Hola chicos!
sorry its been so long again. Been busy busy busy having lots of fun.
For the last 10 days we've found ourselves stuck again, in a beautiful town called Huaraz surrounded by snow capped mountains. We made our way from the coast on a 12 hour bus through the most spectacular canyon which was well worth the trip. We arrived a bit weary, but found the most lovely hostel, just like a family home which suits when you're constantly on the move. We are still travelling with the same group of beautiful people from around the world, however we lost the mountain climbing boys, them being too eager to go off and climb the highest peaks around (in avalanche season of course).
We did a day walk to a georgeous lake at 4700metres which nearly killed me. The altitude makes my whole body feel like something resembling lead. Its all forgotten though when you reach the top and see a crystal blue lake with glaciars surrounding and huge peaks soaring overhead! (sounds good doesnt it!) This walk helped me to acclimatise for the 5 day Santa Cruz trek which passes through the Cordillera Blanca, an area said to have the most spectacular mountain views in Peru.
Walking here however takes on different meaning as we paid $25 a day to have all our stuff carried by donkeys, tents set up for us before we arrive at camp, all meals prepared and served, dishes done, and hot water in a basin outside your tent in the morning. Doesnt make me feel very hardcore, but makes for some well fed, pleasant smelling hikers.
The walk was absolutely amazing, the most spectacular views of mountain peaks with visits to glacial lakes and camping by roaring rivers. I felt so fit even after the first day on which we headed up to about 4900metres. I even briefly considered doing a 2 day summit ascent today with a group of friends, but then got some more oxygen to my brain and came to my senses!
I enjoyed all this beauty however without my trusty travel companion. I took poor Rhiannon to hospital here before the trek with a nasty intestinal infection. She was a very unwell girl who was however determined to give the walk a try, but had to leave us on the second day cos she was too sick. It seems to have been a good choice however as I got back to her grinning ear to ear thanks to one particular spunky english boy. Yay.
Had my first bout with sickness myself last night, throwing up 2 minutes after ordering the biggest most expensive pizza on the menu. bugger... I think it was a little bit of exhaustion after finishing the trek, and then going out dancing till 6 in the morning. he he he. Danced the Salsa and Meringue for hours, which was more exhausting than the mountain passes on the walk. Its so great learning how to dance properly and fun fun fun!
So we're off to Lima tonight on the night bus. Sad to leave here because there is so much more we could do. Unfortunately we are running out of time on this leg, despite cutting Bolivia out of the plans because of political troubles. I've decided to change my flights around so I'll be in Buenos Aires for New Year - very exciting, so if anyone fancies a big party, come and join me there!
Hope everyone is well
Happy birthday to Lee (and very belated to Grandma)
love to all
Hannah
XOXOX