After sorting out how to do the trip in Treinta y Tres we headed 50 km north of the town for Quebrada de los Curvos (ominously the Valley of the Vultures) which really is in the back of beyond. A brisk 18km walk on the day of arrival through and from the nature reserve which was beautiful followed by another horse ride to the most picturesque swimming hole you can imagine (you`ll have to as the camera is long out of battery) and the next day a walk to the river and a quiet day sitting on the banks fashioning spears from rocks, sticks and twine!

However, the real experience was the remoteness. No electricity so you have to get everything done in day light, no water so you have to get up and pump water from the well in order to wash, drink etc and then collect the fire wood for the evening fire. We only did this for 3 days and it really makes you appreciate how much we take for granted - also the range of food we have available for dinner at home, we`re pretty full of bread now. Our dinners were cooked for us by a lovely old lady called Muriaherita who spoke to us at length about all manner of things without letting it worry her that we couldn`t understand a word (the guy who dropped us off said he struggled) - one of the most genuine and good natured people you could ever hope to meet.

These days of relative isolation have also helped us to realise just how lucky we are to have this opportunity to travel. Our Uruguay episode is now closing as tomorrow we`re heading to Buenos Aires where we will decide where to head next with a flight to the Equator being an option as the weather has taken a decidedly autumnal turn.

Hope all is well at home and that sensible purchases were made in the ECFFL transfer window this evening.