A couple of Notes on Pantagonia

Here are a couple observations on Patagonia I missed earlier.

1)  Due to the long distances in Patagonia and few people, an electric grid like most of the world is use to does not exist.  Several of the small towns including Chaltan have a town generator which nosily runs on diesel or propane.  Not unusual to turn it off at night so I guess entire town goes to bed at 11PM.    However, without the electric grid cell phone service must still work of some cell towers in the middle of nowhere have wind generators and backup diesel or propane generators to keep them going on their own.

2)  Area is still having disputes between families who have lived on the land for generations and those educated enough to use the eventual land registration system of titles make claim on the land.  Especially if it has mineral or timber assets.

3)  Bicycle Touring and Motorcycle touring in Patagonia is in full swing.  Numerous loaded bikes (Mostly Mountain with Ortlieb Panniers) seen along trail.  Numerous times two of BMW and KTM motorcycles also doing the trek.  Usually middle aged or middle age plus males with the occasional female companion.

4)  No body down here except USA citizens cares about the SuperBowl.


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