I've crossed the Andes. It was by far the most difficult mountain range I've been in. Literally blood, sweat and tears were spilled in the three and a half months I've been rolling through that range. I was in a valley cresting a low hill when a view of the plains spread out before me. Just like that there were no more ridges to cross. I sat there for a while to play guitar and look at the terrain ahead, reflect on all the climbs behind me, catch my breath. The final descent took me through a landscape of technicolor. I felt like I had stepped into the land of Oz. It was a fittingly spectacular exit.
That exit deposited me on plains of vast pastures and occasional cotton fields. To emphasize the contrast between the new landscape and the mountains I spent seven days biking a stretch of road that had no turns to speak of. Relaxing is the best way I can describe it. I've been hanging my hammock in tree farms and sleeping in my tent on the pastures with the cows and horses and occasional ostrich running by. The standout bit of scenery was Iguazu falls. They were loud, massive and beautiful. I think it is best just to let the pictures elaborate for me.
I've had great interactions in Argentina too. Twice I've been invited inside for the night, wonderful meals, home made cookies, bon fires and good company included. In the small towns I've had new friends make me sandwiches, give me sticks of salami, fill my water bottles. Occasionally a cowboy will ride up to me in the early morning or on their way home for the evening as I am camping in their pastures. Their big concern is always that I will be cold in the night. It is about the nicest thing they could say. Their immediate concern for my well being warms my heart.
On a side note, I get a lot of compliments on my photos, thank you for that. By far the single most complimented blog post was from a year ago. The post where all the photos were taken by Emily. Since we parted she has past her first year of med school and I have managed to be somewhere else. Apparently being somewhere else is what I excel at. Currently Emily is spending the summer helping conduct a survey of prenatal care in Africa. She spends most of her time in Rwanda and has a blog full of pictures. If you would like to check it out you can find it at climbathousandhills.com.
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