Another early start and a bus trip through tiny dirt roads, past chickens and donkeys, and fishermen in the Urubamba river to Km 82 where we start the walk. The snow capped mountains look imposing, but there was excitement hidden there somewhere!
The Porters were already loading our duffel bags into large hessian sacks and hauling them on their backs, before trotting off at a jog up the hillside. In comparison, my daysac contained, water, camera and a jumper, and we puffed our way up the hills!
We had a group photo at the start, had our passports stamped (to proove we walked it and didn't take the train!) and headed forth.
Our guide Mauro was amazing. Stopping to point out flora and Fauna (Cacti's you can use as needle and thread, hummingbirds, Andean mint etc) and keeping the pace slow. At our first stop we had a banana and a portable waste disposable unit (pig) ate our peels before taking a liking to Karens bag. We think he got a couple of Antimalarial pills and some bug spray. Maybe he was just being cautious!
Our first big hill of the day rewarded us a rest and a history lesson about the Incas. With several of these every day we were soon piecing together the Iconography, History and Culture of the incas, and it all built to the anticipation of the final day!
Our first meal (lunch) and a taster of what was to come. Tent, fully laid tables, and 3 course meals (Pikey, Carys and Katie - how could you fail to mention how good the food was on the trail?)
As we left the thunder started to roll. You can really appreciate how the incas felt the Gods were in the Mountains and were unhappy. We did offer to sacrifice Jimmy (as the youngest and blondest) but he politely declined! Spoilsport!
The last stretch of the first day was hard. Up hill and with large steps. But the view at the end was worth it - as was the hot chocolate and popcorn waiting for us at camp. This camping lark is easy.
It's amazing how quickly the body can make you forget pain from a moment earlier. Warm and full we settled into the tents listening to the stupid dog barking at his own echo across the valley and the distant rumble of thunder. Ready for whatever tomorrow could throw at us.
The Porters were already loading our duffel bags into large hessian sacks and hauling them on their backs, before trotting off at a jog up the hillside. In comparison, my daysac contained, water, camera and a jumper, and we puffed our way up the hills!
We had a group photo at the start, had our passports stamped (to proove we walked it and didn't take the train!) and headed forth.
Our guide Mauro was amazing. Stopping to point out flora and Fauna (Cacti's you can use as needle and thread, hummingbirds, Andean mint etc) and keeping the pace slow. At our first stop we had a banana and a portable waste disposable unit (pig) ate our peels before taking a liking to Karens bag. We think he got a couple of Antimalarial pills and some bug spray. Maybe he was just being cautious!
Our first big hill of the day rewarded us a rest and a history lesson about the Incas. With several of these every day we were soon piecing together the Iconography, History and Culture of the incas, and it all built to the anticipation of the final day!
Our first meal (lunch) and a taster of what was to come. Tent, fully laid tables, and 3 course meals (Pikey, Carys and Katie - how could you fail to mention how good the food was on the trail?)
As we left the thunder started to roll. You can really appreciate how the incas felt the Gods were in the Mountains and were unhappy. We did offer to sacrifice Jimmy (as the youngest and blondest) but he politely declined! Spoilsport!
The last stretch of the first day was hard. Up hill and with large steps. But the view at the end was worth it - as was the hot chocolate and popcorn waiting for us at camp. This camping lark is easy.
It's amazing how quickly the body can make you forget pain from a moment earlier. Warm and full we settled into the tents listening to the stupid dog barking at his own echo across the valley and the distant rumble of thunder. Ready for whatever tomorrow could throw at us.
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