The fun side of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is stunning: the setting, the architecture, the history. It does not disappoint, even after hiking for days to get there. Others have no doubt taken better pictures (though because of the aforementioned train strike, we were able to see it on a day with remarkably few visitors).

We also had a lot of fun exploring for several hours.

Bonus post: Some flowers, a wild boar, and the cutest avocado you've ever seen!

Seriously, is this adorable, or what? (I mean the avocado, not the boar.)

The Salkantay Trail

Before all the drama involved in sneaking out of Aguas Calientes, we headed to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trail. It was a four day trek, climbing through a mountain pass and then down along a scenic river valley. We had a group of seven (of which the Wheelans were five).

Lots of adventure along the way. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

For the record, that sign says 4,600 meters (15,253 feet), leaving all of us but Katrina huffing and puffing.

Very beautiful and cozy tent accommodations along the way.

Nearly the end . . . If you look right between Sophie and Charlie, you can see Machu Picchu. Those photos in the next post.

Escape under the cover of darkness!

We had a terrific trek on the Salkantay Trail, and we made it to Machu Picchu despite a strike against Peru Rail. More photos forthcoming, but here is a teaser.

Yesterday, things got more interesting. At mid-day, just as we were returning from Machu Picchu on the main street, a parade of protesters tried to breach the police cordon. The police fired tear gas into the crowd. Katrina, the only active journalist among us at the moment, rushed towards the tear gas! She is withholding her best pictures for publication, but here is a sample.

Our trek guide gathered us together at 7:00 last night. "I have bad news," he began. Not only was the rail strike extended, but neighboring towns were joining in sympathy. Our previous backup plan had been to hike six miles along the railroad tracks to the next town and catch a van for the six hour ride to Cusco. But with the strike spreading, the fear was that the surrounding towns would put up roadblocks, preventing any vans from getting through. So, we agreed on a plan: hike out before dawn this morning in the hope of getting out before any road barriers went up. (As Sophie pointed out, if you are on strike, wouldn't you prefer to sleep in?)

At 5:00 this morning, we hiked out of our hotel, out of town, and down the railroad tracks. We made great time and there was a van waiting for us on the other end. No whining despite the early hour and six miles with everyone carrying double packs. Nice effort by Team Wheelan today.

The band is back together!

We are all together in Cusco, Peru, headed out tomorrow very early in the morning to hike the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu. Back online in five days or so!

Sophie jumps into things (or off a cliff, more accurately)

Lima has a lovely coastline, with a thriving paragliding community. Individuals leap off the cliffs over the ocean tethered to something that is a cross between a kite and a parachute. One of the things that makes the city picturesque is that the paragliders will occasionally come into view between downtown buildings.

Sophie, who arrived at midnight last night, wasted no time in exploring Lima by paraglider (attached to an instructor).

See that yellowish speck at the top of the picture . . . THAT'S SOPHIE!

And a safe landing!

Sophie arrives!

This half-baked plan, having Sophie stay in Hanover for the volleyball season and then join us on the road, has worked! At midnight last night, Sophie walked out of customs and immigration in the arrivals hall at the Lima airport. And we were there waiting for her!

The band is almost back together. Actually, that is literally true, as Sophie is traveling with a guitar. (She is the band.) We will be meeting Katrina in Cusco tomorrow, at which point we will all five be together for the first time on the trip.

Many, many thanks to Jeff and Noel Yegian for holding down the fort in Hanover, looking after Sophie for two months, and sending her off safely to Peru!

Trivia for anyone who has ever seen Sophie's bedroom. TWENTY-SIX towels came out of that room when she eventually cleaned it on the eve of departure. Here is visual proof (after they came out of the wash).