The Inca Trail - Day 3

After surviving Day 2, we knew nothing could stop us. Day 3 was Noelani's favorite. The Inca Trail navigates through multiple micro-climates, and Day 3's was "Hobbit-Inspired-High-Jungle": lush, damp, green, mossy, and mystical.

Juan's emphatic story-telling brought the Inca history to life, but sometimes couldn't compete (for Mary) with the natural beauty surrounding us. Case in point, the photo of the blue bird was taken while Juan was telling his story!

The Inca Trail - Day 2

A 1200 meter elevation gain in 9 km. It took us 6 hours and all there is to say is: "we survived!" There are no photos from the way up to the summit (charmingly called "Dead Woman's Pass") because our guide kindly offered to carry my camera, to lighten my load (remember, porters were carrying almost everything of ours - my load consisted of my jacket, snacks (which for me is significant), and ample amounts of toilet paper).

The summit was amazing, 360 degree view of the mountains. We made an offering to Pachamama (aka, mother earth), enjoyed a short rest, and then began the 2 hr hike down to our campsite. Down was almost as hard as up, because the steps are steep and our knees are old. The steps reminded me of the students at Gabriel's school in Pisac, running down the steps after school. Steep, serious, Inca steps. Running. Full on. It was terrifying. Amazingly, no one ever fell. I can see where the porters get their strength and agility.

At night, once again, we were treated to amazing views from our campsite, and we slept REALLY REALLY soundly.