Day 16 started with a very welcome sleep in - until 8am! aking in our own rooms wigthin a studio apartment was a rare joy - as was the strong WiFi signal as we took the chance to update iPods (I think I have heard all my songs at least 5 times by now) and call loved ones.
For the second day in a row as we went to chack out Dad had lost the key again! Asx the others boarded their steeds with engines running we frantically searched the apartment for our key. Dad had lost they key in the last town and had sworn black and blue that he had handed iot the the surly manager in the last town. After ten frantic minutes we found the key....to the last apartment in Dad's Jacket! Finally both keys were located and a rather sheepish Dad organinsed for the key from the night before to be mailed back (internal mail in Argentina - if mailed express - takes 15-18 days to arrive!).
Finally we set off on the bikes - into peak hour! Scary is an understatemengt - at one point we had three bikes abreast in a 2 lane road only to have 2 cars try and pass in the gap in between us! We were all pretty glad to get back on the highway.
The morning was a pleasant ride and finally it was starting to get warmer - we finally hit 20 degress for a short while.
Lunch was great as the group imbibed in more sandwiches and a potato salad made by the boys - I have never been so glad to get some veges in my system.
The afternoon was the best ride of the whole trip! Amazing - over a mountain pass, down through forrest and past a beautiful lake! For the riders out there this was a 120km patch of the best motorbike riding roads ever created! 120km sweepers and perfect road conditions. This one ride alone made the trip worthwhile - when we got there we all wanted to turn around and do it all over again!
Finally we arrived in the town of Bariloche. This town was founded by Swiss, German and French immigrants and is a famous tourist destination that boasts the best Chocolate in the world - the ladies on the trip were excited!
We stayed on the outskirt of town on the lake in custom designed wood cabins (again we got to spread out) that were the best accomodation thus far on the trip! Truely beautiful and a place I would love to visit again.
After arriving and the usual unpacking process Dad and I took a ride to get some supplies - Beer and Bacon! The cabins had a kitchen andx we promised ourselves Bacon for breakfast! So exciting! :)
As we left the cabins to the local Supermercado (our Spanish is getting progressively less impressive with every passing day) we had to dodge obstacles for the second time today - this time the local dogs who love to say Hi in their own special way - by running directly at the bikes and trying to trip you up.
The Supermercado was brilliant as we topped up on all supplies - yes we found and trying to trip you up! We found bacon - should we get the 500gram pack or the 1kg pack - tough decision - we got three large packs - One each! :)
When we got back the Cabin owners put on a traditional Argentinian Assado - BBQ. This was a real highlight as the BBQ was in their back yard with great company, their whole famiuly including dogs, more meat than you could ever consume and beautiful surrounds. The best BBQ of the trip (there have been a few!) and a home cooked meal. The funny moment of the night was when gthe Blood sausage was served - we all lost our nerve and declined - the toughest dodge of the day!
As we head off to bed we are all excited about the day off to explore Bariliche tomorrow!
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