All excited for our first day on the trail. Bus takes us to the entry for the national park and we are all frantically packing our duffle bags for the porters to carry with all our clothes and major belongings. Each individual carried their personals ie: snacks, water, poncho, sun cream and insect repellent.
Lined up and got the passports stamped for entry into the park. It was stinking hot!
Crossed the bridge with Jamie and we were in! This was it, the beginning !!
Grouped up with the whole crew were we preformed a religious ritual asking for blessing from the paccha mamma for safety on the trail and good weather.
We were off! Walking sticks and all..
You can generally walk at your own sort of pace but rosa would regroup as at times through out the day for a little history lesson and explanation of where we were. Loved learning about the times on the incas and all about the Spanish invasion!
Started getting a light sprinkle just before lunch which then turned into torrential rain as we were leaving for our last leg before camp 1.
Managed to buy a poncho and I carried both mine and Sophie's bag for the remainder of this day so her stuff wouldn't get soaked. She was very thankful.
Looking back on it now I think the rain some what acted as a subliminal MSG for everyone to help the realization set in that we were not on a cruiser contiki tour. This trek was legit!!
Arrived at camp 1 and our amazing porters who were way ahead of us had already set up our tents and communal dinners area.
I was burned with ostein hilarious Norwegian guy. We were always fed 3square meals a day that were very satisfying. Also got some small snacks through out the day to keep the energy levels up, after all the altitude is very taxing on the body therefore the need for extra fuel is essential.
Always after dinner was our debrief before a cup of tea some cards then off too bed.
I set the precedent on the first night by sleeping in my thermals which I continued every night after that! Sleeping was uncomfortable but you were usually so exhausted you didn't have much trouble nodding off!
Early nights as expected each night.
Day 1 complete: good little hit out, bit of prep and seen some amazing scenery !
All abit anxious and nervous for day 2 ; the trails notorious hardest day ! 11km to the entire treks highest altitude and summiting dead women's pass!!
I couldn't wait !!