Pituil

July 2, 2025

It felt a lot warmer this morning than it has for the past few days which made the first few kilometers a lot easier. A late start (it was a quarter to eleven by the time we got going) also helped. Bright sunshine and no wind made it even better.

The route took us gently uphill following the Rio de los Sauces all the while passing through small villages with hardly a few hundred meters separating one village from another.

Once we turned westwards away from the river and into the semi-desert we climbed about two hundred meters in a straight line over six kilometers. The ultimate slow poison.

Partway up the climb looking back towards the Rio de los Sauces and the mountain that lies to the east of the river.

After the crest of the climb there was a slight kink in the road which then carried on straight until Pituil. Other journals have noted how mind numbing this section of Ruta Cuarenta is but but we really enjoyed the ride with the mountains surrounding us more than compensating for the straight road. Of course, the arid landscape also an environment in which I feel at peace.

We took our time, stopping to bird as the opportunities presented themselves, and arrived in Pituil at around four o'clock.

Many of the birds we are seeing now are familiar to us from our journeys further south. Here is a Chimango Caracara (Milvago chimango), a falcon with crow-like behaviour that makes it somewhat unlikeable.

Far more attractive is this White Monjita (Xolmis irupero).

If an owl is seen during the day in the arid parts of South America it is most likely going to be a Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia).

Arriving in Pituil at four meant we were still in the siesta period so we had a long wait until the lady arrived to open up our digs for us.

These Blue-crowned Parakeets (Thectocercus acuticaudatus) were feeding in the trees in front of the apartment while we waited to be given access.

Tomorrow we head for Chilecito where we have an apartment booked for two nights. Friday is our wedding anniversary so a rest day would be appropriate.

Today's ride: 54 km (34 miles)
Total: 2,116 km (1,314 miles)

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Elspeth JarmanHappy Anniversary you two! Hope you manage to celebrate in as much style as Chilecito allows.
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4 weeks ago

Jean-Marc StrydomTo Elspeth JarmanThank you. We stumbled upon a good restaurant for lunch - various empenades and a very nice Torrontés. Supermarkets not so good and I am I'm struggling to find decent coffee before my stash runs out.
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3 weeks ago