Monday, October 15, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
And We're Off
We are on the plane, waiting for takeoff in 20 minutes for the 6 1/2 hour flight to Lima, Peru.
We spent the morning verifying all is order, confirming we have everything for the trip and playing with the dog. Juni will stay in Houston until our return on the 16th.
We will be largely offline, with limited access to the interwebs. It will be weird, not checking email daily. Oh my gosh, I just realized that we won't be able to check the weather daily. How will we know what it's like outside? Oh, that's right: we'll be outside, experiencing it firsthand.
If we have access to wireless, I'll try to post here but this may be the last post before our return.
Bon voyage! Er, viaje seguro!
Friday, May 25, 2012
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
As I wrote, we’re taking the four days/three nights 26-mile Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hiking tour with the Llama Path tour company.
Our journey starts in Cuzco. We arrive in the city on June 7 after three nights at Refugio Amazonas on the Tambopata River. We’ll spend the next two and a half days acclimating to the altitude. Our only responsibilities in Cuzco are 1) to show up at the tour company to check in, 2) to show up for the pre-trip meeting on Saturday night, and 3) to acclimate to the altitude.
On Sunday, June 10, the Machu Picchu trip starts when we meet the tour guides and other hike companions at 5:00 a.m. in the Regocijo Square in Cuzco. We’ll board a bus for the ride to Piskacucho where the trail starts, with a stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo along the way.
Starting Altitude: 8,920 ft
Altitude at Machu Picchu: 7,780 ft
Highest Altitude: 13,780 ft (day two)
Elevation Gain: 4,860 ft
Elevation Loss: 6,000 ft
Lowest Campsite: 8956 ft. (day 3)
Length: 26 miles
Longest Day: 9.5 miles (day two)
Coldest Night: 32⁰ F
Since South America is in the Southern hemisphere, it’ll be winter. The dry season starts in April and goes through October. The temperatures will vary from 68⁰ to 32⁰ depending on the time of day and altitude. The days are usually sunny and hot but temperatures drop abruptly after 5-6 p.m. until 7-8 a.m. The coldest night on the trip will be about 32⁰. Luckily we bought new long underwear. Although it’s the dry season, it could be a bit wet on the 3rd or 4th day since it’s in the cloud forest regions.
The average group size for the hikes is about 12; the maximum size is 16 plus 22 porters. The tour provides porters for the tents, food, water and dining tables/chair (yes, chairs). We could have hired a porter to carry our gear but decided not to. Our packs will be between 20 and 35 pounds, depending on much stuff we decide to take. We’ll be carrying our clothes, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and whatever gear we want, including cameras. We both bought trekking poles to help with the climbs so they’ll add to the weight but be very useful and worth it.
The following information was taken from the Tour Company's website.
Total Time: 5-6 hours
Temperature at night: 41⁰ F (depending on the month)
We will meet and pick you up from the Regocijo square (less than 5 minutes from any hotel in Cusco!) at 5-5:30am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo at 6:30 a.m. to load up on energy (we buy).
On arrival at kilometer 82 (~8:30 a.m.), we will have some time to organize ourselves (use the restrooms, put on sun cream, mosquitoes repellant, etc) and then it is necessary to show your entrance tickets and passports [Jenn's note: we had to register with our passport numbers to get a permit to hike the Inca Trail].
To start the trail (8923 ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up on the “Inca flat” terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Inca Fortress (Huillca Raccay), the vast and incredible Inca site Llactapata (officially called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be 1 1/2 hours up the small village of Wayllabamba (9842 ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name.
Day 2: The Trail Trial!
Total Distance: 9.5 miles
Total Time: 8-9 hours
Temperature at Night: 39⁰ F
After waking up at 6 a.m. (maybe at 5 a.m., depending on your Guide) and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihua’usca, known as “Dead Woman's Pass,” at 13,779 ft). On this day a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to the lunch stop which is located at Pacaymayu (11,646 ft).
On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees such as the Polylepis or Q'ueu’a trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 11,972 ft! After lunch begins the second 2 hours steep climbing to Runkuraqay pass (almost 13,125 feet), we arrive in our campsite at about 5 p.m.
Day 3: Back in the Past!
