Thanks for the memories

I’m back in Cusco and leaving for California at the crack of dawn tomorrow but I wanted to post a few thoughts while they are fresh. This was an absolutely great trip. Dave Letterman style, here’s my top ten favorite things from this trip. 

(10) REI did an awesome job of mixing great, challenging hikes, artist and cultural stops, great food, and nice lodges. It was the perfect mix, but I confess that I’m physically tired. My quads and my knees are done with the Inca stairs and I really look forward to being able to climb a flight of stairs without huffing and puffing. 

(9) We had a really fun group with a lively mix of folks from Seattle, Utah, Michigan, Maryland, and Connecticut.  People who do these kinds of trips are generally open minded, willing to roll with the punches, and are interested in learning new things and experiencing life. We had a great mix of ages, political views, and life experiences. After spending so much quality hike, bus, and eating time together, we may know more about each other than we really wanted to!!

 

 
 

  

  

  

 

(8) Great guides.  Diego, our lead guide, was that perfect mix of camp counselor with deep history and cultural expertise and the patience of a saint. 

 

 
(7)  For a photographer wannabe, like myself, Peru is a dream. The colors are beautiful, the people unique and imminently photogenic, and the scenery varied and dramatic. 

   
   
(6) We lucked out with excellent weather. Although it was hot some days, and rainy some, it was mostly ideal.  My tip for anyone coming would be to use your rain gear sparingly. We decided there are two basic states of being in rainy time: hot and dry or cool and moist. By the end, I always choose cool and moist. 

  
(5) The Peruvian people are so warm and welcoming. We had excellent service and friendly receptions everywhere we went. 

(4) Great shopping. It’s all about the Alpaca.  In fact, it is a good thing I am leaving tomorrow or I may have needed an alpaca intervention.  

   
    

  
(3) The gear list.  The prep for this trip seems excessive, but there were several times when I was really impressed with my preparedness, layered clothing of the day, or the accessibility of other must have items.  And collectively, we had enough drugs, herbal remedies, essential oils, and other health aids to open a well-stocked clinic for a good sized town.  And everyone was happy to share their recommendations and remedies with the rest of the team as needed.

(2) Inca lore- truly interesting and mysterious. Even better to couple it with what I’m reading in Right Turn at Machu Picchu. Like a graduate course without the annoying classes, exams, or serious I depth understanding of the subject matter. Just enough to get you through a cocktail party conversation. 

(1) Three days in Machu Picchu. Need I say more. We saw every season, collectively did every hike, took pictures from every angle but managed to evade the mosquitos!!  There’s a good reason this is on everyone’s bucket list.