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The four day hike along the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu is a challenging one for anybody let alone a girl with less than 10% vision. Trekking 50km along narrow paths, over mountains reaching 14,000 feet above sea level, fighting the effects of altitude and the eternal challenge of steps going up and steps going down.
The first day was relatively easy and I managed to fool everyone into thinking I was just like them. But day 2 proved more challenging as the path got rockier and the cliff edges more dramatic.
It was only after a slight mishap - whilst in mid conversation about the relative benefits of guinea pig meat versus kangaroo - in which I fell and slid down the side of the cliff a few metres (fortunately saved by thick undergrowth) that I conceded I might need a little help.
My rescuer, Cesar, one of the guides (with whom I was having the debate) hauled me up and then unbelievably scaled down the mountain to fetch my hat. I wasn´t hurt at all just dissapointed that no one was around to see it!
As news spread of my little adventure I realised
My saviour Cesar
Who valiantly saved me and my hat!I had to come clean and explain my limitations. I hate being fussed over but I had to concede that it was better to accept help than try to do it on my own. So, arm in arm I continued with one of the guides, Evert or Cesar, helping me along the more treacharous parts and other members of our group looking out for me where they could.
I asked Evert if they had ever had a blind person undertake the Inca Trail trek before and somewhat to my disappointment he replied yes. He had personally assisted someone who was totally blind complete the trail. Damn, I was hoping to be the first!
The scenary is absolutely incredible and neither words nor photos can do justice to the wonders that mother nature and the Incas have created. It was so rewarding to wander into camp at the end of each day, tired and muscles aching but with a real sense of accomplishment at the ground we had covered whilst bearing witness to some fascinating history.
The final day was to be the most challenging for me. We had to leave at 5am to trek 2 hours to
a position to see the sun rise over Macchu Picchu. I was nervous and self concious. I didn't want to jeapordise the group or put anyone in danger and revealed my fears to Evert. He calmed me and assured me it was no problem. He had been walking this path for 7 years and could do it with his eyes closed.
I put all my trust in him, drew on my stubborn determination and set off. True to his word he could do it with his eyes closed and half the time didn´t even need a torch. I was completely safe in his expert hands and we set a cracking pace, arrriving only a few minutes behind the rest of our group who gave us a round of applause as we emerged at the top.
I was relieved and proud and incredibly grateful to everyone for their help. I find it really hard to be associated with words like inspiring and courageous and couldn´t help the tears that flowed as people congratulated me and I thanked Evert, Cesar and Micala.
Sadly it was Evert´s last trek. As an Anthropologist he posessed an incredible knowledge of the Inca
Our group
A fantastic mix of canadian, australians and a lone saffa. Brilliant people history and was moving on to teach at a University. He bought fresh tears to my eyes as he sincerely thanked me for making his last trip such a memorable one (it could have been that he was grateful I had made it and he didn´t have to explain 1 missing person!).
The thrill and emotions of completing the Inca trail will be with me forever and it was a lesson for me that amazing things can be achieved if only you ask for a little help from your friends.
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Jaime
non-member comment
WOW!!!
Just updated on your latest blogs. Bunch of old stones eh. Your last message bought tears to my eyes. You go girl! Evert and Cesar ROCK. Jxo