Inredible trekking

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Wow what an amazing day we experienced yesterday. Bob and I had made arrangements to do a day hike in the Andes just for fun but we got much more than expected.

After waking around 4 AM to meet up with our two guides we took a taxi to Lamay and then road a bus up to the very small commuity of Lares. That took at least three hours. But this is trivial information because during the hike as in most trekking experiences we were able to walk deep into the mountains and visit the most incredible scenery (similar to the eastern Sierra Nevada but green) and experience the communities along the way who truly keep their traditional values, living very simply in the most arduous circumstances. Bob and I felt very priviledge to be received with excitement and kindness. I was so pooped before we began going over a 13,500´ pass (my stomach felt lousey) that one gentleman let me stay warm in his personal down bag while I doused in his sheep pasture outside his adobe hut.

During our hike we began at approx. 10,000´, went up, up, up until we went over the pass. The mountains around us stood at 15,000´. By the time we got to the pass dark was setting in so that meant we had to descend with flashlights. Just on the other side of the pass was a very sacred lake where our guide kept apologizing because we were hoping to be there before dark. We were especially honored because of the prayers he asked of the mountains to get us safely down that night. Unfortunately my stomach was a mess the entire time so I am sure he asked that I could feel a little better too. It is so amazing to feel a connection with nature. Bob and I really love it.

Before our descent we all took the time to admire the stars. They were so bright, like in the Sierra. They showed us a llama constellation and I am sure I saw Mars . . . it was so orange!

So down, down, down we went as friends taking care of each other in the dark for at least three hours, stumbling and twisting over the many loose rocks. Over all we went at least 20 miles and we are both happy because our feet, ankles and legs came out pretty good. I think the Inca Trail will seem much easier.

Today we will get ready for that great experience together and will be back with a little update after the new year.

Thanks for riding this wave with us. Love, Aud and Bob

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Photos

The Duo on Break
Snack break by a "poco rio".

The Quechuan kids
They have adopted our hearts.

Aud and the sheep
After my short nap I had the sheep visit me.

The mystical pass
This photo is a sample of the incredible views of this Andean pass.

Comments

[Caty]

Thanks for your blog
I am loving reading your blog. It sounds like the adventure of a lifetime. Missing you, Caty

[Simpkins]

Your Fans Back Home
Keep up the writing! Your fans back home want to be kept up on the latest news. Simpkins

[Leanne]

Thanks for sharing this incredible experience with us. Hope the tummy is feeling better.

[dp]

Thank God for your kids
or think you two may not come back......the blog is a great idea! I will send on to others (after proofing of course!) take good care