Miranda

July 5, 2025

We managed our earliest start in a long time - a quarter to nine. The sun had yet to rise above the hills but it was enough light for safe cycling. The reason for the early start was so that we could reach Miranda in time to watch the Springboks play Italy, the match starting at ten past twelve.

The first 17 kilometers were downhill to Nonogasta dropping about two hundred meters. Then we had a net gain of over five hundred meters over the next 17 kilometers as we made our way to Miranda.

Mostly around 3% but Leigh sensibly walked a steep section.

We are very much in the mountains again.

Upon our arrival in Miranda, a sparse scattering of buildings along sides of Ruta Cuarenta, we discovered the digs at which we hoped to spend the night was closed. With the match due to start in a few minutes we hot-footed it back down the hill for a kilometer or so to a restaurant which kindly allowed us to use their wifi to watch the match. A few empenades and a large beer helped seal the deal.

For the record, the Springboks won but struggled far more against a game young Italian side than expected. The coach commented after the match that the only injuries they sustained were bruised egos.

Our digs for the night is an enormous house that has been turned into a hostal. It must have been an impressive residence twenty years ago but is now in need of some love and attention. The plumbing was being repaired when we arrived so we had to wait a few hours before we could have a shower.

I had hoped to do some birding in this rural setting but, with the late shower, the sun set within ten minutes of me getting outside with my camera and binoculars. This Blue-crowned Parakeet is all I got before the sun dipped behind the mountains.

The house is rather cold but Juan, the young owner, kindly lit a fire for us.

Tomorrow we continue our climb with the summit being more than 600 meters above us. We'll be back at over 2000 meters above sea level before dropping down to Los Tambillos where we will probably spend the night.

Today's ride: 35 km (22 miles)
Total: 2,224 km (1,381 miles)

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