Esquel - from our campsite
Woke quite late and opened the bus curtains to see the same view of Pampas which gradually changed from flat and sun scorched to gently undulating with the odd tree. Snow capped mountains appeared on the horizon and the vegetation slowly started to turn green. At a rest stop we chatted to a cycling couple from New Zealand who told stories of people paying for bus tickets, only for there to be no space for their bikes and the usual cycling horror stories. At 2.00 we arrived at quite a large bus station and re-assembled the bikes and cycled off in search of a camp site. We found one up a steep rocky track and pitched the tent in warm sunshine and no wind! Spent the day drinking coffee, admiring the huge street trees (which was a novelty after Torres del Paine) and sitting in the plaza eating ice cream. During the evening a family arrived and we had to endure the following common camping habits. 1. Park the car and turn the stereo on with the doors open so they face the campers next to you. 2. Shout instead of talk 3.Throw the tent on the floor and crack open a few beers in the hope you will get inspiration on how it all goes together. 4. Admire the talent of your children as they compete in a dog howling competition. 5. Search the area for dead wood, fence posts, living wood (use your children to climb trees if necessary) and make a big wood pile. Thank goodness for ear plugs.
Bus journey leg stretch stop.
A well used play area!
A modern version ACA sign
Street trees of Esquel
Street art bins!
