DAY 10 continued

After leaving los boqueanos, I made my way to what I thought was the road for Lago Pehoe camping, but turned off the main road too quickly and found my way at a dead end. Fortunately no road in this park is without its merits and I found myself in awe of the magnificent vistas of mountains, sky, boulders, condors, and an unexpected cattle ranch at the end. As lovely as the area was, there was no camping available except inside a bare and not very inviting structure designed to house those in need with a roof and floor but nothing more. I decided to retrace my steps and drive another 1.5 hours. Seeing the same views twice however is virtually impossible. The sky is constantly changing and with it the light and landscape.

After my various peregrinations around the park, some anticipated and others not, the gas in my car was running low. However filling my car in the park was deemed, after several inquiries, virtually impossible and most suggested that I head back the two hours to Porto Natales and then return. This option did not appeal to me.

On my way to the camping, taking my chances, and figuring something was likely to come my way, as I watched the gas gauge dipping closer to empty, I stopped at a lovely little hotel with a magnificent view. I couldn’t help but ask, once again, about some gas. There was a young man at the reception and after my inquiry he turned to an older gentleman who was standing less than a foot away. In minutes I was following him to my car where he brought over 10 liters of gas and at a fair price I was again on my way.

My decision to carry on to the camping at Lago Pehoe had paid off. I found myself along another beautiful lake at a very well maintained camping area with hot showers, an excellent restaurant, extremely kind, helpful staff and where I happily settled in after a long day.