tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82472861250577186632024-03-13T13:17:06.373-05:00Adventures of Ben & KariBenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-65858904493868185242022-05-22T12:49:00.005-05:002022-05-22T13:08:14.180-05:00African Adventure 2022: Gorilla Habituation Trek in Rushaga<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>Back to the early morning wake-up to be ready to leave by 6am to go on our Gorilla Habituation Trek. We wake up with the alarms a few minutes before the gentle knock of Agnes to confirm we were awake. I jumped in the shower to help wake myself up while Kari started getting herself organized. We were out the door by around 5:30am to have breakfast. I had another cheese omelette with bacon, sausage, toast, and fresh fruit. Kari had her medium fried egg with bacon, sausage, GF toast, and fresh fruit. Instead of passion fruit juice, they had watermelon juice, which was good. Around 6am, the other couple came up for breakfast, and Michael came in to let us know he was ready when we were.</div>
<br />
<div>Out into the darkness we went. We could see lightning in the distance; an ominous sign for what was to come. We chatted about the earthquake we felt the night before and about heat lightning, hoping that was what we saw. The journey was similar to the journey to our first gorilla trek until we got to the good road. Today, we went right where we went left on Monday.</div>
<br />
<div>The area seemed to get more built up as we approached the entrance to the park. Michael got us there on-time, which ended up being quite a bit earlier than the other couple in our group. We took the opportunity for one last bathroom run before coming back down to wait for the start of the briefing. Shortly before the other couple showed, the sky open and started soaking the ground with rain. We all took shelter and updated ourselves and bags for the now guaranteed chance of rain in our future.</div>
<br />
<div>Finally, it was time for the briefing. Luke, our guide, brought us into the building to chat. He described a bit of what we had in store for us and asked if we would like to hire porters. Kari and I declined; however, the other couple chose to hire two porters to help. While I wasn't trying to judge, I was a little concerned that the other couple, Bill & Theresa, were going to make it, as they were a bit older and didn't look in the best physical condition. I did feel pretty confident that we wouldn't be the weak links.</div>
<br />
<div>As the rain slowed, we set off towards the park. The first section was downhill, which was Theresa's Achilles heel. I can relate, but we managed to put a pretty sizeable gap between us at the front with the trackers (John, James, and Nbed) and the ranger, Bryan, from her, Luke, and Zappani (other ranger) at the back. Luke, wanting to keep the group closer together, had her at the front to help set the pace and set the trackers on ahead to find the gorillas. That worked pretty well until our first uphill, Bill's Achilles heel, causing another fracture in the group. Kari and I hydrated well, so we needed to use nature's washroom. Luke had them keep going for us to catch back up. That seemed to work fairly well. By the time we caught back up, we were close to the gorillas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBV95wngJUVFlWu0rEdW1Yp0mB3weLdjY1K3aHhlARGWKJjHVw7blZuf_pT12Vv6gTjs3HDBsenZdPSZIj0xzgNqwAYfswAWa8jRHrgMtFv9A9MfBPtiPE3MqZUhHd_0cKXRQCnInaHGeupl3vViP7QDSpbGLGF7u4BBP9mr9xtyRAaoSz9s_N_lB/s1280/IMG_0419.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlBV95wngJUVFlWu0rEdW1Yp0mB3weLdjY1K3aHhlARGWKJjHVw7blZuf_pT12Vv6gTjs3HDBsenZdPSZIj0xzgNqwAYfswAWa8jRHrgMtFv9A9MfBPtiPE3MqZUhHd_0cKXRQCnInaHGeupl3vViP7QDSpbGLGF7u4BBP9mr9xtyRAaoSz9s_N_lB/s600/IMG_0419.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc0l-361-4-ngsdMVcpAu8WFMf1C_L-NAL3vS-zEbV4azP0PD7coxPzKkxpoYzFS7Gvc4Mh7MKT2bujBWIHnW9HKIm0A-aRGGKlufEDn1PKsySvK4CT6BLyizO9PaxGL0yWNwpvbt0VOc57V9TqFZKsf7tSTaxFF5l7doZtLt_u53peIdpMl3srDv/s1280/IMG_0422.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAc0l-361-4-ngsdMVcpAu8WFMf1C_L-NAL3vS-zEbV4azP0PD7coxPzKkxpoYzFS7Gvc4Mh7MKT2bujBWIHnW9HKIm0A-aRGGKlufEDn1PKsySvK4CT6BLyizO9PaxGL0yWNwpvbt0VOc57V9TqFZKsf7tSTaxFF5l7doZtLt_u53peIdpMl3srDv/s600/IMG_0422.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQFA-Y_nm419jOEJ4qylcvjxpAk7OcScdBq_pxWWClukKTZYgsHJ1y0F_2xD-_NBaHY-cBakdBn-wxoEOy9Tm7eiSVHy2wGBjAgozPABUJ2Z6vLzJkOjwNEy_IsSaF6mxFpdiJcCGaiJMVXLP7F9XN1Hj5nKCaelYVOSnpEuRjwTcewngzZgMOBv/s1280/IMG_0423.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIQFA-Y_nm419jOEJ4qylcvjxpAk7OcScdBq_pxWWClukKTZYgsHJ1y0F_2xD-_NBaHY-cBakdBn-wxoEOy9Tm7eiSVHy2wGBjAgozPABUJ2Z6vLzJkOjwNEy_IsSaF6mxFpdiJcCGaiJMVXLP7F9XN1Hj5nKCaelYVOSnpEuRjwTcewngzZgMOBv/s600/IMG_0423.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytY88_zG4s7Qwby5ORw43K6AS3Evxg4JS1wkbjgTIYYoF61JI0eivlNhdYhXxurercgzyl0CT6mabhfTubUKk5FJ5QuqGYRpJP3TI88QwrDB4WHKmrtbb5StUyRXMyEi7DtPxbdtyevE3K_xe8QfAEff0VhoI9UHnlez1tjJ9A_mEGBVMTh--bINd/s1280/IMG_0425.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytY88_zG4s7Qwby5ORw43K6AS3Evxg4JS1wkbjgTIYYoF61JI0eivlNhdYhXxurercgzyl0CT6mabhfTubUKk5FJ5QuqGYRpJP3TI88QwrDB4WHKmrtbb5StUyRXMyEi7DtPxbdtyevE3K_xe8QfAEff0VhoI9UHnlez1tjJ9A_mEGBVMTh--bINd/s600/IMG_0425.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwuUaP7IVZZf8bOYD33Qse8x4CHgJ-7UdrX00OYe2zh3s5CjmJ90-jKDlYabHisLRseOGkR1xTlTp7qCMReK7nZT1V2siGSe-sety1Mdi9WWUgnHTVo8-fbajRH8AECsuVejtJp1J7pfg5KhqO7Su_kTwOsZPpDzCo2_AwLd9U8SgU7raRXEtn1Qn/s1280/IMG_0426.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwuUaP7IVZZf8bOYD33Qse8x4CHgJ-7UdrX00OYe2zh3s5CjmJ90-jKDlYabHisLRseOGkR1xTlTp7qCMReK7nZT1V2siGSe-sety1Mdi9WWUgnHTVo8-fbajRH8AECsuVejtJp1J7pfg5KhqO7Su_kTwOsZPpDzCo2_AwLd9U8SgU7raRXEtn1Qn/s600/IMG_0426.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nk9kwY05kFn6DMfP1VJOKhS2Ycg7csFGL5N4sgvtx2NwN7pIcNVjxRKysE_BMuaJvPKcLRFdOUnxlGFJVAQACwqLdKwh82WhCbG5HO1iibAN58L-hZU4RqBVm3P_HeIk8wZDYY9VAxl5VJlTYFfe3HQJdkwv6BQMT3yMrmGztqMDzIs6v1du4dIB/s1280/IMG_0427.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nk9kwY05kFn6DMfP1VJOKhS2Ycg7csFGL5N4sgvtx2NwN7pIcNVjxRKysE_BMuaJvPKcLRFdOUnxlGFJVAQACwqLdKwh82WhCbG5HO1iibAN58L-hZU4RqBVm3P_HeIk8wZDYY9VAxl5VJlTYFfe3HQJdkwv6BQMT3yMrmGztqMDzIs6v1du4dIB/s600/IMG_0427.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9kImyg-TJmD-nbrgXfl8zyeOrB3jE8tg80OOATujvxJ5GvJe_rjThdxIFiang5wJ8dA0VyN5yQhKCRujaBwbhvwyXwMdkqlq_1zCA22ImaEpb0CVDi3wbuztKY5D6T3EG4TjxJu4yy_8odEy1Prh10lInBlos7WGLkncxxVHYg2xOt5kV9tBhkL3/s1280/IMG_0432.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9kImyg-TJmD-nbrgXfl8zyeOrB3jE8tg80OOATujvxJ5GvJe_rjThdxIFiang5wJ8dA0VyN5yQhKCRujaBwbhvwyXwMdkqlq_1zCA22ImaEpb0CVDi3wbuztKY5D6T3EG4TjxJu4yy_8odEy1Prh10lInBlos7WGLkncxxVHYg2xOt5kV9tBhkL3/s600/IMG_0432.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>For our first view of the gorillas, one of the group's silverbacks was standing on the path 40-50m away. I hurried and assembled my camera to be ready to take photos as the silverback moved into the vegetation around the path. This began our four hours with the gorillas. Unlike the gorillas we visited on Monday, this group is still going through the habituation process to be comfortable around people. They were noticeably more timid, taking more shelter in the vegetation to hide from us. They also let us know if we got too close with bluff charges. The lead silverback charged a couple times when the trackers got a bit too close. Super intimidating!