And continues

December 16, 2010

We aren't moving from here unless Gas stations have received fuel. We took the bikes out in search of fuel and the first station had a line up literally around the block and started double backing on itself. This was a good sign, as fuel was delivered last night. Getting fuel would probably take 3 hours though, so we carried on to the second station, no fuel. We decided to head out to the station on highway some 6kms away. 3 cars in que. We filled up in a matter of 5 minutes and headed back to the hostel to pick up our belongings. Knowing Rio Gollegos is 370kms form here and if there is now gas en-route, Michael and I stick our needles on 100kph. This will give our bikes the range to arrive without fuel if the gas station mid way has no fuel. We reach the station and a small line up keeps us from pulling up to the pumps. After fueling,  the ride continues.

At about the 180km from our start this morning, we are forced to pull out our rain gear as the sky is looking very thick and sprinkles are starting to hit our windshields. Immediately, we are in rain, then sleet, then snow, all the while the temperature is plummeting. My digital thermometer starts flashing at or about 4ºc, meaning that the batteries are low, due to the cold. About 80kms of wet stuff, then the air clears enough to allow us passage to Rio Gallegos.

 
Gas stations here have small line ups and we see 3 tankers filling the tanks, one after another. I think this may be a good sign. Uli and Annaleen's coordinates to the hotel are bang on and we are happy. Both concerns solved and we still have time for lunch, a cruise around town, knowing that we are prepared for tomorrows ride to Punta Arenas, Chile. No gas strike there.