"Challenging"

July 31

Day 2- Challenging

Challenging indeed. Darren and I actually feel pretty good, but we definitely had quite the hike today. 

We started at 7 this morning, but our wake up call was at 530.  When our guide told us we'd be getting room service we thought he was kidding. But when Edwin woke us up this morning, he actually gave us a cup of coca tea.  It was actually perfect given how cold it was outside. We slept in thermals, socks, and I wore my ear cover, and I still could've used another layer. Our "simple" breakfast consisted of fruit stuffed crepes, toast, and banana porridge. We thought we'd lose weight on this hike but I think we're gaining it. 

Anyway, the first part of our climb today consisted of climbing 900 meters in 5 kms to get to Dead Woman's Pass (so called because the small peak looks like a woman lying down).  It was brutal. The last 20 minutes in particular were trying. Every time you looked up you felt so defeated, like you were never going to get there. But when you did, it was incredible. The peak, was a high 4200 meters above sea level, overlooking a valley on either side. It was very rewarding and breathtaking (the hike was literally breathtaking).

Well the decent down was a lot easier on your lungs, but not really easier. The "steps" (and by that I mean humongous  boulders haphazardly lining the path) were incredibly uneven. They were tough to manage, until we figured out that it was actually easier to jog down. It kept your knees bent and your legs loose. 

After the decent was lunch--noodle soup, chicken, bean creamy stuff, vegetarian ceviche, and a stir fried quinoa. After lunch, was another climb. This peak wasn't quite as high, about 3800 meters, and then it was mostly downhill from there. 

We once again broke away from the group, stopped by an ancient ruin and made our way to our campsite. 

Dinner consisted of noodle soup, French fries, lomo saltada, and rice. Oh so good. Dessert was a delicious slice of warm pear in rum sauce.