Washed away

5th Feb, El Chalten

Gareth was wrong yesterday about not a lot happening.  Not very interesting things but trauma enough for us. After finishing writing the blog yesterday Gareth went to pick up our washing from the laundrette and realised that we were a glove, and 2 socks (from different pairs) missing. He returned to the laundrette and was asked to come back later while the owner had a look around for them. Over a coffee, I asked Gareth whether  my blue trousers had cleaned up, then began the realisation that there was actually a lot more than just 3 items missing. In fact about one third of what we'd taken to the laundrette was missing! A big problem when you only have a couple of changes of clothes and when the missing items are your thermals, cycling leggings and shorts.So back we went to the laundrette and were greeted by an apologetic owner who couldn't find the original 3 missing items. We soon made ourselves understood that there were a lot more things missing and that they were important and necessary for us. Thankfully there was an English speaking guy in the shop at the same time that made the translation a lot easier. No extra bag of clothes in the shop anywhere. He asked us to list and price the items, which we did and we watched his face drop as the cycling specific clothing prices were added. So it was left to revisit today (Sunday) at 12 noon and hopefully for all of us someone would return the clothes given to them by the mistake, as that is where we guessed they would have to be. Thankfully a happy ending to this as today we were reunited with our missing clothes. Worn and beginning to look tatty they might be but comfy and very precious to us. Happy laundrette owner and happy Sarah and Gareth.
Our plans to walk today had been put on hold waiting for our clothes, but as it was I doubt we'd have ventured out anyway as the wind and rain were relentless. So we joined the groups of climbers and walkers waiting out the weather in the numerous coffee shops and restaurants in town. El Chalten isn't cheap anyway but keeping warm and dry is turning into a very nice but expensive art.