Endless Roads, Kind Encounters

The alarm buzzed at 5 a.m., and I quickly got ready to hit the road by 6. I started just a little later than planned but managed to get out of San Luis within the first four miles, finding myself back on Ruta 7. The morning air was cooler than the past few days, which was a relief, but it didn’t stop me from sweating buckets as I moved along.

The first 18 miles or so were a gradual downhill—probably the easiest running I’ve had in days. Around midway, I met Puntos, a Swede who has been traveling through Argentina on his bicycle for the past three years. It was incredible hearing his stories and sharing a moment of camaraderie. Shortly after, I crossed paths with Milo, on a bike, heading towards San Luis. Talking to them broke up the monotony of the road and reminded me of how diverse the people are that you can meet when traveling.

As I ran, the road stretched out endlessly ahead of me. Past the halfway point, the terrain shifted ever so slightly uphill—it was subtle, but after a long downhill stretch, you feel every incline. Along the way, I passed a group of workers maintaining the roadside landscape. They waved and offered me water, but I had enough in my stroller, so I thanked them and kept moving.

By noon, the sun broke through the clouds, beating down with the same relentless intensity I’ve been getting used to. At mile 26, I paused briefly in the shade for a quick breather, knowing the heat wasn’t going to let up anytime soon.

A highlight of the day came around 1 p.m., about six miles from Alto Pencoso. I spotted a group of people sitting under a tree, enjoying a picnic. They waved me over, and we had a lovely chat. They were so generous, offering me a Pepsi and an apple, which felt like treasures in the midday heat. Their kindness gave me a much-needed energy boost for the final stretch.

As the afternoon wore on, the sun became unbearable, and I decided to switch to walking. It felt more efficient given the circumstances. Two miles from my destination, I found a tree with irresistible shade and took another break. The heat was simply too much. After cooling off, I managed to pick up the pace again and ran the final mile into Alto Pencoso.

At first glance, the village seemed nearly deserted, but as I wandered to the park, I realized I’d misjudged it. A lively group of people sat under a straw-roofed shelter, enjoying music, food, and the cool shade. There was even a small store selling drinks and snacks. I introduced myself to a few locals, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. It felt like the perfect place to recover after such a long day.

After a refreshing shower and a simple meal, I found a good spot to pitch my tent. Just as I had everything set up, I learned that there was a football game scheduled from 9 to 11 p.m. right next to where I’d set up camp! Oh well, the noise and lights are part of the adventure, and they promised the lights would be turned off after the game.

I’m utterly exhausted, but it was another fulfilling day filled with stories, connections, and surprises. Tomorrow promises more heat and more miles, but for now, I’m grateful for the peace and kindness I found here.

Good night from Alto Pencoso.