Despite three months on a motorcycle, not one iota of training and copious amounts of alcohol it appears that my fitness levels are still quite high. Today 
we've been to the lost city of the Incas, Machupicchu, hiking to the ruins from the small town nestled at the bottom of the valley, Aguas Calientes, and thus avoiding use of those damned touristico buses belching out fumes and kicking up dust. Both Matt and I have two functioning legs so why not use them. Shame 2300 other people didn't feel the same way. "Quite" high altitude hiking in a baking heat has taken it's toll though, and we've decided to spend Saturday night in a quaint little Peruvian town called Ollantaybambo, which is a tad difficult to pronounce after a few celebratory cervezas. No surprises to hear that Machupicchu was far better in real life than the photograph most people associate with it. We even scaled Waynupicchu that can be seen in the background of the picture to the right. But, as has become the norm on this trip, the day wasn't without incident as Matt's ability to fall ill prior to big days out has continued. Here's a time-line of todays events:
we've been to the lost city of the Incas, Machupicchu, hiking to the ruins from the small town nestled at the bottom of the valley, Aguas Calientes, and thus avoiding use of those damned touristico buses belching out fumes and kicking up dust. Both Matt and I have two functioning legs so why not use them. Shame 2300 other people didn't feel the same way. "Quite" high altitude hiking in a baking heat has taken it's toll though, and we've decided to spend Saturday night in a quaint little Peruvian town called Ollantaybambo, which is a tad difficult to pronounce after a few celebratory cervezas. No surprises to hear that Machupicchu was far better in real life than the photograph most people associate with it. We even scaled Waynupicchu that can be seen in the background of the picture to the right. But, as has become the norm on this trip, the day wasn't without incident as Matt's ability to fall ill prior to big days out has continued. Here's a time-line of todays events: 0400 - wake up in Aguas Calientes (1919m)
0430 - depart hostel
0431 - Matt chunders!0430 - depart hostel
0435 - Matt & Stu finally on the path skyward
0530 - Matt chunders again!
0550 - Stuart summits Machupicchu (2250m)
0610 - Matt summits Machupicchu
0748 - Stuart commences climb of Waynupicchu
0749 - Matt commences climb of Waynupicchu
0807 - Matt & Stu overtake the Japs
0809 - Matt & Stu overtake the Americans
0821 - Matt & Stu overtake the French
0835 - Matt & Stu overtake the Dutch
0850 - Matt & Stu summit Waynupicchu (2496m) - cue much rejoicing
0958 - depart Machupicchu
1120 - arrive Agua Calientes
1215 - beer!
Sightseeing is pretty much over for TransAmericas. All we need to do now is "haul arse" south, as the good ol' Yanks would say. We still have a very long way to go and only 3 weeks in which to do it. Whose stupid idea was this?
6 comments:
Hello big man! Glad to see you are still alive! I havent posted any nasty remarks here as I have just been on a job for the last 11 weeks,(dont know what I was thinking),and no internet access. Looks like you might not be such a big girl after all! Good job! Good luck to you both for the final stretch.
Comrade Matt & Stu,
Okay, well done you avoided our traps in Columbia, I wish you all the very best, and hope you don't meet our friends "The shining path" ;) Asta la pasta baby...
Looking forward to seeing your both very soon ;)
Love and kisses,
Comrade Jamieastos
Formerly FARC, now Shining Path, Eastern section Leader (assist.)
Peru,
PS. Have you seen Padington bear?
Time is a fine thing to waste!
Machupichu , excelente !!!!!!!!
Looking good, just got back from Cuba and thought I should check in with how far you've got, very impressive! (and amazingly, quite a good read...)
Still no sign of my naked lady postcard I note with interest.
Well, WE were among the thousands of tourists who took the bus instead of marching up the mountain...I think you were probably just too CHEAP to spring for a bus ticket!!
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