A Hot, Humid Journey with Moments of Relief

My alarm rang at 5 am, and by 6:15 am, I was packed and ready to go. The day started with a short run back to Highway 7. Along the way, I passed some young folks just returning home from their night out, dancing and laughing. We exchanged a few words, took some photos together, and shared a few moments of joy that lifted all our spirits—a lighthearted way to kick off what I knew would be a challenging day.

Once I reached the highway, it became clear that today would be just as challenging as yesterday. The heat and humidity hit immediately, and within a mile, I was already drenched in sweat. Despite the conditions, I managed to push through the first 15 miles before stopping for a quick breakfast of milk, cookies, and a banana. Fueled and hydrated, I pressed on, knowing the relentless heat would soon become even more intense.

The traffic was consistent, much like the previous day. Narrow roads and impatient drivers made for some nerve-wracking moments. It amazes me how some drivers seem unwilling to slow down, as if sparing a few seconds is impossible. To stay safe, I focused on keeping as far to the right as possible, controlling my breathing, and maintaining a steady rhythm.

After the first 15 miles, I decided to put on my sunglasses. Normally, I can’t manage wearing them for long, but today I made it work. My eyes have taken a beating from the sun over the last ten days, and protecting them has become a priority.

I made it to the 20-mile mark and began searching for shade. Every bit of relief from the heat was vital to keeping my body cool. I found a bus stop shelter and a lone tree, but beyond that, there was little to break up the sun’s intensity.

Later in the run, as the heat became nearly unbearable, I spotted a lane of trees far in the distance and hoped they might offer some shade. At that moment, a police officer pulled up, asking to check my documentation. I explained I couldn’t do it under the scorching sun and suggested we meet where the trees were. He agreed, and I continued running, thinking it would take about a mile to reach them. However, it turned out to be closer to two and a half miles, and when I finally got there, the trees weren’t even close to the road, offering no relief. I didn’t see the officer again, but I wasn’t disappointed—just focused on making it through the final stretch to General Levalle.

Soon after, I turned toward my destination, General Levalle. The heat was unrelenting, and shade was still hard to find. With about 1.5 miles left to the town center and a bit more to Lago San Agustín, I spotted a man sitting beside his car under a tree. I waved and asked if I could join him. His name was Juan Miguel, and he kindly welcomed me to share his shade. The relief was immediate, and I even got to sit in his homemade chair. We chatted for a bit, and I felt reinvigorated for the final stretch.

When I arrived, cars were queued up to enter the park where the lago is. It cost 4,000 Argentinian pesos to enter and an additional fee to camp. While this is very little money, I was already overheated, drenched, and craving rest. I also prioritize sleep right now, and being Saturday night, it’s quite possible that the camping area would have a noisy, party-like atmosphere. So, I decided to check how much a hotel might cost instead.

I found Hotel del Lago nearby, where Maria, Jorge, their daughter, and grandchildren warmly welcomed me. The hotel was charming, well-maintained, and offered me a cool room and a nice spot for my buggy. Their hospitality was exactly what I needed after a grueling day.

Now I’m resting in the coolness of my room, replenishing my salts, and preparing to eat a good meal. Tonight, I hope for deep, restorative sleep to face whatever tomorrow brings.

Thank you for following my journey—your support means the world to me.