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCL4ts7BQHnpp5OVBFMlYfy2D3ZhdwGZ9LkOlAK0exdZ_3AIeNYjReJIeTQiBf11Rl9ubXFCrpQGHB_9XmeBp5iqdCLyQw03Gtn13tjqLl9bylMITeARM5kNMPTp5JXnEYfe6PHBkAI/s320/IMG_0448.mov" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCL4ts7BQHnpp5OVBFMlYfy2D3ZhdwGZ9LkOlAK0exdZ_3AIeNYjReJIeTQiBf11Rl9ubXFCrpQGHB_9XmeBp5iqdCLyQw03Gtn13tjqLl9bylMITeARM5kNMPTp5JXnEYfe6PHBkAI/s600/IMG_0448.mov"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Luke and the trackers helped position us around to get good views of the gorillas while also helping us stay out of the gorillas' way. It was so cool to spend some quality time with the gorillas and watch them move around, eat, take a short nap, etc. We learned a few things too. First, due to the almost 100% vegetation diet, gorillas are gassy. We heard a few rip out some farts to be proud of. Second, they are masters of picking their nose and eating the boogers. One of the females was going to town before taking a brief nap. Impressive. Third, it is possible to determine the age and sex a bit by looking at the dung with the silverbacks having a diameter of ~7cm, an adult female a diameter of ~5.5cm, and so on. Given we were close to their nests and spending a lot of time with them, we were treated to many examples of their dung.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGziP0N2FFSPjmOlvdq5WXSCvYqVbimug7GIItxzFsdYe48FKSM1n6-IZJpK97cUXNEXgzd_fkjz4OWtfJT0ZJE075vmGG448XSsS3nP8eWTgHgxOq3Hvoq0lv77OxtTgDM3-xfpGDxwLx9FC8zeT98EyOmF8bxF4MvXzy0nLYxrHgvk_RlIirTOj/s1280/IMG_0454.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="640" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGziP0N2FFSPjmOlvdq5WXSCvYqVbimug7GIItxzFsdYe48FKSM1n6-IZJpK97cUXNEXgzd_fkjz4OWtfJT0ZJE075vmGG448XSsS3nP8eWTgHgxOq3Hvoq0lv77OxtTgDM3-xfpGDxwLx9FC8zeT98EyOmF8bxF4MvXzy0nLYxrHgvk_RlIirTOj/s600/IMG_0454.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When the gorillas moved over the ridge away from the nests, Luke invited us to come see them. Kari and I jumped at the chance to go learn a bit more about the gorillas, while Bill and Theresa did not want to make the walk and continued watching the gorillas. Thankfully, the group was ok to split to help everyone have the experience they desired. We scrambled down after James, one of the trackers, Luke, and Bryan, one of the rangers, to go see the nests. Of the 8-9 nests we saw, they were all within a few meters of each other. You could tell the gorillas took time to make the nests as comfortable as possible for themselves. Luke explained that they would only defecate on the nest when they were leaving in the morning. Otherwise, they would aim off the nest to keep it clean. This is where Luke pointed out how to tell the different gorilla's size and sex by dung. He also pointed out where a juvenile likely slept by its mother as there were two nests touching each other. They then pointed out the silverback's nest, which was easy to spot with the pile of dung that remained. Luke went on to explain how they know they are tracking the same gorilla family by counting nests and confirming it is the most recent previous night's nest based on signs in the nest like dung, leaves, and branches. it was pretty fascinating stuff!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp1bAVyWxI_3-PqrxgeHVXH3Bt0VbdTU6kAKOxsF5Klo00OcXiLzYnsrzoRk3WTLFGP0gWEjwHzfJZ6lZ1NUw6ao-i4ChiC3nYxGdwA_FDPJLJAfaDs8c4GIXRhalEtIaECa6JSUy3_hE-USjadu71KVhqG83Z0X8Or_FHVT32Pl2nmHDBZtj3Iyi/s1280/IMG_0458.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKp1bAVyWxI_3-PqrxgeHVXH3Bt0VbdTU6kAKOxsF5Klo00OcXiLzYnsrzoRk3WTLFGP0gWEjwHzfJZ6lZ1NUw6ao-i4ChiC3nYxGdwA_FDPJLJAfaDs8c4GIXRhalEtIaECa6JSUy3_hE-USjadu71KVhqG83Z0X8Or_FHVT32Pl2nmHDBZtj3Iyi/s600/IMG_0458.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>once we saw all we could with the nests, we headed back up the hill to rejoin the group. When we reached the top of the ridge, we saw that the gorillas had not moved much, so we settled into the group to watch them eat. At this time, the rain also started coming down again, somewhat forcing me to watch instead of taking pictures. It was fun watching them eat bark and the various techniques employed. One little gorilla a few meters from me was taking bits out of the tree while the silverback reached up and yanked until the bark he wanted fell down. We saw one shy gorilla not take kindly to our presence and move away from us down the hill. Another climbed a tree a different one was eating the bark off to access the bark further up. I questioned the logic of eating the tree you are sitting on, but hey, what do I know. She looked pretty happy with her decision and got comfy, releasing a solid fart as she settled in. The rest of the gorillas and our group continued down the hillside. We opted to watch our friend in the tree a bit longer. It was so peaceful watching the gorilla on the edge of the forest while farmers tended their fields a short distance away.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J1_dfjH4XiMM2mJq7djIpxpcp59WaQA-3MJpAbF8Kj37bP9EZiBAG1inFr9w9rNJqvP8WjXXvyAuoIthAuKOjW2whF8WngMmebweE5TP_7SOqXbWkZpVNoBYNfPuDTGPsDwb20nGzkM/s320/IMG_0467.mov" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3J1_dfjH4XiMM2mJq7djIpxpcp59WaQA-3MJpAbF8Kj37bP9EZiBAG1inFr9w9rNJqvP8WjXXvyAuoIthAuKOjW2whF8WngMmebweE5TP_7SOqXbWkZpVNoBYNfPuDTGPsDwb20nGzkM/s600/IMG_0467.mov"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo74uV5PzQdidBqttudMmsX2PpZoOvWJBeXnF3umlovoj8Gkccw9Psi9fQ73Hx64mG3x8pIZxmgvoZCPY2SvMmMBLsoENGeHQQHf-YAP9P2rnYoq4CQmYAqGjIRN4La3n1cLnj0Q0Ocw/s320/IMG_0470.mov" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo74uV5PzQdidBqttudMmsX2PpZoOvWJBeXnF3umlovoj8Gkccw9Psi9fQ73Hx64mG3x8pIZxmgvoZCPY2SvMmMBLsoENGeHQQHf-YAP9P2rnYoq4CQmYAqGjIRN4La3n1cLnj0Q0Ocw/s600/IMG_0470.mov"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Finally, we continued down the hill to join the others and get our final photos and time with the gorillas. The silverback was in a thicket near the path munching on some fruit. I managed to get a few good shots of him before he continued deeper into the forest. I also found a gorilla in a tree who "sort of" posed for me for a bit. She was fickle though. It was not until the end of our time that she moved to a better spot for photos. Oh well! I managed to get a few before we started to work our way back to where we met in the morning. We also said our goodbyes to the trackers who were going to stay with the gorillas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJgt2knpw07i0B64XzZR_zgo6FugTD0xuJOdF19v6WUc0pPql3gqFMYuTDOUHwMK82UlamqG920wp3fAu9iXZ2D0V9ZJWZDGNSip_k6FzVha5_vbZV0FQFORlhuzflvg3TW_LWA7dBwQ/s320/IMG_0472.mov" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJgt2knpw07i0B64XzZR_zgo6FugTD0xuJOdF19v6WUc0pPql3gqFMYuTDOUHwMK82UlamqG920wp3fAu9iXZ2D0V9ZJWZDGNSip_k6FzVha5_vbZV0FQFORlhuzflvg3TW_LWA7dBwQ/s600/IMG_0472.mov"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When we made it back to the main trail, Luke had us stop for a quick lunch break of our packed lunches. He warned us that we might need to be quick as the weather looked like it was about to turn. And turn it did! No sooner had I finished my sandwich did the heavens open again, soaking us completely.</div>
<br />
<div>We set off slowly back to the start point on the main trail. Theresa took up lead position only to promptly pull away from Bill. Kari and I eventually closed the gap to Theresa, thinking it would likely be better to be at the front than the back. We chatted with Theresa a bit over the final bit as the rain started to let up a little. Michael was waiting for us, but before we could hop in to seek warm & dry, Luke had us up for a small ceremony. They awarded us a small certificate to commemorate our time and achievement. Pretty nice way to close it out. We said our goodbyes to Bryan, Zappani, and Luke, and then we jumped back into the truck with Michael. We chatted about how we appreciated and enjoyed this experience more. Luke was far superior to our previous gorilla guide and tried to make sure everyone was included and got the most out of the experience. We also laughed about the silly Brits and their lack of standard unit of measure system. It was a nice chat until we got on the "bad" road where we let Michael concentrate a bit more. He managed to get us back to Chameleon Hill Lodge without getting stuck. Granted, we had one close call.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvq46tGQw2KLUibe_eBBisfOdZiFjlPBo8Sri0z5ufzUkmnf7MSECAhAP8kuqJ9bnjfSf5FuvLEphG_LJ3uTXk9M_PyGjaM9TlRGingBLmCAUMtVLExJNcfmacMY6ZWyE4CLZSujasiQjR7y3JJNiUbg_vttG3FKC2kZFyqZU9lSaYh2AX0axk_fR/s1280/IMG_0475.