Total Distance: 6.2 miles
Total Time: ~5 hours
Temperature at Night: 54⁰ F
This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! Again we wake up for breakfast at 6 a.m., and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning “Town in the Clouds”) and to reach the third highest point on the trail (12,073 ft). The views from here of the mountains, canyons and surrounding area are spectacular.
The Inca site, Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps!) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Inca site of Intipata until we arrive at our third campsite Wi’ay Wayna (8,792 ft). Today we have only walked about 4 to 5 hours and have arrived to camp by lunch time! A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name Wi’ay Wayna (“Forever Young”). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
Total Time: ~2 hours
We leave the last campsite at about 5 a.m. on the final day, with breakfast at 4:30 or 5 a.m. It is an early start in order to get to Inti Punku (“Sun gate”) at 8,792 ft before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (7,873 ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city.
Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself! A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves.
If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (8,923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top, this walk is extra/optional and you might need to skip the Machu Picchu tour to be able to get a permit to climb this mountain. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to Ollantaytambo) and bus to Cusco.
Of course, the itinerary is subject to change depending on time of booking and campsites provided by INC (the institution that runs the Inca Trail).
On Sunday, June 10, the Machu Picchu trip starts when we meet the tour guides and other hike companions at 5:00 a.m. in the Regocijo Square in Cuzco. We’ll board a bus for the ride to Piskacucho where the trail starts, with a stop for breakfast in Ollantaytambo along the way.
The Basics for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Starting Altitude: 8,920 ft
Altitude at Machu Picchu: 7,780 ft
Highest Altitude: 13,780 ft (day two)
Elevation Gain: 4,860 ft
Elevation Loss: 6,000 ft
Lowest Campsite: 8956 ft. (day 3)
Length: 26 miles
Longest Day: 9.5 miles (day two)
Coldest Night: 32⁰ F
Since South America is in the Southern hemisphere, it’ll be winter. The dry season starts in April and goes through October. The temperatures will vary from 68⁰ to 32⁰ depending on the time of day and altitude. The days are usually sunny and hot but temperatures drop abruptly after 5-6 p.m. until 7-8 a.m. The coldest night on the trip will be about 32⁰. Luckily we bought new long underwear. Although it’s the dry season, it could be a bit wet on the 3rd or 4th day since it’s in the cloud forest regions.
The average group size for the hikes is about 12; the maximum size is 16 plus 22 porters. The tour provides porters for the tents, food, water and dining tables/chair (yes, chairs). We could have hired a porter to carry our gear but decided not to. Our packs will be between 20 and 35 pounds, depending on much stuff we decide to take. We’ll be carrying our clothes, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and whatever gear we want, including cameras. We both bought trekking poles to help with the climbs so they’ll add to the weight but be very useful and worth it.
The following information was taken from the Tour Company's website.
Day 1: The Start of the Adventure – Inca Flat
Total Distance: 7.5 milesTotal Time: 5-6 hours
Temperature at night: 41⁰ F (depending on the month)
We will meet and pick you up from the Regocijo square (less than 5 minutes from any hotel in Cusco!) at 5-5:30am and travel by bus to Piskacucho (you will hear this be called kilometer 82) where the trail starts. There will be a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo at 6:30 a.m. to load up on energy (we buy).
On arrival at kilometer 82 (~8:30 a.m.), we will have some time to organize ourselves (use the restrooms, put on sun cream, mosquitoes repellant, etc) and then it is necessary to show your entrance tickets and passports [Jenn's note: we had to register with our passport numbers to get a permit to hike the Inca Trail].
To start the trail (8923 ft), we cross the Vilcanota River and follow its route to the right. The first day is relatively easy (a warm-up on the “Inca flat” terrain) and we will have great views of the site of an Inca Fortress (Huillca Raccay), the vast and incredible Inca site Llactapata (officially called Patallacta), the Urubamba mountain range that divides the jungle and the Andes and the beautiful snow-capped peak of W'akay Willca, known in books as Veronica. Our first campsite (Ayapata) will be 1 1/2 hours up the small village of Wayllabamba (9842 ft) in the temperate green valley of the same name.
Day 2: The Trail Trial!
