LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Epic Journey 15,213 feet, so MLP builds in another day to help us acclimate. This gives us more time to enjoy the wonderful lodge and its surroundings. We spend the day hiking to a glacial lake, Humantay which is at 13,845 feet. This year at the lake we were treated to a special ceremony by Sebastian, a local Shaman with a great smile. He performed an offering to the Apus (mountain spirit) and the Mother Earth. We were given three coca leaves for our prayers which he added to the offering and then blessed. This was a very special moment for many of the women. We hike back and it's time to relax in the outside hot tub, take in the amazing view and await another totally delicious Peruvian meal. Evening means a presentation on the Andes from our guide Silver, a Pisco Sour show by the Prepared lunch along the trail bar tender, then off to the cozy rooms to enjoy a chocolate and warmed bed. The day we have all been eagerly (and perhaps a little nervously) preparing for, has come. Today we will hike all day until we reach our next lodge. We start off in a line with two horses trailing behind, carrying extra water, extra layers of clothing, first aid supplies, and oxygen. We have nick named them the "911 horses." The rest of our gear and supplies will be carried in on the backs of several horses and mules. There is no road access to the next two lodges, so this is a normal routine for these animals. We trek upwards on the rocky path, thankful for the many short switchbacks, known as the Seven Snakes, and the mesmerizing views. We reach the 15,213 foot pass in time to hear loud thundering made by the huge slabs of snow that avalanche off the mountain peak. The view is shrouded today, but the sound is both exciting and scary at the same time, even though we are nowhere near its path. We catch our breath, take a few pictures and congratulate each other for a great trek. Everyone is in good spirits and feeling proud that they have just summited Salkantay. The descent is a rocky trail enshrouded in misty clouds, leading to a warm dining tent along the trail where our cooks are hard at work preparing a fine lunch. The Wayra Lodge awaits with the warm, friendly staff waiting to welcome us. This lodge has all the same amenities as the first, but remember it has no road access and, therefore, is solely supplied but the porters and horses. Our day started with a visit to a local Peruvian family who lives along the trail. They have invited MLP to include a stop so we can see how they live. The woman of the family is shy and humble but very proud of her home. The simple things they own are well cared for and although it's very dark inside, you could see that it was kept neat. Now we begin to slip and slide our way down to 9,414 feet on a path that enters the cloud forest, where we are either peppered with rain or experience bouts of sunshine. This is why we always have rain gear handy and dress in layers. The flora and fauna change dramatically to lush green vegetation, fragrant flowers and chirping birds. We arrive at the next lodge, Colpa Lodge, and this time are met with glasses of cold, refreshing tea. Our hosts invite us to gather around a huge pit that has been dug in preparation of a Pachamanca, which is a traditional way to prepare and cook meats, potatoes, and vegetables in a heated rock pit that is then covered with wet cloth wraps LOCALadk Magazine Spring 2013 43

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