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvq46tGQw2KLUibe_eBBisfOdZiFjlPBo8Sri0z5ufzUkmnf7MSECAhAP8kuqJ9bnjfSf5FuvLEphG_LJ3uTXk9M_PyGjaM9TlRGingBLmCAUMtVLExJNcfmacMY6ZWyE4CLZSujasiQjR7y3JJNiUbg_vttG3FKC2kZFyqZU9lSaYh2AX0axk_fR/s600/IMG_0475.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Upon our return, Agnes greeted us and took our boots and gaiters to clean them, offering us crocs to wear in the meantime. She also took our dinner order and confirmed dinner time before releasing us back to our cottage to get clean, dry, and warm.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolDWL_qgiP6bADAQLkDR4hmY84q9ZCXE27brrjBjsxRjPPJVw6sq1aQDzfUBf7yYMuZP-rtJRQseEwB1jc0zysqpB8V-G8B29RtqiRF_AB7MwfgSReUsElBy-BoqFPQVb4E_N_8by2RWO-IvbNGknh-CNSkFdMi2zFErVEXV0KN2T-Ly4E4Ul2Kkd/s1280/IMG_0477.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolDWL_qgiP6bADAQLkDR4hmY84q9ZCXE27brrjBjsxRjPPJVw6sq1aQDzfUBf7yYMuZP-rtJRQseEwB1jc0zysqpB8V-G8B29RtqiRF_AB7MwfgSReUsElBy-BoqFPQVb4E_N_8by2RWO-IvbNGknh-CNSkFdMi2zFErVEXV0KN2T-Ly4E4Ul2Kkd/s600/IMG_0477.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>After a bit of relaxing, we went back up to the lodge to fill out the Tanzania Health Forms and catch up on the connected world. Given we were still a bit chilled, we each had hot beverages: hot chocolate for me and tea for Kari. It was a nice way to get warm before dinner. Speaking of dinner, tonight we had pumpkin cinnamon soup (surprisingly good), chicken stir fry with potatoes and veggies, and pineapple crumble with homemade ice cream for dessert. Another fantastic meal to cap off another fantastic day here at Chameleon Hill Lodge!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamDNEhrHpngZ3UYdsZD9AcnjpNtyG7gK-qiuzNUPgoa0gfr5gvftXi1vy9F1ObIjhozgbf_iv-Yv0hx37EZUpmXMvhC0TlCVg9UJkkFzniwu3rGYbj3QKTcHMaO5624WQB5aZY30UU_9Go11bLFLkkcq2d7BZr3S-EiBNV5aGaDwEDJrO8_PhN4Tp/s1280/IMG_0478.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamDNEhrHpngZ3UYdsZD9AcnjpNtyG7gK-qiuzNUPgoa0gfr5gvftXi1vy9F1ObIjhozgbf_iv-Yv0hx37EZUpmXMvhC0TlCVg9UJkkFzniwu3rGYbj3QKTcHMaO5624WQB5aZY30UU_9Go11bLFLkkcq2d7BZr3S-EiBNV5aGaDwEDJrO8_PhN4Tp/s600/IMG_0478.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIRgScjylTDtKHd_w_IilkPA5p3DYt5pGS0uBwI22tYdZQQjW0xQR8BqxpMQYibIC1pBBKqAYpdzEaejtrPj_k_cpEmpsMpBrT334cf_qyMjafNV1aPGQmmK5QZyxcTuB8Vv_fimUcXFVq6YdGcSbI7sdNaJalqQuv4ss1f8WsazWNWdO6jt-Kz4H/s1280/IMG_0479.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIRgScjylTDtKHd_w_IilkPA5p3DYt5pGS0uBwI22tYdZQQjW0xQR8BqxpMQYibIC1pBBKqAYpdzEaejtrPj_k_cpEmpsMpBrT334cf_qyMjafNV1aPGQmmK5QZyxcTuB8Vv_fimUcXFVq6YdGcSbI7sdNaJalqQuv4ss1f8WsazWNWdO6jt-Kz4H/s600/IMG_0479.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>With the closing of tonight, we close our time here at Chameleon Hill Lodge and in Uganda. It has been more than we ever imagined. We look forward to when we can come back and spend more time soaking up life here.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Uganda-Tanzania-2022">Click here for photos from our African Adventure Part 3: Uganda & Tanzania!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Rushaga near UWA Park HQ, Uganda-1.1211235 29.7150077-29.431357336178845 -5.441242299999999 27.189110336178846 64.8712577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-16423964076587837102022-05-22T11:06:00.005-05:002022-05-22T12:55:31.373-05:00African Adventure 2022: Best of Chameleon Hill<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>For the first time all trip, we did not have to be awake and moving before 6am. What a magical experience to lay in bed with the curtains and sliding doors open to hear the sounds of birds as we watched the sunrise. Despite this fairly relaxing start, we had a bit of excitement when the safe did not open. I scurried up to the lodge to get the keys from Agnes to discover the batteries had fallen out. No wonder I could not get it open.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZpGtQjwr4jK5Zwik79RE-eP0REklTvPSTbCSDOyNRGIsD5kyi8HPAztWcWXCcy32voGkVTJPyaXNG9z5k8wGSavFHVm4F7ZxoQ7Ki1QpMBGxIlIyuRdbnwjyOZwOupV2Ob5Q_oWZLIkuu1-5n6ganNu3I53TAbWzSA7VOrdHI6gP4wlM56X33dAd/s1280/IMG_0338.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZpGtQjwr4jK5Zwik79RE-eP0REklTvPSTbCSDOyNRGIsD5kyi8HPAztWcWXCcy32voGkVTJPyaXNG9z5k8wGSavFHVm4F7ZxoQ7Ki1QpMBGxIlIyuRdbnwjyOZwOupV2Ob5Q_oWZLIkuu1-5n6ganNu3I53TAbWzSA7VOrdHI6gP4wlM56X33dAd/s600/IMG_0338.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>After making sure all was good with the safe and we had what we needed from it, we went up for breakfast. It was another delicious spread of fresh fruit, toast (GF for Kari), eggs (cheese omelette for me & medium fried for Kari), sausage, and bacon. The fresh passion fruit juice was also available to wash everything down. Delicious! Agnes brought our packed lunches (both requested chicken sandwiches with GF bread for Kari), and we were off to meet our guide, Gilbert, for the start of our outing.</div>
<br />
<div>The first portion was on bicycles. I was a little surprised to see decent looking mountain bikes waiting for us, expecting more of a hybrid bike to tootle along the lake. Instead, we ripped along the dirt road back to Kisoro. Given the road condition, mountain bikes were the appropriate tool for the job. We surprised Gilbert by being capable cyclists with most of our stops due to my seat post not staying in place. He was especially impressed with Kari as she was better than most of the men he typically goes on these with. Needless to say, we got to town a bit faster than expected, so our <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boda_boda">boda boda</a> bikes weren't at the meet point yet. We took the opportunity to use the facilities and buy a pot holder. Pretty cool souvenir for $3.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiDOHdE5JXYZ7--JBkgfAOkKuv81bKq5UclifbKs0qV31dx6Y2g2bsTjrOjuzRXnxA1zLgNHuNW4bZZKtzKvmsYYhNYF8vCleDXVbmzNju4seg0W5Jb-kAaYFyGMXz3DxTX-TclX5GzJvGCyNlSwBPjxLDnr7MFZPE0IdtgGB5kwwXkcjATaUYRvb/s1280/IMG_0339.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiDOHdE5JXYZ7--JBkgfAOkKuv81bKq5UclifbKs0qV31dx6Y2g2bsTjrOjuzRXnxA1zLgNHuNW4bZZKtzKvmsYYhNYF8vCleDXVbmzNju4seg0W5Jb-kAaYFyGMXz3DxTX-TclX5GzJvGCyNlSwBPjxLDnr7MFZPE0IdtgGB5kwwXkcjATaUYRvb/s600/IMG_0339.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYvEU5MIgC_IRBdY7tDrsXeHW6XKY0YFGmgNbtnCBXIu4YiWZAgCf5GSe8f9f6xElNLwp02ckkXkEX5s6xEe60iToN0ssBeanz1xKz1wLK4LfB2gB-K6gCn7wNnr7LvX7CxNqEEDXlTwnvvE-l5MwUL8LYTQYlyIoP9YhOxY0z4KnUcmAxlRyKwH_/s1280/IMG_0340.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYvEU5MIgC_IRBdY7tDrsXeHW6XKY0YFGmgNbtnCBXIu4YiWZAgCf5GSe8f9f6xElNLwp02ckkXkEX5s6xEe60iToN0ssBeanz1xKz1wLK4LfB2gB-K6gCn7wNnr7LvX7CxNqEEDXlTwnvvE-l5MwUL8LYTQYlyIoP9YhOxY0z4KnUcmAxlRyKwH_/s600/IMG_0340.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNyub34MURGTIqWEU9spyV40iQh_Jw2YeWz7TIzhiLObrkMfuBn0cQBJhEwINmbxPTACukr7amyKgsuSPkqWEnQPPPoeWUFFg7zot5fMha_6k28OS-e3xhKj_ui9SKaRP9j4iaxjWr1J-a5bQrvTP4eoMyDePVrLHqcpmJunOLKRehnECilJTW2G2/s1280/IMG_0341.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNyub34MURGTIqWEU9spyV40iQh_Jw2YeWz7TIzhiLObrkMfuBn0cQBJhEwINmbxPTACukr7amyKgsuSPkqWEnQPPPoeWUFFg7zot5fMha_6k28OS-e3xhKj_ui9SKaRP9j4iaxjWr1J-a5bQrvTP4eoMyDePVrLHqcpmJunOLKRehnECilJTW2G2/s600/IMG_0341.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQHkSGAdjEY5ev0rgcR-edZyvD8P88qW5qn-BL7jiJv-Q6-DK-y-YbqKGusJ1xf4ojk98yxTMVLrOqk3RKuwngOootNOEKuZpHmxM9-URq8wjcT9nNtjmgBkw143MxUitFcnNB5tor7KVEUZ5cJz4hiCDtA8AYQ_j7-R-JbyPnXxer1Kkx1JRhB9F/s1280/IMG_0345.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQHkSGAdjEY5ev0rgcR-edZyvD8P88qW5qn-BL7jiJv-Q6-DK-y-YbqKGusJ1xf4ojk98yxTMVLrOqk3RKuwngOootNOEKuZpHmxM9-URq8wjcT9nNtjmgBkw143MxUitFcnNB5tor7KVEUZ5cJz4hiCDtA8AYQ_j7-R-JbyPnXxer1Kkx1JRhB9F/s600/IMG_0345.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu64f1qqvFCOMNPNz3xzX-rBqbjyn0I1jRNL-V4KiZ8CF1iOW29WuLwE8r349yXe7o0dtUtAo40RXOrEfjqomNDu8-mSZlfyKgMlHJpjYf4e_gAIvC8w2vuKiknPUgH5TPQTA6n_UFF-rhkY4l0tjbylTkhiJP47rSlxEbAnLUJTEl11nkGl57Tq1/s1280/IMG_0346.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu64f1qqvFCOMNPNz3xzX-rBqbjyn0I1jRNL-V4KiZ8CF1iOW29WuLwE8r349yXe7o0dtUtAo40RXOrEfjqomNDu8-mSZlfyKgMlHJpjYf4e_gAIvC8w2vuKiknPUgH5TPQTA6n_UFF-rhkY4l0tjbylTkhiJP47rSlxEbAnLUJTEl11nkGl57Tq1/s600/IMG_0346.