We go over 2 passes
Total Distance: 9.5 miles
Total Time: 8-9 hours
Temperature at Night: 39⁰ F
After waking up at 6 a.m. (maybe at 5 a.m., depending on your Guide) and having breakfast, we will start a steep ascent towards the highest pass (Abra de Warrmihua’usca, known as “Dead Woman's Pass,” at 13,779 ft). On this day a real sense of achievement is felt on reaching the top! After a rest here, we begin the descent to the lunch stop which is located at Pacaymayu (11,646 ft).
On the way up to the pass we will be able to see lots of hummingbirds and other birds. Also we will have the time to appreciate an incredible variety of native plants and trees such as the Polylepis or Q'ueu’a trees which grow in the astonishing cloud forest located at 11,972 ft! After lunch begins the second 2 hours steep climbing to Runkuraqay pass (almost 13,125 feet), we arrive in our campsite at about 5 p.m.
Day 3: Back in the Past!
Beautiful scenery and a short walk to camp
Total Distance: 6.2 miles
Total Time: ~5 hours
Temperature at Night: 54⁰ F
This is the most impressive day (in our opinion!!!) so just keep thinking of that on the ascent on day 2! Again we wake up for breakfast at 6 a.m., and start the day with a gentle climb to visit the archaeological site of Phuyupatamarca (meaning “Town in the Clouds”) and to reach the third highest point on the trail (12,073 ft). The views from here of the mountains, canyons and surrounding area are spectacular.
The Inca site, Phuyupatamarca, is located a few minutes’ walk from the third pass and after visiting this, we continue walking (3000 steps!) through the cloud forest and the impressive agricultural Inca site of Intipata until we arrive at our third campsite Wi’ay Wayna (8,792 ft). Today we have only walked about 4 to 5 hours and have arrived to camp by lunch time! A short distance from this campsite is located the Inca site of the same name Wi’ay Wayna (“Forever Young”). Even if you are tired after your day’s trek, don’t miss out on visiting the most impressive site on the trail.
Day 4: Machu Picchu in its Glory!
Total Distance: 3.1 milesTotal Time: ~2 hours
We leave the last campsite at about 5 a.m. on the final day, with breakfast at 4:30 or 5 a.m. It is an early start in order to get to Inti Punku (“Sun gate”) at 8,792 ft before sunrise. This is the place from where you will have your first dramatic view of Machu Picchu (7,873 ft) with the sun rising over it! After some time there, we will walk down the last part of the trail to the spot where you can take the classic photo (picture postcard shot) of this ancient city.
Finally we visit Machu Picchu itself! A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves.
If you still have energy you can also climb Huayna Picchu (8,923ft)!!! It takes 45 minutes to reach the top, this walk is extra/optional and you might need to skip the Machu Picchu tour to be able to get a permit to climb this mountain. You will meet your guide in Aguas Calientes (it can be reached by bus or on foot) for lunch and to be given your train tickets back to Cusco. Train included in all tours is the Cerrojo backpacker (to Ollantaytambo) and bus to Cusco.
Of course, the itinerary is subject to change depending on time of booking and campsites provided by INC (the institution that runs the Inca Trail).
Monday, April 23, 2012
We’re going to Peru, South America!
Peru or Bust
This is the year of Rob’s 40th birthday. For Christmas, I got him a book on South America with the intent that his 40th birthday present would be a trip of his choosing to the sixth continent on his travel destination list. He’s been to North America (obviously), Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, with only South America and Antarctica left. I’ve traveled to Europe and I’ll get to South America on this trip but I have a lot of catching up to do.The other half of Rob’s present was planning a trip. Honestly, he loves that stuff – thank goodness – and he chose Peru so he could visit both Machu Picchu and the Amazon rainforest.
He’s come up with a pretty neat itinerary for our trip the first two weeks in June.
Itinerary:
June 2: Drive from Austin to Houston
Juni loves her ‘vacation home’ and Ted and Helen love having her (for the most part: I think they’d appreciate it more if she slept in past 6:45 a.m. but she’s pretty demanding that Ted take her on a walk every morning). We’ll do the three-hour drive from Austin to Houston sometime on Saturday so we can visit before our Sunday flight.June 3: Fly from Houston to Lima, Peru, South America
Our flight is at 3:50 p.m. and Rob’s family will take us to the airport in the afternoon where we’ll catch a six-and-half-hour flight to Lima.There is no time zone change between Texas and Peru so we’ll get into Lima at 10:19 p.m. We have to get up pretty early the next day for the next leg of the trip so we’ll just stay at the nearest hotel.
