22nd December Puerto San Julian – Rio Galligos 228 miles

Fred leaves early and said he will be back if no gas but he does not return so everything must be OK. It is amasing that this area is rich in oil reserves and produces all the oil requirement s for Argentina, yet gas stations have no fuel, must be industrial relations!!
We break camp and go to the restaurant Frank was in last night as they have a good internet connection, I update the blog and then write the latest edition which I am unable to upload as we get a power cut.
OK lets go, first stop gas, no, none until tomorrow, we try the other gas station and same story. The next gas stop is 110 miles away but we should have enough for 200, so off we go and thankfully find fuel at the next station.
At the gas stop we say an Audi Quattro look aloike, it had had panels fitted to disguise its original identy, we are still not sure what it was originally, to complete the makeover two 4 inch diameter exhaust pipes. This car was for sale and Martin enquired ‘how much’ but unfortunately could not understand his reply, probably too many noughts.
In case you wondered, yes the wind is still there, also we seemed to have climber a bit and it would seem we are at about 280 metres and wind up a couple of hills and oone would think a fantastic view awaits. Well we made 350 metres but no view and we stayed at that altitude for about the next 20 miles and then slowly descended over the next 100 miles.
As we near Rio Galligos, having travelled 200 miles on a 2 lane road, we come across a motorway, the first we have seen and follow it all the way into town along with about 6 other vehicles. We stop and fill up and then look for the campsite. It is a well maintained site with grassy pitches and we pitch our tents along with a French Canadian girl who is backpacking.
Another word about roads, having come into town on a motorway interstingly as soon as you turn off the main road you are on ripio again, who thinks this up.
We go into town and check out the sea front, nothing to write home about unfortunately so off for dinner.
The restaurant we choose Lonely Planet states is the best in town and mains cost $4.50 - $7. OK, first thing, no menu, a waitress struggles to make us understand but the chef suddenly turns up and decides to loo after us. Langoustine to start, rack of ribs for main and a nice bottle of Malbec. We have no idea of price but what a fantastic meal. I also now know we have to double or treble the prices in my Lonley Planet guide.
Back to the camp and there is a party celebration and kids are running around shouting and a group have decided to cook and assardo next to Martins tent, bear in mind it is now 1.15 am. Oh well bed beckoned and I have to say I was disgruntled about the noise for about 5 minutes, goodnight.