'taller mechanico'

Yesterday we 'made our way' up into the mountains east of Santiago to San Alfonso - except that 'making our way' is a euphemism for spending a great deal of time in the light industrial areas (with loads of oily, smelly, dirty, falling down buildings, greasy bits and pieces - advertising themselves as 'taller mechanico') of two large towns (San Bernardino and Puente Alto) in an attempt to head eastwards to the said destination. Fortunately (always look on the bright side) it wasn't raining (or snowing) and we managed to maintain reasonably high spirits - even though I was somewhat desperate to visit the ladies. We didn't exactly drive around in circles because the roads, such as they are, are built on a grid system and the clever driver and navigator (obviously not me) eventually got us on the right road (a bit by accident), but largely with the assistance of the compass on his super watch! The map was completely useless and the compass ruled the day. We had one or two minor adventures on the way, such as the visit to the supermarket (out of desperation for ladies) which was fortuitous to say the least. Very few people appear to frequent supermarkets here and there couldn't have been more than a dozen - as if I cared, being only interested in the loo.

Having arrived, we spent last night in a Heidi-like log cabin, with accompanying woodburning stove. All was very cosy, except that the stove was quite high maintenance - just as well my travelling companion is a bit of a night owl! Off to explore, in the hope of locating a Diademed Sandpiper Plover higher up the mountain - although it's not actually the right time of year. If you don't know what one looks like, I suggest you google it as it is something a bit special.

Travelling notes from yesterday
Observed on motorway:
horse and cart
bus stop
snow capped mountains
fruit stall selling oranges and lemons
Later on in 'taller mechanico' (in the thick of it), car was actually filled with petrol by attendant and windscreen washed (simple pleasures!)
Cost of petrol 60p per litre (pleased husband)
On arrival in the latish afternoon, saw approx. 15 Andean Condors