With Argentineans being the world’s biggest meat-eaters, no decent petrol station
came without a grassy area and a few barbeque pits, making it a convenient place
to pitch the tents. Route 7 was a major transport route and, generally, petrol
stations doubled as truck stops. These places mostly came with clean toilets as
well as showers. The majority had hot water on tap as it was inconceivable to go
without a flask of mate. All this made camping trouble-free along the Pampas.
Vedia – Junin – 58 km
The wind picked up during the night. Luckily, it wasn’t as bad as expected.
Instead, traffic was a much bigger problem. My legs felt tired and we ended the
day’s ride in Junin. I seemed hungry all the time, and following a visit to the
supermarket, I had my fill of bread and cheese as there appeared little else around
except meat, meat and more meat.
Junin – Carmen de Areco – 126 km
The next day, a tailwind made it effortless cycling. Not wanting to waste a tailwind,
we proceeded to Carmen de Areco. With it being Sunday, traffic was much
reduced, and biking was a pleasure.
Carmen de Areco had three petrol stations. The best was the YPF with a
substantial picnic area at the rear, a children’s play park and plenty of barbeque
areas. Perfect. Ernest cooked the usual pasta, and after a beer and a hefty serving
of pasta, I was off to bed.