Plan was an early start in reality it was about 10am as we get on the bikes so it starts to rain. It is already cool so the rain was a bit grim however there was less wind. Some things even make rain ok. We had been told by Olmu and Fernado that there was not much of interest on the next stint of ruta 3. So heading North we go out onto the Pampas they are right mile upon mile of flat grass land. The road fortunately is not dead straight there are steep curves every so often, always to negotiate with a truck coming fast in the opposite direction. The land is also dissected by numerous rivers and small lakes giving a home to large amounts of wildlife particularly birds, on a few occasions today we saw Flamingos wading in the water. All along the road Guanaco herds are grazing. The bike seems to spook them as we pass so far they have run the opposite way. Although by the amount of road kill around this does not always happen.

At least we are back on pavement, it is a grey cold day and the wind never stops. We stop for a warm up and a bite to eat santa cruz. We ordered what we thought was 2 empanadas (small pasty) when they arrived we had 20 or more to eat. Lucky they tasted great.

The weather remains very grey cold clouds hang low over the altiplano generally a miserable day.
On the out skirts of Puerto san juliano it starts raining hard water flowing down the street. So cold.
We carried on a few more miles but we are soaked water running through my gear. I was really glad when Tom decided to stop. Now to find a hotel I walk into reception of one lovely polished tiled floor I am so wet that the rain is running out of my gear all over the floor. Fortunately they were very understanding and find us a room.