(El Bolson) Thanks Obama

It wasn't enough that Obama chose to visit Argentina at the same time that we are here, or even Bariloche, but he had to come and visit Llao Llao which is on the same street that we are staying on. As is the case wherever he goes, our street was subject to closures all throughout the day so that his convoy could move freely. In order to avoid being stuck here, we struck out early on a two hour drive south to El Bolson.

We chose El Bolson because it was largely built up as a result of waves of hippies in the 70's and 80's, and because it is in Patagonia (albeit the far northwestern corner of that region). After another beautiful drive, we found a rather dusty and very transitory town. Waves of backpackers, hitch-hikers and folks who seem down on their luck bring the main street to life, and keep the bus terminal humming. While trying to figure out what to do with our day, we found the best vegetarian meal we have had in Argentina at Jauja (no doubt a vestige of the town's hippie roots) and excellent ice cream at the same place.  Little did we know that, aside from the drive, that meal would be the highlight from Bolson.

We tried to visit a few sights, taking good 'ole Clio through El Bolson's run-down side and up and around some difficult dirt roads. We first visited Cabeza del Indio, a rock outcrop that vaguely looks like a head. Upon reaching the parking lot, we encountered two guys who were collecting money to enter (we think it was above board, but they were comically perched on a fence, eating cheetos and very interested in talking to us about the U.S.  After milking that excursion for all it was worth, we spent about an hour romping around more dirt roads to find the waterfall Cascada Mallin Ahogado, which was not very well marked. Upon arriving we encountered another man collecting money who told us where the bathroom was before the waterfall - that should have been a hint - so we won't even bother posting a photo.

After those two excursions, we made our way back to Bariloche, visiting Lake Muscardi and otherwise enjoying the scenery.  We were able to sneak back down our road before Obama closed it again, and watched the sunset from our deck with a glass of Argentine wine.