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Published: April 12th 2013
More Mountain Passes and Rain Forests.
After a late morning departure from Cafayate, we made a run for the Taffe de Valle, where we had a great lunch in super fine weather. Leaving our lunch stop, there was low cloud in the direction we were going, this turned into a wet and cold decent through the rain forest of the Taffe de Valle.
Once we had descended below the cloud, it warmed up again and we arrived at Concepcion in fine weather.
Leaving Concepcion the next morning en route to Andalgala via the Questa La Chilca mountain pass. This turned out to be a highlight for all the riders, as we ride through lush rainforest again, but this time in fine weather. Terry showed a new parking trick, called parallel parking, this saves vertical space. He managed it by stopping on a rock, which led to the manoeuvre, we are not sure that it will catch on, as you need a friend with you to extract yourself from under the moto!! good one, Terry.
Radars, KLR was running the best it has ever done, and he was so happy with all this extra power!!!
There were
Scratch
The healthy option for lunchmany opportunities for photo shoots as the road wound its way up the mountain onto a plateau with a few towns spread along the way. We come to a sight that says 50km to Andalgala, so every one thinks they will be there in half an hour or so.....well not so, as the road had to drop us down 1,000m down the mountain from here. Wow, what a road this is, with winding and twisting along the side of the mountain, I will post a couple of photos, but you have sorta gota be here!! As we arrived at the gas station in Andalgala, Paso Jack picked up a sharp nail, that deflated his tyre. As Rodrigo is 'In Training' Scratch took charge and put Rodrigo through tyre training for BMW's, this saves Scratch from getting too dirty and not getting his fingers jammed between the rim and tyre, that's Rodrigo's job. They had plenty of advice from the pit crew nearby! All in a job well done Rodrigo!
The next day in Andalgala, is sort of like a 'day off'. We leave our luggage at the hotel and ride 50 km (it took 2 hours) up another mountain
pass to Mina Capallitas where they mine the semi precious stone, Rodocrosita, from the Santa Rosa mine. This is a family owned mine and all the family are involved. They have built a Hotel up there and after our trek to the mine, we had lunch and returned to Andalgala for the night.
As Terry was not feeling 100% yet, and Scratch's BMW had no rear shock, Scratch took the Tiger for a run up to the mine and back, while Terry came with Rocky and me in the truck.
There were a few tired little puppies after our 'day off' so it was an early night all round, well nearly early, as most Restaurants don't open until 9.00 pm.
The run from Andalgala to La Rioja was uneventful, apart from loosing Terry and Howard, they eventually turned up after having their own adventure finding La Rioja.
We are now on the run 'home' with return shipping details confirmed, but we still have a few days of adventure to fill yet, so until the next Blog, Cheers from Rosco in Argentina.
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Kay Simmons
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Hello Rosco from Awanui
What a special couple of days I have had with Raewyn - in the peaceful surrounds of the property. The weather has been ideal after the 37 - 42 I left. Have spent time with your travel books and this blog. Keep thinking the countries you travel in are like an artist's pallet. Stunning contrasts for others to enjoy through the lens! I have 17 days in NZ and head back to Whangarei this afternoon. Raewyn and I are off to Kaitaia to the markets this morning. Nice to have a chat. Love from Kay