Day 2, Salkantay
No one had a decent night´s sleep and to top it off we were greeted by a trio of frenchman singing some awful britney spears.
Forgot to mention, I saw the milky way for the first time. Outside in the frigid cold, in the shadows of the mountains the milky way lit up the sky and blessed us all as we stared in adoration for over 10 minutes. Upon awakening, we are further sustained by naturé´s beauty--the awakening sun lights up the snow-capped mountains and shines brilliantly. On to the hike--the hardest physical challenge of the trip.
The altitude, while not affecting me at all yet, was staggeringly present with me on the first part of the trek. The air was just sooo thin, it felt like it was slicing my lungs and throat apart. we trudge onward and the valley opens up as the sun shines her brilliance into it. aside from the pain i am in, it is a sight that fills me with joy. im worried about not being able to make the 800 meter climb to the top so i start thinking of lord of the rings quotes, and they inspire me onward!
after about 3 hours of straight climbing upward i finally reach the top--4600 meters above sea level (i think over 14000 feet) !!! it is such an exhilirating feeling i am almost in tears. i embrace my travelling companions. we make a traditional offering of coca leaves to the mountain for protecting us and taking us to her pass. speaking of coca leaves, i chewed them throughout the trip as they are a traditional andean way of giving energy and health to those who chew them and swallow the saliva. (coca leaves are a hot topic for the US, since they are used to make coca leaves, but the andeans seem to only use them to aid them in their mountainous life).
the top of the pass is stunning...and cold. we are above clouds, literally. we dont wait long, before beginning the remaining 6 hours and 1800 meter descent. the rest of the day went phenomenally smooth, we were all still so jazzed about the ascent. lunch is in a picturesque valley and the night´s camp is set near a river. we were followed by clouds nearly the whole time...im sick this evening so head to bed early and in a foul mood.
observations. i reflect on the mountain, her beauty and ferocity and thank god for the safe passage. i reflect on the triumphs of the will, which pushed me onward though my mind begged to stop. another day with my travelling mates has opened us all up and we share stories and laughter constantly... the group is a unique blend of international westerners and is a true example of what communication and openness brings about--understanding, friendship, and even love. day 3 coming later...
love
Forgot to mention, I saw the milky way for the first time. Outside in the frigid cold, in the shadows of the mountains the milky way lit up the sky and blessed us all as we stared in adoration for over 10 minutes. Upon awakening, we are further sustained by naturé´s beauty--the awakening sun lights up the snow-capped mountains and shines brilliantly. On to the hike--the hardest physical challenge of the trip.
The altitude, while not affecting me at all yet, was staggeringly present with me on the first part of the trek. The air was just sooo thin, it felt like it was slicing my lungs and throat apart. we trudge onward and the valley opens up as the sun shines her brilliance into it. aside from the pain i am in, it is a sight that fills me with joy. im worried about not being able to make the 800 meter climb to the top so i start thinking of lord of the rings quotes, and they inspire me onward!
after about 3 hours of straight climbing upward i finally reach the top--4600 meters above sea level (i think over 14000 feet) !!! it is such an exhilirating feeling i am almost in tears. i embrace my travelling companions. we make a traditional offering of coca leaves to the mountain for protecting us and taking us to her pass. speaking of coca leaves, i chewed them throughout the trip as they are a traditional andean way of giving energy and health to those who chew them and swallow the saliva. (coca leaves are a hot topic for the US, since they are used to make coca leaves, but the andeans seem to only use them to aid them in their mountainous life).
the top of the pass is stunning...and cold. we are above clouds, literally. we dont wait long, before beginning the remaining 6 hours and 1800 meter descent. the rest of the day went phenomenally smooth, we were all still so jazzed about the ascent. lunch is in a picturesque valley and the night´s camp is set near a river. we were followed by clouds nearly the whole time...im sick this evening so head to bed early and in a foul mood.
observations. i reflect on the mountain, her beauty and ferocity and thank god for the safe passage. i reflect on the triumphs of the will, which pushed me onward though my mind begged to stop. another day with my travelling mates has opened us all up and we share stories and laughter constantly... the group is a unique blend of international westerners and is a true example of what communication and openness brings about--understanding, friendship, and even love. day 3 coming later...
love
posted by dk at 7:24 PM
4 Comments:
britney spears is bad, and when sung awfully...well i can't imagine. your day sounds exhausting, but so amazing! i can't imagine what the stars would have looked like & the milky way. hope you feel better soon.
i'm glad you are having such a great, vast adventure. My heart is walking alongside you on your trail.
wazzup brother? seems you r having a great time, waiting you to come to brazil!!!
wow, what a star-studded cast of posters, thanks guys!!!!
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