Up and Down...

After a couple of days of good hiking practice, we were ready to take on the daunting Salkantay Pass.

To get there, we would climb approximately 2,500 feet to a height of 15,430 ft. Once we made it through the Pass, we would descend back down almost that same altitude to get to our resting point for the day.  We hoped to make it within 8 hours.

A quiet and focused group, we followed Pepe's methodical and balanced pace , trekking up the Rio Blanco valley, circling Humantay Peak across from Salkantay.

Manolo sometimes followed behind us and sometimes ran and followed the other part of our group who were riding horses to make the climb.  He was like a mountain goat as he quickly jumped from one path to the other, checking on the gang.  He must have done the hike about four times that day but incredibly showed absolutely no signs of fatigue.

Once again, we were blessed with an incorrect weather forecast and enjoyed gorgeous weather for the full day.  Even with the sun shining, however, the weather grew noticeably colder as ascended.  And as we approached the Salkantay Pass, even Geoff acknowledged the cold and put on a winter hat.  Beth was already wearing two pairs of long johns and about 6 other layers.

The hike up to the mountain pass was exhausting but extremely satisfying and the group was overwhelmed with excitement upon reaching the Pass, exchanging lots of hugs and an uncountable number of photos.

But the day was only half done!

As soon as we reached the top, we began our descent almost immediately.  It seemed odd to have hiked so high only to start heading down again so quickly.  Luckily, however, the landscape on the other side of the Pass seemed totally different - rocky and raw - so it felt like we were entering a completely new place.  This made the hike feel exotic and energizing and even a few blisters (many thanks to resourceful Pepe for fixing Beth's feet!) couldn't dampen our spirit.

We made it to our lunch spot around mid-afternoon.  Amazingly, the chef and his crew had made it there much earlier than us and had already set up a tent (as well as two bathroom tents!) and had warm water and soap ready for us to wash our hands.  It was remarkably civilized.

After such a delicious and filling lunch, there is a good chance we all fell into a slight food coma.  Too relaxed and satisfied, we likely weren't paying close enough attention on the very slippery and tricky part of the downhill hike and a few of us had some slides.  Somehow, Manolo and Pepe were catching us before butts even hit the ground, making sure we were okay and encouraging us strongly to remain focused and attentive.

We made it to our next lodge in tired but great spirits and enjoyed a wonderful evening of camaraderie and celebratory beers with our wonderful trekking group.