We did it!

WHOA...what an experience. I have to say that this trek was by far the most physically demanding thing I have ever done in my life. Four straight days of hiking 6 to 8 hour days, mostly straight up...honestly I can not describe it in words. What I also can not describe in words was the feeling of making it to the highest point on the trek, 4750 meters up in the sky. Its really amazing what you can do if you try. I wont lie, there were many points in the trip that even the amazing scenery of wild horses and snow capped mountains could´nt lift me up. For example, half way through the first day it began to downpour. Being tired, out of breath, soaking wet, and freezing has a way of pulling down moral. That said, the majority of time I was super happy, amazed by scenery, and amazed at my bodies ability to keep on going. Once again, I was the leader of our pack, and even got called a ¨little elf¨, whatever that means, for my amazing ability to walk on slippery rocks.

One fun anecdote from the trip... We ate in a tent with our 2 guides, both Peruvian, 2 german ladies, a man from new zealand and his girlfriend from Ireland, nia nili and myself from the states, pepe from england, and naomi from ausi. One night after dinner we sat around the tent and decided to amuse ourselves by each group singing their national anthem. Nili didnt know ours, and Nia couldnt stop laughing, so essentially, I sang the entire anthem on my own. I totally butchered certain parts but got a nice clap at the end.

Ok after 4 days of hiking and 5 hours in a bus, I am off to shower. Then we catch a night bus to Lima and then down to Pisco. Hope all is well.

Nicole