Oblivious to this wonderful event we wake at 7 and relunctantly leave the warmth and relative comfort of our beds to brave the toilets and the cold early morning desert. By 8.30 we are bumpimg along in the jeep again - last of the groups out of the reserve, the bright sunshine and sharp cold air waking us up, raising our spirits and helping to dull the memories of the previous night. In the day we took in the sights of the Dali Valley - desert landscape with weird rock formations, a massive wall of a lava flow and flamingo lakes. However the majority of the day was spent driving.

Just before reaching the pueblo (San Juan) where we going to spend the night we entered a desolate military outpost apparently manned by 4 adolescent football playing youths who summoned us into a room to have our passports examined. At first the atmosphere was vaguely threatening before descending into farce as we discussed the international coin collection on their desk and were asked to contribute a memento from our country to their collection. So if you ever pass the military outpoost near San Juan do not be surprised to see a cheesey postcard from Tewkesbury.

Last of the tour groups into San Juan - I've learnt to expect it, but not accept it - we have to search around for accomodation as Roman's first choice is full. This is a blessing in disguise as the accomodation is an improvement on last night's and Roman gets a young lady cooks our food (chicken and chips - no basket), thank god. San Juan is a very small, sleepy, rustic settlement and the local women wearing traditional dress only the two ostriches being chased by girls broke the early evening peace. After a hot shower (I told you this place was good) we drank pisco (some people never learn) with sprite in the only disco in town.