From this........

..........to this.........

We are now in Patagonian Lake District and the scenery is suddenly much greener with crystal clear rivers and lakes. We have been eating trout and tried our luck fishing for our own catch! 

We have been camping in the wilderness for a few days, the photos below show getting the bike to the pitch, our new multi fuel stove and kettle (thanks for that, rob) that we love, and a giant kingfisher who kept us company! 

Late Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas all, bit late!
Our Christmas day started with a jog - at 0800 - yes very early but too hot any later! We had a picnic Christmas lunch of bread, olives, avocado, tomato and cheese next to the Rio Atuel. After that we went white water rafting which was great fun!

Thanks for the card Nobby - it made it to San Rafael!

4300 km

So far we have travelled 4300 km on the bike - through ever changing scenery and terrain. Most of the roads so far have been tarmac of sorts but we have also been on stone and mud tracks. It has been quite hard going on the bike in the heat!

After we left Iguazu we travelled west across an area called the Chaco where it was over 40 degrees! Dee said it was like the Australian outback! This took us to Salta and then south on Ruta 40 in the foot hills of the Andes. We travelled through the Quebrada de Cafayate, a mini Grand Canyon with its amazing rock formations. We have travelled on very solitary roads and we seem very insignificant in the middle of nowhere and in a real adventure. We are now in Barreal west of Ruta 40.

Wildlife

We have seen lots of wildlife on the road and at Iguazu National Park. These photos are taken in the wild:
In order they are various Mariposa  (butterflies), Plush Crested Jay, Coati, Robin (!), baby Coati, Golden Tegu Lizard  (one for you Catherine!), spiders, Cicada.
We also saw lots of birds we did not get photos of including Flamingo, loads of birds of prey, Rhea and various Vultures.

These photos were from the rehab centre:
Black and white Hawk Eagle, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Broad Nosed Caiman, Capybara and Toucan.

The road kill is quite big here!!
Unfortunately this Yacare Caiman (We think), had been hit on the road.

Iguazu Falls

They are too big to describe - see the pictures!!!