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhkNoAihB0DJGPPYBhd8eT3-CwBn5gi7rfMex556cQxWMVvbthfk8YI5UYFhVd5j2f2Ao2l5iuryVB7hE3oHCrhik_LDk3fmOLmO8KcI90MAX1v-r5KrSzFIRmiUlj9d1JhPhDEsi-pyV_Pb2BvuIPnFT09bFkpffqGILia1461u0d7C55fepuQK8/s1280/IMG_0347.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhkNoAihB0DJGPPYBhd8eT3-CwBn5gi7rfMex556cQxWMVvbthfk8YI5UYFhVd5j2f2Ao2l5iuryVB7hE3oHCrhik_LDk3fmOLmO8KcI90MAX1v-r5KrSzFIRmiUlj9d1JhPhDEsi-pyV_Pb2BvuIPnFT09bFkpffqGILia1461u0d7C55fepuQK8/s600/IMG_0347.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ubPqQNDyAR7V1Q7i36UfVnRV1auvXnU-AIKrwdDZQMbYi1KWbxIF9tPxsbgglph5UxdwQl1yojBPONYsFle9ysmoxlNM3gt8YfPlc8hF89pW4QMxaXKWxvXEMlOw_1h82LDcrNQ50n1hnvBaoyWGheyuDGx55OS-FyDNOemmTkFWq41sQrDjOJQ/s1280/IMG_0348.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-ubPqQNDyAR7V1Q7i36UfVnRV1auvXnU-AIKrwdDZQMbYi1KWbxIF9tPxsbgglph5UxdwQl1yojBPONYsFle9ysmoxlNM3gt8YfPlc8hF89pW4QMxaXKWxvXEMlOw_1h82LDcrNQ50n1hnvBaoyWGheyuDGx55OS-FyDNOemmTkFWq41sQrDjOJQ/s600/IMG_0348.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9WBZpnj5Is8EMVeVpFuoQFUAU4Ub-Ys6rG2-IioZqaCkoQ0u7N-tAxCSV7Etvy5eb_gr0xcCSQyu-QV_tndrxDELNZxuYbBodfOrx-512ZzTvOhm4fLEfrdjnni1yIqlkmOWqxI5SRhdgIdI10gIyZ50qg-szX_cem2T2X-6HISY0tyu0-wjtac2/s1280/IMG_0350.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9WBZpnj5Is8EMVeVpFuoQFUAU4Ub-Ys6rG2-IioZqaCkoQ0u7N-tAxCSV7Etvy5eb_gr0xcCSQyu-QV_tndrxDELNZxuYbBodfOrx-512ZzTvOhm4fLEfrdjnni1yIqlkmOWqxI5SRhdgIdI10gIyZ50qg-szX_cem2T2X-6HISY0tyu0-wjtac2/s600/IMG_0350.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When the second boda boda bike (read motor bike named so due to being the best way to get from border to border) arrived, we jumped on the back and rode off to the coffee plantation. Kari was more nervous riding on the back of the boda boda than ripping down the dirt road on mountain bikes. It probably did not help that we were relying on Gilbert and his friend to get us to the coffee plantation safely. It also provided another perspective of transportation from while here.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMerOgofpH6HQ5OumWxZe8fF3N2xXiX7RBX-dw83i7fIgwL9QZkf0qwHQj4jwPEg-QQLJF5o-gYN7Efo8qegSp9RKBlHS0Jwlxf1pRNofZe6V3CPzXKRkT-kQ2x5nrsrnoKINmOKrFCdPIu-WhnCMUPPdxGJDjsefDzVFh3C6_E1D12rBx2nW2QD5l/s1280/IMG_0353.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMerOgofpH6HQ5OumWxZe8fF3N2xXiX7RBX-dw83i7fIgwL9QZkf0qwHQj4jwPEg-QQLJF5o-gYN7Efo8qegSp9RKBlHS0Jwlxf1pRNofZe6V3CPzXKRkT-kQ2x5nrsrnoKINmOKrFCdPIu-WhnCMUPPdxGJDjsefDzVFh3C6_E1D12rBx2nW2QD5l/s600/IMG_0353.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>The first portion of the ride was on a paved road, which was probably good to get the handle of it. Before long and we were off on a dirt road, trying to hold on. Thankfully, we made it to the drop off point and began our walk up the volcanic rock strewn path to <a href="https://kisorovolcanicorganiccoffee.wordpress.com/">Kisoro Volcanic Organic Coffee</a> plantation. Ronald and his dog, Max, greeted us as we enter the garden. He first brought us to an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica">arabica coffee</a> plant to show us the different colours of fruits: red is ripe and green is not ripe. To ensure high quality coffee, they only pick the red berries to test as part of the water method. He also explained that the arabica coffee trees grow at elevation (1700m to 2300m); whereas, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_canephora">robusta coffee</a> trees grow in the lowlands. They grow the trees for 15yrs, harvesting coffee from 18 months through 15 years, then they cut it down, leaving only about 1 foot of a stump. From the stump grows a second generation of the tree, which they let grow another 15yrs before repeating the process. When the root system has been used to grow trees for 45yrs, they dig out the roots and start over.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHTQGCu1wTgKBuCmpdmrCmNP8QMiRByXjX7H_gTP2ZHSt2loNCzyHVUOWer-2POgiJ_ax0aEZ8RsFB4H02v6QYkwClbeNMAj3sphT9gyKBrBPmB1cfKthOjGXBz2M-ckHRLAmK8Om2po1JFGyk_PlCwF_ncimCapI58aeJtejWLL6DNuRRJ3kFx1l/s1280/IMG_0355.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHTQGCu1wTgKBuCmpdmrCmNP8QMiRByXjX7H_gTP2ZHSt2loNCzyHVUOWer-2POgiJ_ax0aEZ8RsFB4H02v6QYkwClbeNMAj3sphT9gyKBrBPmB1cfKthOjGXBz2M-ckHRLAmK8Om2po1JFGyk_PlCwF_ncimCapI58aeJtejWLL6DNuRRJ3kFx1l/s600/IMG_0355.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJdgS3UYb17YS5WoU0hYx7qPzn4dimJrdgWlsRf3VjhgaUtUPENhiHVUD5yI-3nJs91hb_rbU2I6RL_mQENVNgUaaLWteT8N_bnyLwl2RUju7vzTfNxprv5-oxmUrYhwaj4Cx_-Luj0ntY-nuCoHGo2u9u8i0AkduUPacKX-00F63ZY3faRpkMTA8/s1280/IMG_0356.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJdgS3UYb17YS5WoU0hYx7qPzn4dimJrdgWlsRf3VjhgaUtUPENhiHVUD5yI-3nJs91hb_rbU2I6RL_mQENVNgUaaLWteT8N_bnyLwl2RUju7vzTfNxprv5-oxmUrYhwaj4Cx_-Luj0ntY-nuCoHGo2u9u8i0AkduUPacKX-00F63ZY3faRpkMTA8/s600/IMG_0356.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgA4KEUbf_caFrMDWr8HUOIgh1pnmPSfVG12x1hnCAmA-c3ru6x9j1Gvafcfv2a1n8nWd-AlyR8vQrOrnlE78FfqYlJHk7fGzO_n2QzVNuucEDtIV0HOM0NY-3ztXC6Tf18D6z1k6Bkvw7JZ50GcrvASgPKAZeFtS8614oqf0sfjycmok4exiVX71/s1280/IMG_0358.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgA4KEUbf_caFrMDWr8HUOIgh1pnmPSfVG12x1hnCAmA-c3ru6x9j1Gvafcfv2a1n8nWd-AlyR8vQrOrnlE78FfqYlJHk7fGzO_n2QzVNuucEDtIV0HOM0NY-3ztXC6Tf18D6z1k6Bkvw7JZ50GcrvASgPKAZeFtS8614oqf0sfjycmok4exiVX71/s600/IMG_0358.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>To assist with soil nutrient and water composition, they also grow a variety of other plants, including banana, in close proximity to the coffee trees. It was fascinating to hear their process to grow and cultivate the trees. He then showed us some of the other plants in the garden that they use for food and/or natural fertilizer and pesticide. kari got the recipe for the natural pesticide, which is part animal urine, so we can consider growing organic at some point in our future. It was fascinating to hear about all of the things growing in his garden and their uses. You could hear his passion coming through. His garden tour concluded with a brief display of the seedlings they cultivate for others to have. Growing coffee beans to sell is only one avenue that they make money from coffee with the other being giving seedlings to local farmers that want to get into coffee production. In those cases, the government will pay him for the plants that he gave away as a mechanism to aid in the country's ability to increase coffee exports. It is a pretty cool way to approach it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCORucMSROoyPfYzcr8FE8sDzXligyARa9m-l93rdbPGdPin_PcIiEdnVs5orbVl1JZAoKY5TViahBLUxZsodMoYRWI4eRG5DHxa3AIHGFp9acFQ-zmp-N7_6n-QPwO-mu5P4YoYkWvGV7lMRRlmS3PzyGGjklDNZJo8Dqn_y98B2ycXJD75U4NkMQ/s1280/IMG_0360.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCORucMSROoyPfYzcr8FE8sDzXligyARa9m-l93rdbPGdPin_PcIiEdnVs5orbVl1JZAoKY5TViahBLUxZsodMoYRWI4eRG5DHxa3AIHGFp9acFQ-zmp-N7_6n-QPwO-mu5P4YoYkWvGV7lMRRlmS3PzyGGjklDNZJo8Dqn_y98B2ycXJD75U4NkMQ/s600/IMG_0360.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following the tour of the garden, Ronald showed us the water method to prepare the coffee beans. First, they put all of the harvested berries in a bucket of water to remove the floaters, or ones that have been impacted by a bug or disease. Then, they pulp the berries to free the beans and continue the process. Then they let the beans soak in water for three days, cleaning and changing the water every day to remove the first outer casing. The beans felt a bit slimy when first pulped. After this process, they let them sit on drying racks for a few weeks, not in direct sunlight, to dry out. This dried out bean has a flaky casing that needs to be removed, which they mash in a log until all of the casings are off. Then, they winnow (think pan for gold) to separate the casings from the beans. What you are left with is a green coffee bean, ready for sale and exportation. When they sell the green beans, they are graded AA, A, AB, and B with only AA & A used in premium coffee and AB & B reserved for instant. Ronald prefers to sell the green beans unroasted as they have a two year shelf life and roasted beans only have an 8 month shelf life.