Gov. Sanford went to Argentina?

Gov. Sanford met the SC paper The State at the airport upon his return to, now claiming he spent his "missing" time in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

But here's a question. If Sanford was in Argentina, why did his office maintain that he was on the Appalachian Trail even after they spoke with him?

Later: CNN: "Sanford wouldn't tell the newspaper exactly what he did in the South American country, besides a drive along the coastline...."

Later: It's very wintery in Argentina for hiking.

Later: Even weirder. If you go back to the CNN story finding the car at the airport, they inventory what's visible in the car. There was a sleeping bag!

So, either he (unbelievably) carried his passport in his plan to hike the Appalachian Trail, or he threw a sleeping bag in the car for someone's benefit (his wife?) before taking off to Argentina?

Sounding more like he spent Father's Day with hookers, no?

Later Still: The AP carries the story, but seems to doubt "driving along the coast, too.

Trying to drive along the coast could frustrate a weekend visitor to Argentina. In Buenos Aires, the Avenida Costanera is the only coastal road, and it's less than two miles long. Reaching coastal resorts to the south requires a drive of nearly four hours on an inland highway with views of endless cattle ranches. To the north is a river delta of islands reached only by boat.

Later: Make note that they didn't come out and announce Sanford was in Argentina. He was caught getting off a plane from Argentina. They probably would have tried to stick to Appalachian Trail.

Later: Sanford scheduled a press conference at 2PM EST.