La Viña

June 20, 2025

Heavy traffic again for the first half of today's ride which was through fields of maize for much of the time.

Most of the maize has dried completely but we saw a few fields that were still quite green, I assume a variety that ripen very late because tomorrow is the winter solstice.

After Coronel Moldes the traffic eased a bit and agriculture gave way to more natural vegetation.

Birding was also good and was a nice distraction from the traffic.

Our constant companions today were noisy flocks of Mitred Parakeets (Psittacara mitratus).

Also many Roadside Hawks (Rupornis magnirostris). We saw them for the first time yesterday having last seen them in Mexico three years ago.

Our first Saffron Finches (Sicalis flaveola) since Uruguay five years ago.

Despite its dowdy appearance, this is a female Red Pileated Finch (Coryphospingus cucullatus). The males are a gorgeous crimson.

La Viña is a neat little village with an excellent municipal campsite. The ablution block is spotless and the shower amongst the best we have had on this trip.

Some more camping planned for tomorrow as well. Either at the simple campsite at Los Abritos or wildcamping further up the valley towards Cafayate.

Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles)
Total: 1,585 km (984 miles)

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