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpGZPMLo1kQPXDecpSIreg1694O8Ux3WvAFDeXAaMJOTsrLqI4gwlK1a0SJqGukCqTkThwLW0WIcqeaBvBiBXtnEfGV67Bx09ef0rLg-Pl7kLBlL6koq-t7kEtIjvrzVyr0_aFzhIZ8nJ5tYDFu7YGYS-kwohjaD4pvtEm1skaDqrMIi2X5p1jQhh/s1280/IMG_0365.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpGZPMLo1kQPXDecpSIreg1694O8Ux3WvAFDeXAaMJOTsrLqI4gwlK1a0SJqGukCqTkThwLW0WIcqeaBvBiBXtnEfGV67Bx09ef0rLg-Pl7kLBlL6koq-t7kEtIjvrzVyr0_aFzhIZ8nJ5tYDFu7YGYS-kwohjaD4pvtEm1skaDqrMIi2X5p1jQhh/s600/IMG_0365.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4olqbUjwnuLjOHQ784suSnT5MgO1koTiDfBf6ARaVgvguXa8ktRwuYsNKVe_-CGr2VutHmthAERCKHMW5VO37c1hSscsbFFzc20hL96RFjWRHh7gFGK3KkMmHyx9Q2Zsr3VdQeRTOLI39O3axP2RRXncat3mk9RmCr_2Nz7fNy2bOWecEqXWYF3Ci/s1280/IMG_0366.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4olqbUjwnuLjOHQ784suSnT5MgO1koTiDfBf6ARaVgvguXa8ktRwuYsNKVe_-CGr2VutHmthAERCKHMW5VO37c1hSscsbFFzc20hL96RFjWRHh7gFGK3KkMmHyx9Q2Zsr3VdQeRTOLI39O3axP2RRXncat3mk9RmCr_2Nz7fNy2bOWecEqXWYF3Ci/s600/IMG_0366.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPvfaIf-rZidGrCOme_f_xhdnWuT8A0E0CCKuWp6sfjYdT7dNcYV0pu7_ro4gJ39LGFk1JyUp_7-vBHgsSqv9pLhH9lJG6aBd5CGYQfRKocGsF-doPaHLwuAhZ7pr6EVgKB1Bhubvk-9NJm87UAvc6rUaWNMVjv1U7Maq-h8gPZtYAxHyxKC3_ltx/s1280/IMG_0369.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPvfaIf-rZidGrCOme_f_xhdnWuT8A0E0CCKuWp6sfjYdT7dNcYV0pu7_ro4gJ39LGFk1JyUp_7-vBHgsSqv9pLhH9lJG6aBd5CGYQfRKocGsF-doPaHLwuAhZ7pr6EVgKB1Bhubvk-9NJm87UAvc6rUaWNMVjv1U7Maq-h8gPZtYAxHyxKC3_ltx/s600/IMG_0369.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgZj3C7DbYr8v7bsXYbrWaG5wgMF7XzAW0G34bv25-Ker9lLGRhB511gb_-EZpi-IRl75n7JzL3rVz1lv351o_-2FrM1h9b_Eyvk3JMc4YkrZyaxVcFYwfD9oyEoF5E7Ni88zgkvX85w/s320/IMG_0371.mov" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgZj3C7DbYr8v7bsXYbrWaG5wgMF7XzAW0G34bv25-Ker9lLGRhB511gb_-EZpi-IRl75n7JzL3rVz1lv351o_-2FrM1h9b_Eyvk3JMc4YkrZyaxVcFYwfD9oyEoF5E7Ni88zgkvX85w/s600/IMG_0371.mov"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>To make sure we know the whole process, he and his wife roasted a set of beans in light, medium, and dark roasts to help us see the difference. Finally, he brewed some of each of the roasts for our taste test. To properly brew, you need to boil the water and then let it sit for a minute to drop in temp to ~80 to 90C before adding to the grounds. Then once combined, you need to let it sit for 4-5min to ferment. While he was letting everything process, he also filtered some of the dark roast using a common way to obtain coffee, also for our taste test.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufWn8TbI3j7NVH4WdSjliz-6071XhZlRDee_Sy3_UUM61bIER59WU7NXSxCTpXCRN5nErGiRZBie_XCsQO2oSNPNwhw2P7E3bJiIlJXxbXb4N0VRiClIC2GmrX1DXy9hGXZz2r1sJChKD2eWec9vBZqxw9sivqa9wJS003aQ3ot97vhE25A6tbj2p/s1280/IMG_0373.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufWn8TbI3j7NVH4WdSjliz-6071XhZlRDee_Sy3_UUM61bIER59WU7NXSxCTpXCRN5nErGiRZBie_XCsQO2oSNPNwhw2P7E3bJiIlJXxbXb4N0VRiClIC2GmrX1DXy9hGXZz2r1sJChKD2eWec9vBZqxw9sivqa9wJS003aQ3ot97vhE25A6tbj2p/s600/IMG_0373.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk2v3E3qQOOurKnBoe8Ey3QjFRE2nViDbrIied3sI25l8xxGBUNOVbFBBBxiof1Jw4bMnGbQJSp6BompjFG-Ggqkxwj-ZJmT0gLBPOjdyJ2Js8teUV9brMjXev44lN41Dz4-SbipIMX5eewNwbhDQF_41f-rcHZrinacHs8fChtA8pbt3_rdiW_6K/s1280/IMG_0376.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmk2v3E3qQOOurKnBoe8Ey3QjFRE2nViDbrIied3sI25l8xxGBUNOVbFBBBxiof1Jw4bMnGbQJSp6BompjFG-Ggqkxwj-ZJmT0gLBPOjdyJ2Js8teUV9brMjXev44lN41Dz4-SbipIMX5eewNwbhDQF_41f-rcHZrinacHs8fChtA8pbt3_rdiW_6K/s600/IMG_0376.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When it was time, he poured us each a cup of light, medium, dark, and dark filtered to try and compare. He also set out nuts and bananas to snack on. Now, I am not a coffee drinker, but I didn't mind the light roast, even found it a bit enjoyable. The medium roast was ok, and the dark roast was not great, despite smelling the best. It was also remarkable how different the fermented vs filtered dark roasts were. Another fun fact he imparted was the lighter the roast, the greater the caffeine as it is burned off the longer you roast the beans. Interesting! They gave us small bags of our choice of beans or grounds as a souvenir. Kari chose the medium roast beans, and I chose the light roast beans. We debated getting more little bags for family and friends but opted against it due to weight restrictions on our little flight upcoming, not knowing what people would actually want, and unsure when we would see them next. It was a tough decision to say the least as this was the first time I tolerated coffee well enough to finish an entire cup (light roast).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0ddH-FekV5vyrpU4bGyPjbk-0Ff7AmA9E-1bcv4sFOM965ifSqApupKt4Mj-2J44rhZX2J5fMvWzSKynZA3lIWxqXU7Gr-ome6uISwEYNcH3LszBJYySxGAGXIRmRn-394MrJHeKZj8d-J3BrAEwMpbsFcEJEwshJym5qhdJHhAOhC0UQmh4LR_Y/s1280/IMG_0380.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0ddH-FekV5vyrpU4bGyPjbk-0Ff7AmA9E-1bcv4sFOM965ifSqApupKt4Mj-2J44rhZX2J5fMvWzSKynZA3lIWxqXU7Gr-ome6uISwEYNcH3LszBJYySxGAGXIRmRn-394MrJHeKZj8d-J3BrAEwMpbsFcEJEwshJym5qhdJHhAOhC0UQmh4LR_Y/s600/IMG_0380.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we finished, we said our goodbyes and walked back down the path to the boda bodas. For the next part of our journey, Gilbert led us back to the main road for a bit before we drove off onto another dirt road to meet up with Chameleon Hill Lodge's pontoon boat for the final part of our experience: a ride from the southern end of Lake Mutanda back to Chameleon Hill Lodge on the northern end, stopping at a couple islands along the way to check things out. While it was sad to part ways with Gilbert, it was nice sitting on the pontoon boat to eat some lunch and get ready for the ride.</div>
<br />
<div>At the dock, we met our guide, Herbert, and boat captain, Amon, for our journey across the lake. As we set out, a couple guys began paddling away from shore in a dugout canoe, which is the primary way to cross the lake. Very few people, mainly tourists, cross the lake with an engine-powered boat. Herbert explained the process of making a dugout canoe from eucalyptus trees and chisels. It is amazing how much people seem to favor the eucalyptus tree (invasive from Australia) over the endemic species, but the wood works better for many of the tasks required of people and grows fast.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VBaN8rkRsuUUDWjPOmeSxsHMOQrEVVfcu3PIX16Bi7fxUcvoxLLvI5467REuZ5LYrC3LrC9xp0XXtuuduNfAce2bx7uluxr7-DrxvOWRpaf_l3iokopp4EpdUbJKvfLSgInOW7yPdwL2IeMI6X3imsVMdg-7wdSXrn-xG1cxJsJmvYg96op0YPBf/s1280/IMG_0382.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VBaN8rkRsuUUDWjPOmeSxsHMOQrEVVfcu3PIX16Bi7fxUcvoxLLvI5467REuZ5LYrC3LrC9xp0XXtuuduNfAce2bx7uluxr7-DrxvOWRpaf_l3iokopp4EpdUbJKvfLSgInOW7yPdwL2IeMI6X3imsVMdg-7wdSXrn-xG1cxJsJmvYg96op0YPBf/s600/IMG_0382.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1KtLaguEQxkA4aDwgG2hbdAVEtNRwJJ6IcAY4aw7hd2SYcSnCC-FtNS7fZn20nFidRfTpyIdfyGAt-wMCcD_O_C4ZhjJEBcv1Sm8nAbjgxI4VkZURy_8_1dW0M2vD49q1mGlWjNGw0MssD8ZLLvoaO3dB1yJL7GZ60k0DhwCxuTW9-8DTvE05DwG/s1280/IMG_0383.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1KtLaguEQxkA4aDwgG2hbdAVEtNRwJJ6IcAY4aw7hd2SYcSnCC-FtNS7fZn20nFidRfTpyIdfyGAt-wMCcD_O_C4ZhjJEBcv1Sm8nAbjgxI4VkZURy_8_1dW0M2vD49q1mGlWjNGw0MssD8ZLLvoaO3dB1yJL7GZ60k0DhwCxuTW9-8DTvE05DwG/s600/IMG_0383.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we sailed along, Herbert pointed out various landmarks and gave us information about the area around Lake Mutanda. Before long, we were alongside Mutanda Island, the largest in the lake. This island is home to about 200 people. With no school beyond grade 1 and medical facilities, people would have to row the 15km to the mainland regularly. Moving livestock from the mainland to the island also required rowing with sheep & goats in the canoe and cows swimming alongside. It was fitting that two canoes from the island were heading to the mainland as we approached: one with a small boy paddling solo and one with a family hauling goods and a pig.