The open concept hallway of our hostal served as the perfect amplifier for the rain at 2:30 in the morning. It was strong enough to wake us both and was the starting point for our projection of positive thoughts on to the weather for the day.

When the alarm sounded two hours later, the rain was still bouncing off of the skylight roof. We quickly packed our belongings and ourselves with all of our waterproof gear.

We finished our light breakfast in the lobby downstairs and to our approval, the rain subsided. The bus station was a short distance away from our accomodations and we boarded just after 5:30am. The switchback road up the mountain was a half an hour journey.

Our first vision of the sacred Inca site was an array of mountain silhouettes. As the rolling clouds parted in the valley, the cobblestone landscape was revealed. It was an awe inspiring view that reminded us to breathe.

Arriving so early in the morning provided us with a feeling of adventerous discovery. At this time we were sharing the grounds with only a few other visitors and a number of small diving blue backed birds.

On the far side of the grounds, Huayna Picchu (the "Young Mountain" in the background of the picture) remained shrouded in clouds at this early hour. At 7am we made our way over to the entrance to the young mountain trail. We were lucky enough to have permission to make the hike to the top, only 400 people are granted access per day.

The trek up the mountain side was steep enough to make us feel both exhausted and exhilerated at the same time. The 45 minute trek to the summit provided exceptional views from the Inca ruins that originally housed the local astronomer.

We stopped to have a quick lunch on the far side of the mountain and although the clouds were rolling over the grounds of Machu Picchu, we still mangaged a few heavenly glances of the amazing site.

While at the top, the rain started again which made the steep vertical climb down both a challenging and rewarding one. Beth and I slowly made our way down from the peak with exceptionally calculated footsteps. (this is Mark's nice way of saying that I was terrified! All the way up there were guide wire-ropes along the sides to grip onto if needed, once you were at the summit, these disappeared and made for a scary, slippery walk down!)

When we returned to the bottom we were greeted with clearing skies and excellent views of the surrounding mountains. After another quick bite to eat, we met up with our guide to learn some of the history and spiritual significance of the area.

Our guide explained how the area was built with stones found on the grounds and from soil that was transported from the nearby fertile valley. The use of hydrological and agricultural knowledge made the area an oasis for the Inca people.

Finally, our guide expained that Machu Picchu was considered a sacred place were people would communicate with the spiritual world.

My final thought for the day. Although people from all over the world celebrate life with the use of different scriptures and rituals, we all feel the benefits from appreciating the positive Spirit that exists within all of us.