June 4-7: Refugio Amazonas, Tambopato Region, Peru
Bright and early on Monday, June 4, we fly from Lima via Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado. We get in at 7:30 a.m. and we’ll be met at the airport by Rainforest Expeditions staff. We’re going to stay three nights at Refugio Amazonas, a 32-bedroom lodge on the Tambopato River operated by Rainforest Expeditions, which is “a Peruvian ecotourism company that strives to help people experience the wild rainforests of Tambopata in a sustainable manner.”The lodge is a three-and-a-half-hour boat ride upriver from Puerto Maldonado – they’re in radio contact with civilization, so no worries. We’ll get to kayak on the Tambopata River; walk through the rainforest with a guide; see parrots, parakeets and monkeys; and stay in private-but-not-soundproof rooms “separated from one another by light cane fencing, with drapes instead of doors.” It should be quite an experience.
June 7-10: Cuzco, Peru
Another early morning on Thursday, June 7, to take the return three-and-a-half-hour boat ride downriver to Puerto Maldonado, where we’ll catch a short flight to Cuzco. We stay in Cuzco for two and a half days to acclimate to the altitude in preparation for our hike to Machu Picchu.Cuzco (sometimes spelled Cusco) is at 11,200 ft and is the historic capital of the Inca Empire. We’ll do some sightseeing – but no drinking: alcohol exacerbates altitude sickness so we plan to avoid it. Apparently, it takes a month to truly acclimate to the altitude but we’ll have only two and a half days. Wish us luck!
On Saturday evening, June 9, we have a pre-trek talk with the tour company.
June 10-13: Machu Picchu
We’re taking the four days/three nights 26-mile Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hiking tour with the Llama Path tour company. I had no idea how the Machu Picchu trips work but I learned that not only do you have to use a Peruvian-licensed tour company but you also must get a permit to be on the Inca Trail. The Peruvian government issues a maximum of 500 trek permits per day for the Inca Trail and they sell out months in advance. Rob booked our trip in mid-February, sending our preferred date and a backup date for departure to the company, and then watched the permits continue to disappear on the website while he waited to hear whether we got permits or not. We did, but they sold out four months in advance. Oh, and the 500-permit limit includes all the porters and guides for the tours so only about 200 tourists are on the trail per day.I’ll write more about the Machu Picchu portion of our trip in another post.
June 13-14: Cuzco
After sunrise at Machu Picchu on Wednesday morning, June 13, we’ll take the train back to Cuzco. We’ll relax for the rest of Wednesday and sightsee on Thursday.June 15: Cuzco to Lima to Houston
On Friday morning, June 15, we head to the Cuzco airport to fly back to Lima. We have a full day to see some of Lima before we catch the red-eye at 11:45 p.m., arriving in Houston awfully early on Saturday, June 16. Luckily, Rob’s family is awesome and they’ll pick us up that early so we can back to their house, pet Juni and sleep.June 16: Houston to Austin
At some point on Saturday – although it may be Sunday if we’re exhausted – we’ll head back to Austin and reality.And that's the trip to Peru.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Hey all of you out there in Coast land.....
CHEESY CAULIFLOWER
Steam a whole head of cauliflower until tender. Let cool until it is just warm to the touch.
Mix ahead of time and keep in the fridge
1 cup Hellman's Mayonaisse
2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese (I use a bag)
1 small onion, finely diced
a small dab of mustard
It should make a paste that you can easily spread over the head of cauliflower that you have placed in a casserole dish. Pat it down on the top and just a bit down the sides. Broil until brown and bubbly, do not overdo it!!
Enjoy.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A great summer day in Pennsylvania
a wonderful sunny day - just back from Mass at 8:00 and breakfast at Eat 'n Park.
Last night's Victory Alumni reunion was good - lots of people came for their 50th anniversary. It's been 53 years since I left, in the third class to graduate at Victory.
Back to an earlier post regarding this year, two thousand and ten [2010]: At Zac's graduation ceremonies in the park on June 13th, the speakers and administrators all said two thousand and ten. If you all remember, that was my vote...
I'm going out to check my garden - tomato's, green peppers, egg plant, lettuce, cabbage, two kinds of squash and 2 burp-less cucumber plants are growing nicely. I have some flowers growing too.
Mom
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