Day 670 – South America – Argentina [Laguna Oscura to Vicuna Mackenna]


20/02/22

43.5km

  From Laguna Oscura (Argentina) to Vicuna Mackenna (Argentina)

South America


Enjoying the side trail away from the Ruta 7 on a beautiful sunny day – and some rescue action

After Mendoza and San Luis, 3rd region crossing is Cordoba

It’s under bright blue skies that I set out along Ruta 7 this morning. And just as yesterday, I went straight to the little trail running parallel to the road. It’s at time sandy, muddy or grassy – but in general fairly well maintained. My only fear whilst running there is encountering snakes, but so far I’ve been lucky. I surprised a big lizard (about 1m long) that was asleep in the middle of the track and he ran for his life when he heard me. I did not have time to pull my camera from the bag, it was a great sight.

Grassy trail – like running on a carpet

As my run was planned to finish in Vicuna Mackenna where our hotel is, I relieved James from his sherpa duties today – free to go and explore the old railway track on his bike, and discover all the steam engines abandoned along the tracks. On the way to my re-start point, I dropped a 2l water bottle, hidden on a road fence. And how great it was to find it exactly where I had left it, 25km into my run. It was hot and sunny and it came handy.

Dog rescue action in Vicuna Mackenna

As I finished my run in Vicuna Mackenna on the main road, I proceeded to walk towards our hotel. There about 200m in front of me I spotted a dog being hit by a car. The car did not stop, the dog howled in pain. I sprinted towards him, seeing how he made his way to the middle section of the road on his front legs, unable to use his back legs. I came to his side, trying to calm him, and waved at every car that passed to get some help. James arrived on his bike and the dog seemed to relax a bit as he was being talked to, provided with shade and water – but obviously in great pain. We managed to gather quite a few people (including a the local police patrol) and found a number of good samaritans, willing to help on a Sunday. That was a relief, I hope the dog is getting good care.

Enjoy the video of today’s run: https://www.relive.cc/view/vxOQYPZVGMO



Check my daily run GPS data on or

Here is the map of today’s run: