The road I follow is amazing; small laces next to the cliff, blue lakes and only one every 3 hours… On the way I take some info and I learn that the Copahue spa is worth the trip. I arrive in the evening at Loncopue, a village surrounded by indigenous communities (Mapuches).

I find a bed in the Refugio del Caniche, a wooden chalet where other renowned savoyards have been before; Serge Vitelli and Serge Cornillat, 2 big characters in the snowboard history.

The following day I climb the Pocahue volcano despite the recommendations of not going alone but hiring a guide. They were right: I got lost and finish the last 200m literally rock-climbing in risky conditions but the desire to succeed prevents me from going back down without seeing first the crater. I'm really proud when I finally reach the top: the view is unique. A glacier dips in a boiling lake and a strong smell of sulfur whips my face just 50m above the volcano's mouth.

In the evening, Sebastian the "chalet maid", offers me to accompany him for a night bath in prohibidden natural spas… That's a concentrate of memories I will not forget of my trip: outside temperature nearing 0°C, a bottle of wine in the hand whilst enjoying a bath in sulfuric waters at 50°C under a sky full of stars.

Just a word about Sebastian with who I think I share a few similarities: a good guy who follows his dreams. He studied medicine at University adn would now like to qualify as a mountain rescue doctor… He just has to learn how to ski! I have to relay his call here: any charming ladies who would like to discover a beautiful region in the company of a moving character, please direct your enquiries to Sebastian from the refugio del Caniche…

The following day I follow the road (one of the worst so far) to Mendoza. I stop by in a small village to fill up the tank but I have to wait for a few hours: a power cut forces to us to wait since the pump cannot be manually operated. It's another opportunity to meet the locals and predicate for hydrogen.