So Tuesday was the second day of the Inca Trail and this is the hardest day with the Dead Women's Pass being reached at around 4,200 m above sea level.

We were awoken by our porters at 5.30am with cries of ola amigos and cups of coca tea. We felt ready to get up after sleeping comfortably and, more importantly, dryly since about 8.30pm. We packed up our stuff and all had breakfast which again was pretty good. We started the day at around 3,200m above sea level and Yuri, our guide, gave us the briefing with the warning that today would be very tough. We headed off in excellent sunshine and gradually started walking. Pretty much straight away the incline kicked in and our calves were working overtime. It's hard to really describe the terrain but it's pretty much a stone path with what feels like millions of steps. Some of these steps are huge and take a full stride to climb up. It's at this point that we should say that the jobs the porters do is insane. We are carrying about 10-12kg each but the porters are carrying at least 25kg with things on their backs ranging from tents to chairs to food for 4 days. Most of these guys are about 5"4 as well which surely can't help!!!

We have to say that the Dead Woman's Pass really is challenging. The steps seem like never ending and just as you finish a section and pat yourself on the back, more appear around the corner to sap your energy. After much cajoling and encouragement, we made it to the top at about 11.50am. The view from the top was spectacular and we both felt a sense of achievement as we made it up. A big well done to Beth for making it to the top as it really was quite difficult. One piece of advise to anyone doing it is to just take you time and you will make it up there even when your legs are threatening to go on strike.

So after making it to the top, we thought our main work for the day was done but we then had to go back down the other side of the pass to about 3,600m above sea level. After walking up for so long we thought the downhill would be nice but there are again a load of steps which put pressure on te joints. We made it down after about an hour and a half and got into camp just after 1.30pm. The tents had already been set up in what is definitely the most spectacular campsite we have ever been to. We have views of snow capped mountains and clouds which are actually lower than we are. It does slightly beat Pooley Bridge although, unlike Pooley Bridge, there are no pubs to get a well deserved pint!! We had another excellent lunch then retreated to the tent for an hours siesta after having a wet wipe session in lieu of there being no shower facilities. We both aren't looking the greatest we have ever been at the minute.

We awoke from our mid afternoon sleep to spectacular clouds rolling up the valley towards us. Hopefully some of the pictures will capture this. After more snacks of tea and popcorn, we all had a bit of crack around the table before some more excellent food was served. We then headed out of the tent to stargaze and it was a really clear night with only the odd flash of lightning lighting up the night sky. Again you could see the clouds below us and it made for an excellent view. So tonight we are in bed again for 8.30 with another early start in the morning.

All in all it's been a fantastic day and although its been tough at times, it's definitely been worth it for the scenery and sense of achievement in completing the pass. We've got a 16km hike tomorrow which is the longest of the days and we are just hoping that our legs have not seized up in the morning. Oh for that deep heat smell which I've smelt for the last 15 years on a Sunday morning!!!!

Track of the day (new feature!!): Elbow - One Day Like This