AFTER CHILE THE DUST SETTLES

The Neuquen province of Argentina is on a plateau 600m above sea level. It is part of Patagonia and is naturally scrub. Over recent Years the oil companies have moved in to rejuvinate the economy but before that the Rio Negro area relied solely upon 50,000 Ha fruit. Mainly apples and Pears. Argentina is one of the world’s largest exporter of pears and they use rootstocks taken from wild species adapted from trees once planted by Catholic priests. The area is also famous for it’s dinosaur discoveries and there is a great museum which unfortunately we had no time to visit.

The argentinians immediately blame the Chilean's for sending their volcanic ash across from the Andes which has not only grounded their aircraft but also made a mess of their crops. Should we not be able to fly out I can think of a lot worse places to be stuck in.

The fruit trees here are unbelievable high (even taller then my cider apple trees) and  circus performers would struggle to pick from the huge wooden ladders.

What got the area started was a huge barrage and 116Km long irrigation canal system installed by us Brits in 1916. Apart from changing electric motors it has been faultless since! At the off take location I spot a horse drawn sprayer which was built in 1901, a stark contrast to the 2011 model I saw in New Zealand!

There is a massive storm so we take refuge in the local winery and have yet another excellent meal