We’re in the heart of the Patagonian rainforest. This is a shock for me on two counts. Firstly, I didn’t know Patagonia had a rainforest. Secondly, I’m the one who booked us in here.

It’s been a challenging day for me. The pain that comes and goes in my right side, and is absent more often than not, has been exceptionally good until now, but this morning I awoke to quite severe aches that rendered walking more than three paces agonising.

I took my full cocktail of naproxen, paracetamol and tramadol but by arrival time the pain and stiffness was back and we recruited hotel staff to get us and our bags to our room.

I showered and napped until dinner, at which point Chris insisted I used my walking stick. I don’t like to, but I am a wreck. I needed it.

The pleasant buffet was interspersed with instrumental guitar supported by harp. Chilean radio has been a pleasing mix of 1970s/1980s British soft rock/pop. ELO, Queen, Supertramp etc pouring out over the airways.

Tonight’s guitarist gives us a thrilling blend of Amy MacDonald, Guns and Roses and Michael Jackson. Supported by a Pisco Sour, more tramadol and an over excited audience. It was fun. Entertaining. Well played too. But my drink and drugs fuelled evening meant much needed sleep was to follow soon.

Blending in With the Patagonian Rainforest