#3: [28-Sep-16]

#1: [05-May-02]

06-Jan-2012 -- This is the fourth out of ten confluences that we visited during our trip to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The story begins at 35°S 59°W. The previous confluence visit is 43°S 65°W.

From Porto Madryn in Chubut province, we took another 18-hour bus ride to Rio Gallegos where we tried to rent a car for 12 days. It turned out that such a spontaneous arrangement is almost impossible during high season when families from the La Plata area take their vacation in the south of Argentina. We called all rental companies but there was no vehicle available. A combination of persistency and good luck was the reason why we managed to find a small car at the end. The car was located in Calafate (300 km away), but the owner of the rental car company offered to take us there in his car.

When the three of us came in the vicinity of this confluence point, I could not overcome the temptation to make a visit. I explained our driver that I need to take some images of a nearby geographic feature and that I would be back within 30 minutes. My request was granted, so we stopped at a distance of 1.8 km and I ran to the confluence point. It turned out that the terrain was not as easy as expected. A couple up- and downhill slopes had to be de- and ascended and two fairly deep rivers had to be crossed. For each crossing I had to get off my shoes, socks and pants – quite a procedure – but that way I was able to keep my cloths dry. On the way I saw interesting patterns of moss.

The confluence is on a flat hilltop right at the edge to a steep descend to the river. The soil consists of hard pebble stones with a grass topping and scattered tiny bushes.

I returned to the car 40 minutes after my departure – a little longer than I had promised, but it was OK for those waiting for me. 1.5 hours later we arrived in the touristy town of Calafate.

CP Visit Details:

• Distance to an asphalt road: 1.78 km
• Distance to a road: 1.78 km
• Distance to a track: 300 m
• Distance of parking: 1.78 km
• Distance to houses: 15 km (Esperanza)
• Time starting the visit: 5:45 PM
• Time at the CP: 6:00 PM
• Measured height: 243 m
• Minimal distance according to GPS: 0 m
• Position accuracy at the CP: 5 m
• Topography: deep depression by a stream channel, but the general area is only slightly hilly.
• Vegetation: grass, little bushes
• Weather: cloudy, 15° C (felt temperature)
• Description of the CP: In southern Argentina (Santa Cruz). About half way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Andes Mountains (Torres del Paine Park).
• Given Name: The Two Streams Confluence

Story continues at 52°S 72°W.