It ain't over
Trip Start
Oct 01, 2009
1
35
46
Trip End
Ongoing
Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
There is a lot to do in Mendoza and rafting is one of them. Whilst on the bus all the way to the start point of the river, it looked to be quite tame. I also said that I would try and stay as far away from Canadians as possible after my incident with a couple in Baņos, Ecuador. However, the guide we had was Canadian and an awful lot of safe fun, although Mark may disagree (you will understand later). It was quite hard work, all of it and it was mainly down a river of chocolate milk. I hoped that I would not drink any of the water but I had no such luck when a wall of Nesquick headed for my face full pelt.
There were about 3 boats in all and we stopped for a really nice lunch in an abandoned train station but most sitting in the shade as not to keel over from sun stroke. After which we all survived through some rapids named "Terminator" and that is when my face got pounded and I drank an awful lot of dirt. Toward the end the guide told us to jump out which I was up for due to the swealtering heat. Mark and I were completely in sync with my 123 count but somehow the americans and one Chilean were a little slow. They were not slow to get back to the boat however, as were I and Mark...........most of all Mark. The guide shouted get back in before the bridge and as you can see in the picture Mark found posing more important than living!!!!
A few wel deserved beers (which I was constantly reminded that they were a necessity for somone after his near death experience).
Another sweaty hot morning and we were off to drive quad bikes around to vinyards and a liquory (If that is what you call it). The quad bikes were a lot of fun although I could not quite get mine over a ditch on the side of the road although we did go through a bout of bumps, I guess similar to moguls, to all those ski people out there. At the wine tasting I was a little worried that my bikes steering would be affected but I am pretty sure that it was improved. We tasted with an old couple from New Mexico whom weere very pleasent. He kept on trying to drop a cork and for it to stand upright - I think he was already drunk but the lady seemed to be quite sober.
After that we went to a strange Liquor distillary and tried more alcohol.......by this point my bike had 6 wheels and was slightly larger. However, we did make it to the final destination all in one piece, being a swimming pool and park type place. We needed a medical that cost 15 pesos. She asked us our names and that was a pass!!!! I think I just about passed due to the consumption earlier. After all this we had a quiet afternoon by the local pool.
