up, we are not to know.

PictureWaterfront, Carmelo, Rio Uruguay

PictureBack in the sub tropics, Orchids and Bromeliads, camp ground Playa de la Agraciada

PicturePlaya de la Agraciada, before the front hit. Looking towards Argentina across the river Uruguay

PictureMore transportation, Delores

PictureRio Negro, Mercedes

PictureExcuse me. But for fucks sake!! Nothing against UY. The animals' expression in the foreground says it all.

PictureThese silos were as common as birds on a powerline! Nearly!!! Green, best describes the pastured land.

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