The cycling Gods decided to laugh at me today by providing a nice, strong headwind. No worries, I can ride slowly like the best of them! I did manage to make it out of the lowest gear a few times, but that was just for pedaling down some rather solid hills. Not going to lie, I missed my touring bike today, but Winner and I made it with a paltry 6 gears and some determination. Besides, it gave me an excuse to stop a lot and admire the views.


The first third of the ride was along a barely used coastal road. I did catch rush hour because at one point at least 5 cars went by, and then it was over. Not long after that, I saw an Uruguayan snow plow. Well, they don't have snow, but this tractor was clearing sand off the road. Warm country problems! What a fabulous road though. The coast became rockier and it was clear that we were getting closer to the Atlantic.


Progress was so slow that I was able to see some very cool looking birds and even found a birds nest built into a traffic sign. Another bonus of coastal roads is that the sand quickly covers up any exposed skin, reducing the need for sunscreen!


Now it is time for some people watching in Punte del Este. It is quite the vacation destination for Argentinians and Brazilians apparently. Fortunately I am slightly ahead of high season so it is rather calm and a lot less expensive now. Still, I have heard English spoken twice so there are tourists here. The Spanish spoken here is much more European, thus much harder for me to understand. I expect to do better with conversation in Ecuador.


Much to my surprise, the unmistakable signs of a master's swim meet were found on the streets of Punte del Este... people with broad shoulders, Speedo jackets with the names of their country emblazoned in the backs, and lots of laughter. Sure enough, the South American masters meet is happening this week. It is bringing back some great memories of Worlds but also a tiny bit of sadness that I am not swimming this year. Hopefully next year I will get back to it.

I enjoyed walking round town but it is definitely not my usual dream vacation place. I love to get to smaller, less pretentious places but it is fun to shake things up periodically and see how other people get their kicks. This is a place where some go to be seen. I am pretty sure that they weren't expecting to see this goofball riding into town with damp laundry dangling from the back of the bike. It isn't THAT kind of town!:-)