Get on bus for El Calafate in Argentina which should take about 5 hours to get to. We head off on a virtually empty coach and enjoy the views as we cross over to the border which is a very quick process. I am bemused by the sign at the Argentinian border proclaiming that the Malvinas (Falklands) are still Argentinian. I wonder whether they will let Brits in. Have no problems.
Scenery and weather improving as we head NE with lakes, razor sharp mountains, llamas. By the time we reach El Calafate it is beautiful outside and the turquoise of the lake is very inviting! Arrive about 6ish and head off on our regular jaunt to find a hostel. Takes a while as is quite pricey here but Dave finds some rooms in Las 2 Pinos not far from the central street. It is all pretty compact and very quaint/cabiny/touristy here. Feels a lot more geared up than Puerto Natales was. Have a walk around the shops in town which have lovely stuff in them but is pricey. Dinner go to a big parrillada (meaty place) with a eat all you can buffet for about a fiver each. Is good and esp enjoy the deserts! Then have a nightcap in a bar on the main street and sleep like a log.
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