Dia 116 - Monday April 4, 2011: Mendoza to Cordoba Road Day

The 450-mile NE route we took went through multiple terrains with the receding, glacier-capped Andes as the western backdrop. First, the agricultural valleys were vibrant, particularly the vineyards at harvest. Gradually, the pampas (plains) came up followed by a semi dry desert; then rocky mountain ranges, parkland and more agricultural valleys. Our lunch at a roadside parillada (grill) had some new meat tastes: Sizzling grilled fresh chinchulines (chitlins), vacio (marinated skirt steak), costillas (sizzling short ribs), rinon (kidney), 2 types of sausages, etc. were delicious. Although Carol & I shared a single order, we just can’t eat this much meat very often.

There were 2 worries: The old one – lack of road information for navigation; and a new one – whole towns or regions without gasoline in their gas stations. Imagine the worry when numerous gas stations in a large crossroad town have been without gas for 2 days. The car was running on fumes when we found gas but were limited to 4 gallons. A small propina allowed me another 100 pesos worth. As to navigation information, none of our maps were complete and even when they were, missing or lacking road signs meant that we had to resort to dead reckoning and asking locals for directions. They were always clear in their minds on the landmarks, but distance was relative – e.g., 5 kilometers means anything to 25 KM and sometimes they couldn’t read a map to show us on paper. With a little patience and humor, we always get to our destination. I sure miss a good navigation device. Unfortunately, I lost even the limited motorcycle GPS.

Aside: I lost my bifocals, and Carol forgot her hair dryer at a hotel. I guess we are having a grand time. It is just what the adventure has to throw at us from now and then!

In Cordoba, we are at small golf hotel next to the Cordoba Golf Club. A caddy will come tomorrow at 8:30 to carry our clubs to the course. CGC had the highest Golf Digest rating for Cordoba. The day after, we will try to get in an early morning round on a course on the way to Rosario.