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqsg7IoUMfDMZt8kFRHf7FdGa1pqTVw91B0Dl4cWsUTgUr-IM1UJ7-HxypxrDvyFmFCI8LzkUuaKUTO8JDgu_IF5g71vM-BLxREB2bA8y7HQyd5nhRJLVOm_eO263kCRNljlR8RX3WF5TyVd_KPGYUs_YmFlNVwKrPAVE3GuL7QzcQ1PBUpRMOOX0/s1280/IMG_0388.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqsg7IoUMfDMZt8kFRHf7FdGa1pqTVw91B0Dl4cWsUTgUr-IM1UJ7-HxypxrDvyFmFCI8LzkUuaKUTO8JDgu_IF5g71vM-BLxREB2bA8y7HQyd5nhRJLVOm_eO263kCRNljlR8RX3WF5TyVd_KPGYUs_YmFlNVwKrPAVE3GuL7QzcQ1PBUpRMOOX0/s600/IMG_0388.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwL_CW4kHxGysAUeutYDqdj_5x8LR1imA9bS4j_HawGqh7Sg5dEgC2hwooh_hDZHWPC0ZwjdZgXtEC2SEl0hFJlu6gVWTeOi58aeuR3c0oYglIx5j9glAvVIAKR2Mt25re6OPO3E3KFXx5HTKiqvtxx7MmxMdVZ_mzineo1ecFJHRKQeDgDaIkHMf/s1280/IMG_0399.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwL_CW4kHxGysAUeutYDqdj_5x8LR1imA9bS4j_HawGqh7Sg5dEgC2hwooh_hDZHWPC0ZwjdZgXtEC2SEl0hFJlu6gVWTeOi58aeuR3c0oYglIx5j9glAvVIAKR2Mt25re6OPO3E3KFXx5HTKiqvtxx7MmxMdVZ_mzineo1ecFJHRKQeDgDaIkHMf/s600/IMG_0399.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When we reached the next island, Amon slowed the boat, so we could look for birds. We saw an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey">osprey</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_fish_eagle">African fish eagle</a>, some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibis">ibis</a>, a couple <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingfisher">kingfishers</a>, and some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cormorant">cormorants</a>. We also saw a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite_(bird)">kite</a> swooping down to try to spot some fish. It was neat to not only see the birds but Herbert's genuine excitement for them. He mentioned birding was his favorite activity.</div>
<br />
<div>Our next stop was to Skeleton Island, so called because of the cave with royal members of one of the local clans being buried there. Instead of being buried below ground, they were rested in a cave encased in reeds and a blanket. With most of the natural fibers long disintegrated due to exposure to the elements, the bones remained. This is one of two caves in the Lake Mutanda area used for burials with the second on the mainland and better preserved from people taking the bones and other artifacts for museums or personal collections. Herbert explained that people would use these caves as part of their sacred rituals, a practice that has diminished a bit as other religions made their way into Uganda.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjyrepHuTQcW05ekoDs1VNHJIy5vrOR8JCrxyTENvTs_yY4dQ8ifAt9OKJd8fAlkx9iSo1fRR4zVc6ZVutHnxgaIGis9eZ7OkCuGdaIBqB29QADx9FRnG6XPwt8-FWUjfBDrmBhZclgCIxQu89aV907gOT6tjmcoK4o3fL7kXkYX65Dt_QLC7wtSG/s1280/IMG_0401.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjyrepHuTQcW05ekoDs1VNHJIy5vrOR8JCrxyTENvTs_yY4dQ8ifAt9OKJd8fAlkx9iSo1fRR4zVc6ZVutHnxgaIGis9eZ7OkCuGdaIBqB29QADx9FRnG6XPwt8-FWUjfBDrmBhZclgCIxQu89aV907gOT6tjmcoK4o3fL7kXkYX65Dt_QLC7wtSG/s600/IMG_0401.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our stop on Skeleton Island, we got back on the boat and continued on to the lodge. Our final island that Amon slowed the boat for allowed us to see a pelican perched near the top of a fig tree. Herbert also pointed out roughly where he lived along the shores of the lake. That would be a stunning spot to grow up and live!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dhIkgUAoOjsEUmJwHVcaOqGdyKTnjGl2r-9sSiQDDuh1ex0GL5fmQvPGBLQIhivWLAgygcw3nK2YhQxhyM3y2K8o4p2CNdIysbzFufXaTaR0lqafeuXaZ4DJBwqb7xMytAGPXDMI45W4XnFvN-dSLQW_hT0sGn4B0chxWusLDfq8ZpD8gEvypBIV/s1280/IMG_0408.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3dhIkgUAoOjsEUmJwHVcaOqGdyKTnjGl2r-9sSiQDDuh1ex0GL5fmQvPGBLQIhivWLAgygcw3nK2YhQxhyM3y2K8o4p2CNdIysbzFufXaTaR0lqafeuXaZ4DJBwqb7xMytAGPXDMI45W4XnFvN-dSLQW_hT0sGn4B0chxWusLDfq8ZpD8gEvypBIV/s600/IMG_0408.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUHif-EGAb8v3iw9GKdQ8qr8O1iQjNtmYWFBovkqoNJZgn00JLM8qVNFloXKt04tOVZgzJ4J_Cr-Z56BZivuiu1n9kr_unHFHdqWMz7syUbqBYd0awn45YOYBc2N0plP27o2Q31aRd5tLaTB8PJEXL2bcNQnv1-DNXZYPE2c-3nYzyni9a7M3pxAU/s1280/IMG_0410.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUHif-EGAb8v3iw9GKdQ8qr8O1iQjNtmYWFBovkqoNJZgn00JLM8qVNFloXKt04tOVZgzJ4J_Cr-Z56BZivuiu1n9kr_unHFHdqWMz7syUbqBYd0awn45YOYBc2N0plP27o2Q31aRd5tLaTB8PJEXL2bcNQnv1-DNXZYPE2c-3nYzyni9a7M3pxAU/s600/IMG_0410.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we approached the dock, Amon slowed again so we could try to see the otters that live near the shore below Chameleon Hill Lodge. With the reeds providing a great spot for tilapia to grow, the otters also settled in to take advantage. We saw several in their hunt for fish, darting amongst the reeds. Pretty neat! We then said our goodbyes to Amon as we started our walk back up to the lodge with Herbert.</div>
<br />
<div>Along the way, Herbert pointed out the garden where some of the food for the lodge is grown, more bird species, and some cool plants. You could tell how much he enjoyed being part of nature and trying to learn as much as he could. Our walk with him also showed us the correct and fast way down to the lake from the lodge, which was much more direct than our misadventure from a couple days before.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAvJ011OCpvkyHWBMwY2PeZfoUQpr5WMp895_UO2HV8F_l5_mx2Y8SQJvL7N9c4YSCpOuUsT4ODlVLzUN0e_j-EzX3k0fGgcmpKIqdomqbGveXMdb_eb9uPa1To5PjaDhxlvs6DRgHYkq8b9ejb3cfdw1SrA2DXxFAEhbIuD96X5eEdmhA5iJkDH1/s1280/IMG_0413.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAvJ011OCpvkyHWBMwY2PeZfoUQpr5WMp895_UO2HV8F_l5_mx2Y8SQJvL7N9c4YSCpOuUsT4ODlVLzUN0e_j-EzX3k0fGgcmpKIqdomqbGveXMdb_eb9uPa1To5PjaDhxlvs6DRgHYkq8b9ejb3cfdw1SrA2DXxFAEhbIuD96X5eEdmhA5iJkDH1/s600/IMG_0413.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>When we approached our room, Agnes was coming down to get our dinner order and hand over our keys. We parted ways with Herbert, feeling a little bad he scurried off before we could tip him. We will have to find him later as he was one of our better guides thus far. We then got cleaned up and relaxed until closer to dinner time, looking forward to another delicious meal. While we were relaxing, Kari found some large bees making a home in the roof of our patio. She was not pleased. She wants bees to live and exist, but far from her.</div>
<br />
<div>The time came for us to venture up to the lodge for dinner. We connected briefly with Michael to hear about what he has been up to while we were on our day of adventure. He also briefed us for our gorilla habituation trek for tomorrow. Agnes called us in for dinner a little after 7pm. While the menu called for pan seared fish, they substituted some delicious steak for me; Kari had the fish. This was paired with tomato basil soup (another sub), roast potatoes, veggies, and passion meringue pie. Another incredible meal! We hung out for a bit before turning in to get some rest before our big day tomorrow! We also got to meet our new lodgemates: Ollie & Kirsten from Germany. While it was fun to have the run of this place, it will be nice to have a bit more company!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI5m2JsM0SINU5VJlY7ap2611x1bkKfEDKL_Nyxtnp688xWMZYrMiFWF82bhZMISYMi8S35blSyy2bNXbIpbLN9amlB5YUDSK4DotEbDvU0-wbEoHikPxZvsBPsTaPhxnA8nimlVpNEwk-KWcPudy18B0v0wRJbR5kkqKBeZWBAjQfDiwmdCw2Jc9/s1280/IMG_0415.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZI5m2JsM0SINU5VJlY7ap2611x1bkKfEDKL_Nyxtnp688xWMZYrMiFWF82bhZMISYMi8S35blSyy2bNXbIpbLN9amlB5YUDSK4DotEbDvU0-wbEoHikPxZvsBPsTaPhxnA8nimlVpNEwk-KWcPudy18B0v0wRJbR5kkqKBeZWBAjQfDiwmdCw2Jc9/s600/IMG_0415.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-98VQzSxFA9UPglsqNH6DGupYx5gNt7ehEGyZlmiKK2WnuHgLJ4cmicGaABpeHBQaelNOhYY4lLbBYdiHZ9yE3Y2hKpEWZHJYAdHfyQrVoxuYob4wRDeXsIaQkTOHRQDMmyyK00BsKM1nwQao474cwqfVYkZ6TuMeULHTzOt5KJBCGDgwxSYHDm4b/s1280/IMG_0416.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-98VQzSxFA9UPglsqNH6DGupYx5gNt7ehEGyZlmiKK2WnuHgLJ4cmicGaABpeHBQaelNOhYY4lLbBYdiHZ9yE3Y2hKpEWZHJYAdHfyQrVoxuYob4wRDeXsIaQkTOHRQDMmyyK00BsKM1nwQao474cwqfVYkZ6TuMeULHTzOt5KJBCGDgwxSYHDm4b/s600/IMG_0416.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Uganda-Tanzania-2022">Click here for photos from our African Adventure Part 3: Uganda & Tanzania!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Kisoro, Uganda-1.2834307 29.6904746-27.073434345954517 -5.4657753999999983 24.506572945954517 64.8467246tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-58652300063949384442022-05-16T01:19:00.008-05:002022-05-22T12:59:54.862-05:00African Adventure 2022: Gorilla Trekking<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>Despite an early bed time, our 5:30am wake-up came early. It was nice getting a good night of sleep for once, but we both felt like we could have used a bit more. Following a quick shower, we headed up to the lodge for breakfast and our 6:30am departure.</div>
