I stopped in a small village to get some more water. As I was paying the owner said there were three German cyclists who had just left.

‘How long ago?’ I asked.

‘Ten minutes’ she replied.

I set off and sure enough, a short way away I saw three cyclists.

It was thirty degrees and they were going uphill.

They seemed relieved to stop for a chat. Lisa, Martin and Kate were all headed for Ushuaia for Christmas.

It was going to be crowded there. I already know of two other cyclists, and now two more Germans, Andreas and Michaela, who are staying in this hostal.

If you are headed that way as well I suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. It would be a bit of a downer to have spent an entire year getting there only to be told:

‘Sorry, but we’re full. Do you mind coming back next year?’