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Published: October 29th 2012
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Today we started at 6am, heading to San Pedro Creek and the Parque Nacional Manu to stay in the Manu Eco Lodge called Tambo Paititi in the cloud forest. Being a tropical rainforest, we weren't surprised when it begun to rain as we began the 50km cycle ride to the lodge. Unfortunately, i didn't manage to get my waterproofs on in time so i was wet through in no time. Now for all those of you, me included in this, that own 'mountain' bikes, the terrain we were cycling on was what these were built for. There was not an inch of ground that was flat, rocks stones, boulders formed the obstacle course that was our road. Having said that we still travelled faster than the car behind us. Some of the track made me shake so much my eyes couldn't focus on anything, which was interesting when it came to negotiating the path and avoiding the steep drops over the side!!! As the rain continued it washed away any mud which was stabilising the rocks in the road, consequently the bikes were very unstable. I almost came a cropper on many occasions but i think the speed at which i
was hurtling, prevented me from parting company with my bike!! Harry on the other hand was not so lucky. I was about 30 meters behind him and as i rounded a corner i noticed he wasn't in front anymore. As i passed by a bushy area, i heard "ouch that hurt". I stopped and found Harry about 10m down the side of the road cuddling a bush. Luckily he was ok, just a few scratches and a bump on the head where the bike had followed him down and landed on his face!!! Donald arrived shortly after me and whilst I went to go get help, he managed to climb down and haul him out!!! The guides said how lucky he was only to have a few scratches, he easily could have fallen a km down some parts.
We continued, slowly for the rest of the way, passing through waterfalls and pitch black tunnels which was an interesting experience. Finally, pretty exhausted and soaked through we arrived at the lodge entrance and made the 1km hike to Tambo Patiti but it had stopped raining so it wasn't too bad. The lodge was beautiful, hundreds of butterflies flitted around
and rested on our wet clothes. The lodge was completely open to the surroundings and located next to a short waterfall leading to a brook with little pools. The waterfall and pools were our showering and bathing facilities. It was so serene and idyllic. We found our rooms and had a wash before dinner was ready then played games all evening. I was nervous to go to sleep in the open. In bed surrounded by the mosquito net and with my head torch on it felt like i was in a tome, but when i turned the torch off i could see everything, trees, moths, nature and the twinkling stars. When we woke on the second day, we all said that it had been the best nights sleep we had had on the trip so far, some even said ever!! We had breakfast and headed off into the jungle to spot insects, monkeys, fauna and flora. After lunch back at the lodge i spent the whole afternoon in a hammock watching hummingbirds sipping nectar from the flowers 1m in front of me and listening to music on my ipod until it lost charge. There was no electricity at the lodge
and candles were lit when the sun went to bed!! The perfect retreat!!
After another fabulous nights sleep, we got up early to do another day of cycling the 100km back to Pisaq we got a bus for part of the journey so it wasn't that hardcore. Not before eating breakfast and watching Cappuccino monkeys swing from the trees across the brook. The terrain started roughly again and every bump knocked my insides into one another, i swear my womb actually hurt!! Shortly after lunch, more rabid dogs chasing us and trying to run us off the road, we approached civilization again, the road changed into smooth concrete and we let rip, i reckon we got up to about 50mph before we choked, others were faster, i overtook a tuk tuk waving as i went by..... and then a car!!! i nearly totaled it when i came across a series of unforeseen pot holes and slowed down after that!!! Thinking about signing up for the Tour de France next year though!!!! We grabbed some snacks from Pisaq town and headed back to Cusco for the final time. Our multisport adventure was over, the rest of my group were going
back home, to their jobs, families and friends (little bit jealous - miss you all, and actually miss working a little bit too, it's been a month without payday!!). On to my next adventure!! Columbia here i come!!
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Michelle Andrews
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Oh my god Sar I take my hat off to you!! Your bedroom looks 'comfy'!!! ;) Miss you!! xx