I can sum up this experience as the most challenging and rewarding thing i have ever done.
For 6 days we trudged up the mud slicked, snow capped Andes mountains on our pass through the Santa cruz trek. As a group of 18 girls with enormous backpacks we were slightly conspicous and we met some pretty cool people. People from around the world come to slave away on this incredibly hard, incredibly high up hiking trip. Every person we passed marveled that us tiny girls could carry giant backpacks with all of owr gear, seeing as full grown men were using donkeys to carry their food and tents.
Every day we arrived at a different beautiful campsite with a gorgeous view of the mountains. It was freezing cold, we all cuddled into our tents and thanked god for hot tea. One morning we woke up to snow on the ground!
Everynight we talked about all the cool things we had did and seen that day before heading off to bed and every girl had something amazing to say.
It was amazing to see our progress, from the first day when not one girl on the trip believed we could make it to the end of 6 days of grueling trekking. By the second day we are all living up our experience to the fullest, making it to each campsite excited for the next day. We made it all the way to a pas at 4650 meters up, cheering for every girl as they made it to their goal at the top. I think that we all got closer as we complained of our aching muscles and the fact they we hadnt showered in 5 days. Even after a day of 6 hour hiking we still had energy to explore the campsite and climb up on the rocks to get a better view of the massive andes.
All in all our trip was incredibly stunnning, I cant believe i made it out in one peace (despite the several bruises and cuts.... i think you all remember that theres a reason my name is not Grace). Everyone had a blast but were all greatful for a shower, real food, and a bed.
We are off to Lima to get our visas passed to get into Boliva and a trip to the U.S embassy tour there, then Cusco and the Inca trail.
See you in a month
Love Melissa
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3 comments:
All I can say is "wow"! The "high peaks" around here will seem like nothing compared to where you've been and what you've been doing these past weeks. Gmom
Wow,Double Wow! No, you are not Grace ;-) but I have always told people (those that will listen to me go on about you...) that you are Remarkable. It makes us so happy to hear you soaking it all in and appreciating all of these amazing experiences.
Dad and are in Merida-- I will post some notes and pictures in a little while so you can check out what we've been to if you have the time.. we love and miss you soooooo much. Keep writing when you can. Love Life.
Always, Mom
What an unbelievable trip of a lifetime. I am so jealous. Uncle Danger is jealous too - but in his case he is jealous of anyone who can walk. He was close to walking again - just using a cane - and then last Friday (April 18th) he fell and (you will not believe this) he broke his other leg. So we went to the emergency room again and then he had surgery on Sat. - he is home again and back to square one with recovery & I am playing nurse again - very discouraging for us both. So I sure would like to be with you - far away from here! Take care & Love, Janet
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