Anne at Machu Picchu

Almost Home

What a day...wake up at 11,120 feet, in the mountains to sunshine and sad goodbyes as some of our group are staying on in Cusco. We fly to Lima, overcast and cool - for a tour of the city and a great meal at laRosa Nautica on the beach....what an experience...waves crashing to the shore under us, great food and service and washrooms with all the services. Our flight is delayed in Lima as we wait for a connection flight

I Made It

after 4 fantastic days of climbing steep mountains, descending steep steps, camping out, reaching the 4,200 peak with dehydration symptoms and finally making the steep climb to the gateway to the sun we arrived in machu picchu this morning at 7 am. It was fantastic....I can´t believe how challenging the climb was and I feel absolutely excited about making it. Great group, attentive guides and porters, good food and sore muscles.....but it was worth it. Can´t wait to share my photos and stories. YAHOO

Off to Machu Picchu

early morning departure to the trail. sleeping is difficult becasue of altitude and so much coca tea. yesterday we trekked up to the ruins of Picaq, an Inca stronghold in the sacred valley. We got medallions and everyone is on a high. we have almost 9 hrs of trekking today and there will be no contact until Friday. can´t wait to tell you of the adventures. great group to travel with - my porter will take 5k so I have to fine tune my snacks for carrying. cheers

Cusco

The altitude is deadly here....slight headaches and nausea prevail. We are still aclimatizing but enjoying the markets and the people. Lots of history and interesting stories to relate. Today we are visiting a mission in the hills...it´s hard to imagine the poverty or lower standard of living but everyone has a smile and the weather is fabulous. Arriving here was amazing...we flew through mountains and backtracked....no wonder it took the Spaniards so long to find it.
The team is fun and represents east and west...tomorrow we begin the trek...hope we are all feeling better. More later.

Arrival in Lima, Peru

Saturday arrival in Lima - city is overcast and glum. The drive from the airport takes you along the coast and the waves are pounding into the shore. We see the some damage from the earthquake. We are in the Miraflores district which is very cosmopolitan. More later.

Ready to go!

After all the fundraising, all the walking up hills and being involved with the Arthritis Society I am finally ready to go to Peru and conquer the Inca Empire at Machu Picchu. My walking buddy Viviana MacKay has been a great motivator....every day of hill climbing was enjoyable.
Thank you again to my many sponsors and supporters...your faith in me and my cause has been phenomenal. I look forward to sharing my adventure with you all.