<br />
<div>Breakfast was yet another incredible meal. We each had eggs cooked to order. I chose a cheese omelette with a side of bacon, and Kari chose a medium fried egg with a side of sausage. We also had toast, fresh fruit, juice, and müsli. It was an awesome spread to get fueled up for our hike to see the gorillas.</div>
<br />
<div>After breakfast, we jumped in the jeep with Michael to begin our ~1 hour drive to the briefing point of our gorilla trek. The drive took us over some pretty rough terrain with the road seeming to get worse as we went along. We encountered kids walking to school, men caring for their goats or cows, and women walking to obtain water from the river or other supplies. Even though the sun was just starting to rise, there was a wealth of activity.</div>
<br />
<div>Along the drive, we chatted with Michael a bit about life for those who live in the area. One thing we found in common was with the schools; albeit only slightly. Michael explained that there were four levels of school: kindergarten for ages 3-5, primary school for ages 6-12, secondary school for 13-18, and then university. The government pays for school up to secondary school. Anyone wishing to go to secondary school needs to pay to go to a private school. As a result, there is an approximate 40% drop out rate following primary school. This was actually similar to my high school experience, where I started freshman year with 600 other kids and graduated with a class of 360. Pretty wild when you think about it. For the ~20% of the population that goes to university, the government also assists with paying for school for those with the best grades. Based on this conversation, it would not be hard to imagine that Uganda is home to a fair amount of inequality, even if you only consider education as a metric.</div>
<br />
<div>Eventually, the road turned onto a better road, and Michael was able to go a bit quicker. It was still a fairly rough dirt road, but it was vastly improved over the first half of the ride. It was also pretty clear when we got near the entrance to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bwindi_Impenetrable_National_Park">Bwindi Impenetrable National Park</a> as the area became more built up to cater for tourists wanting to see the gorillas like us.</div>
<br />
<div>Upon arrival at the ranger station, we noticed a group of dancers (the gorilla women group) performing in a nearby field. The gorilla women group is designed and run to empower women to obtain skills. It seemed like a pretty good cause. Following the dance, we proceeded to meet with the guide, Augustine, to hear a briefing on what we were about to experience. It must be fairly common to use porters as we got pressured to use one for our trip. We politely declined as our packs were full of our water and food, which we are perfectly capable of carrying. He then described the Ugandan helicopter and its cost. This is the method where they carry you down into the jungle to see the gorillas and then back up again for the low price of 300 USD. We also learned that we were the only people in our group to go find the Nkuringo family group. This is on top of our having the run of Chameleon Hill Lodge for a couple days solo. Pretty wild!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBtapq39XPUbqba7CWV9oNs3wBO6xIIwSMouHNWzs8u-7sEejOt6NE2jvPvKVWj0MWU9iN0P7OAqv_QypCFDP0wP5ziiDxm3zinjeYS0ABC_0FrLO621Iu8OlraoAbsVgZpaZJXIHcvNv5ITxfQVKLQnKZ6WyyY8Shi_HsvLGiZvwl4vVrWe6ypKU/s1280/IMG_0259.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="640" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBtapq39XPUbqba7CWV9oNs3wBO6xIIwSMouHNWzs8u-7sEejOt6NE2jvPvKVWj0MWU9iN0P7OAqv_QypCFDP0wP5ziiDxm3zinjeYS0ABC_0FrLO621Iu8OlraoAbsVgZpaZJXIHcvNv5ITxfQVKLQnKZ6WyyY8Shi_HsvLGiZvwl4vVrWe6ypKU/s600/IMG_0259.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbD1UD0TW_pIIN_b_J90wN-MGrvWjE2bZ-Ih0-foAben83sJ31SHJUdseHiGwyUrgp13uQcQsZEI5n8mdY4CmhrcIARgyVGzT3a5M7GPMIJ64CLM4lIq6I6P6kLIwz8JVM3A4ZD5BaFndiVM1oS7OvaZrUU0VYTpxX0MDD1dSrsgCMFqpwh1VgtkS/s1280/IMG_0260.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbD1UD0TW_pIIN_b_J90wN-MGrvWjE2bZ-Ih0-foAben83sJ31SHJUdseHiGwyUrgp13uQcQsZEI5n8mdY4CmhrcIARgyVGzT3a5M7GPMIJ64CLM4lIq6I6P6kLIwz8JVM3A4ZD5BaFndiVM1oS7OvaZrUU0VYTpxX0MDD1dSrsgCMFqpwh1VgtkS/s600/IMG_0260.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>After the briefing, we loaded back into the jeep with Michael and Augustine to head to the start of our trek. It took about 15-20min on the dirt roads to get to where we were set to begin our trek. In addition to Augustine, we had Didias and Gotfried as our rangers to escort us with rifles should something bad happen. Didias took up the front and started to guide us down the steep hillside into the valley below with Gotfried taking up the rear. It took us close to an hour to get to the bottom as we navigated the steep, slippery hillside. Kari and I both fell onto our bums at least once with several other slips and slides. Thankfully, we managed to make it down in one piece a bit in awe of the ease with which our guide and rangers made it down.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu9sJj0gcrYQPwVe7kYmHm4G-CkV9MIDlWx1iZRCuib9YzgYDbyZneHYiU-JNNyN3_xj9exJw9Zloqq25EllPEqvz3a9LMv4oxQz15LKovOPhzcVb-TRoBq6MSFUo9boeHt4eOpWTvkY3T-QifSYa8CuZCzlD13OVFLqPgdWQDiP1JHpG3Vb439vy/s1280/IMG_0263.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu9sJj0gcrYQPwVe7kYmHm4G-CkV9MIDlWx1iZRCuib9YzgYDbyZneHYiU-JNNyN3_xj9exJw9Zloqq25EllPEqvz3a9LMv4oxQz15LKovOPhzcVb-TRoBq6MSFUo9boeHt4eOpWTvkY3T-QifSYa8CuZCzlD13OVFLqPgdWQDiP1JHpG3Vb439vy/s600/IMG_0263.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVEUCMfCP4ftYWGiCd0VR1pzEMYL7GLHaIaUC7-_ANTYfaglqn-7_SdubiKxQgEqpn8GH1olV5ttyvZSDFDfantVCJhl5SOG054fPBd6WfqRoqEWD8UFnRMAjeaXVdMnbjsBgo3g32i8WSRHBM65L9BQpxF3ThS1iavlcP09_fe7LJWDczzqHYXpX/s1280/IMG_0266.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVEUCMfCP4ftYWGiCd0VR1pzEMYL7GLHaIaUC7-_ANTYfaglqn-7_SdubiKxQgEqpn8GH1olV5ttyvZSDFDfantVCJhl5SOG054fPBd6WfqRoqEWD8UFnRMAjeaXVdMnbjsBgo3g32i8WSRHBM65L9BQpxF3ThS1iavlcP09_fe7LJWDczzqHYXpX/s600/IMG_0266.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlmymJOe6q-fMVz-4wtAcoEO7qyXzEgCe5zWFW0PXup3K7GF9_p0AHjS3uns_ofGPHhstOtT0N36sV4cPFyU2qVuo9XOJ4kmqfqBSTjtNLLvmLPzHnjToPZUJiSkLGSMSORK8WmHZ5uXBZXMWMnH-4byb1AC2HVizOxaEtPK1tmhJqFZijCt0TzI5/s1280/IMG_0269.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlmymJOe6q-fMVz-4wtAcoEO7qyXzEgCe5zWFW0PXup3K7GF9_p0AHjS3uns_ofGPHhstOtT0N36sV4cPFyU2qVuo9XOJ4kmqfqBSTjtNLLvmLPzHnjToPZUJiSkLGSMSORK8WmHZ5uXBZXMWMnH-4byb1AC2HVizOxaEtPK1tmhJqFZijCt0TzI5/s600/IMG_0269.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Augustine had us wait by a field of tea plants as the trackers were in the process of funneling the gorilla family closer to us. As the gorillas got closer, we could see the foliage move around them. Augustine also had us move down through the tea field, leave our bags, and put on our face masks to get closer to the gorillas. Given we share a decent amount of genetics with gorillas, it is possible for us to spread disease amongst each other, including COVID. With these part of the last remaining <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_gorilla">mountain gorillas</a> on the planet, it would be real bad if we got them sick.</div>
<br />
<div>As the gorillas moved closer, we tried to find good spots to watch without getting in their way. One of the silverbacks, a couple of the females, and some babies wandered right below us in the river bed. We crossed the river behind them to look for a spot to see them eating. we ended up right behind a mother and baby. The mom was gently grazing while the baby swung from the branches, nibbling on leaves a little higher up in the trees. Augustine called us over to see a different set of gorillas behind some foliage. As he cleared some of the foliage back, one of the silverbacks didn't take too kindly to Augustine and his proximity to his baby, so he did a bluff charge. It looked real enough that I started moving towards Kari to get her out of there. Thankfully, tensions de-escalated and the family went back to grazing. We watched as the baby couldn't decide if it wanted to eat or play. One thing for sure is that it was likely annoying mom.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIuuASS7q3Xs6ihs5dxH9U09bcTwk2Fe-islERRySypb3krCxYN95BY2xLjM1vRIK_MHOpnB7KDYwC_G-q8Yp8Fx27W0U7J4YtUOWMtvgI3gIzQR8Bq8G8JvIkqI6M4kWHScKcHf_61Bmq5WJ-k-JSYEsO4RP1TOrC-r-TOI3iAD1d4qRfrI3XeEd/s1280/IMG_0289.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIuuASS7q3Xs6ihs5dxH9U09bcTwk2Fe-islERRySypb3krCxYN95BY2xLjM1vRIK_MHOpnB7KDYwC_G-q8Yp8Fx27W0U7J4YtUOWMtvgI3gIzQR8Bq8G8JvIkqI6M4kWHScKcHf_61Bmq5WJ-k-JSYEsO4RP1TOrC-r-TOI3iAD1d4qRfrI3XeEd/s600/IMG_0289.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqklxMlSOBHp2qcUr8dlp1Sq4LohvGJu6Ld6_2DvVq9ubMGmZTX-Io56zaj-s9MjSBrJoqMy2f7nKNtt9st9W3qRJHKDr6fLbBz3rGCYrTWunGr17ZwswpBQsEsInwQ35ESUyNhatI9156KhCdfMks5iYHBa_YPV2a1KIDErni1xReTVldx2N_Kqw/s1280/IMG_0299.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqklxMlSOBHp2qcUr8dlp1Sq4LohvGJu6Ld6_2DvVq9ubMGmZTX-Io56zaj-s9MjSBrJoqMy2f7nKNtt9st9W3qRJHKDr6fLbBz3rGCYrTWunGr17ZwswpBQsEsInwQ35ESUyNhatI9156KhCdfMks5iYHBa_YPV2a1KIDErni1xReTVldx2N_Kqw/s600/IMG_0299.jpeg"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='600' height='498' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxOjXngalJhAkQtNEvh2ingfjL--3OYIcjuqPkQnpoHUM0aj_60ONynlLzSQJgVuevnpRW1jRRDR-CRCTrsAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div>Eventually, the little family moved further down the hill to join the rest of the family group. Augustine had us follow behind and found a spot for us partially surrounded by gorillas. We watched the moms carry their babies, nurse their babies, and graze in relative peace without the little ones. The babies were swinging all over the place doing a combination of eating and playing. You might think that they wanted to give us a bit of a show. We stood and tried to soak in the moment surrounded by gorillas. We even had one small gorilla get really close to us before crossing between myself and Augustine to go be with its mom. It was pretty cute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='600' height='498' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx2M3gtr7y8wAIVQh9jUTUftlCvOgqm8H4V-d9Bh-7hU6Mavb6NQrUMBQYJRAGO2lzVRvj7xR3XuWwsvYYp5w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div>Before too long, it was time to start our hike back up the hillside to the jeep where Michael was waiting for us. We tipped the trackers and reclaimed our packs to start the ascent. Given we are still at ~2,000 meters and the hill was quite steep, we were in for a pretty solid workout to get back up the hill. Didias tried to carry Kari's pack before she realized what was going on and asked for it back due to it having her water and food. Probably the only real bummer was how obvious the group was at trying to extract money from us in the form of tips. I knew I was running low with what I brought for the trek, so I wasn't super keen of their tactics. Oh well. The journey back up seemed to take about as much time as going down likely due to the various stops Augustine had us make. Some of the breaks, I was thankful for; others, not so much. During one of the breaks, a woman carrying a load of sticks on her head and a bag under her arm came down the trail passed us. Given how much we struggled to keep our balance without anything on our heads, it was rather impressive to watch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbESmqTmEfz18CwI1cdW1KDbHtkw2XWv8TBqPjwhxS3SpSPJPPyWEmmH4pi58PDgjspkUZFJr6N3Ip99aEsLjs3GOwwnzBiDrMBrexTK24W8LKIaZm7rwPkJuvWJQ-RgdUAmRSAzKE1vBQ8jrCRDFloMUSZXHoselAfTonUBIgtZVoi9apsAIrAAN9/s1280/IMG_0323.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbESmqTmEfz18CwI1cdW1KDbHtkw2XWv8TBqPjwhxS3SpSPJPPyWEmmH4pi58PDgjspkUZFJr6N3Ip99aEsLjs3GOwwnzBiDrMBrexTK24W8LKIaZm7rwPkJuvWJQ-RgdUAmRSAzKE1vBQ8jrCRDFloMUSZXHoselAfTonUBIgtZVoi9apsAIrAAN9/s600/IMG_0323.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back at the top, we loaded into the jeep for the ride back to the ranger station for a small ceremony and to say our goodbyes. Augustine presented us with some certificates of achievement, in the hopes we will spread the word for more tourists to come. While I hope many more people get to see the gorillas, I also hope they get to remain wild and left relatively alone. We humans are pretty good at exploiting things until we lose or destroy them. I hope that doesn't happen to the gorillas. When I tried to give the tip, it had a small rip, so they did not accept it. Such a bummer that is the case. Good thing I had a little left that they accepted.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we said our goodbyes, we loaded back into the jeep with Michael and started our journey back to Chameleon Hill Lodge. We had not eaten our packed lunches yet, so we were starting to get hungry. On the drive, we saw some younger kids walking back from school and more people out and about. The "smooth" dirt road quickly turned into the "bad" dirt road. Michael did well to maneuver the vehicle along the torn up surface. In the small village near Chameleon Hill Lodge, Kari noticed signs on homes. Michael explained that the government is planning a road works project at end of year to pave the road. As a result, some of the buildings near the road need to be demolished. The government did provide money for folks to relocate.</div>
<br />
<div>At the lodge, we went to sit on the lanai and eat our packed lunches. Tommi, the cat, came to say hi and purr/beg for our food. He is cute, but we know better than to actually feed him. Too bad we cannot think he is excited to see us as the only guests of the lodge. Oh well. Agnes also came by to take our meal order for dinner. Tonight, we are having sweet corn soup, steak with rice and veggies, and some banana flambé. It sounded delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlE5TdpjN9-CB5KvpcAu8itw0MXtgbtp6O_OwiazDNkT1wSt97wlgMpnsNxWUSKHF0R7ySXO_XLP4DG4UEQ10nrD1BGND5ed_VlhSi3StN0WTAjCRuYsQaqcUQbPVYtDO6xHk6i867m2tveLMckzy7C4TXXzrOMlft3aiQ4BOSpBtQhzOH0dpYcI_/s1280/IMG_0335.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="640" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlE5TdpjN9-CB5KvpcAu8itw0MXtgbtp6O_OwiazDNkT1wSt97wlgMpnsNxWUSKHF0R7ySXO_XLP4DG4UEQ10nrD1BGND5ed_VlhSi3StN0WTAjCRuYsQaqcUQbPVYtDO6xHk6i867m2tveLMckzy7C4TXXzrOMlft3aiQ4BOSpBtQhzOH0dpYcI_/s600/IMG_0335.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>While we waited, we went back to the room to do some laundry, shower, and relax before dinner. It has been a big day, and it is nice to get a little relaxation time.</div>
<br />
<div>When dinner time rolled around, we made our way up to the lodge from our cottage. We chatted briefly with Michael until Agnes called us in for dinner. It was as good as, possibly better than, we imagined. This was also our first meal without our furry friend, Tommi, hanging out and saying hi. It was a bit sad. After dinner, Agnes took our food order for breakfast and the packed lunch for tomorrow. She also talked us through what to expect from our activity, at least a bit. The big takeaway was our guide wasn't coming until 8:30am with a 9am departure. We get to sleep in! She also helped convert four $50 notes to a bunch of $5s and $10s to help with tipping. I'm not sure why HSBC thought we wanted so many $50 notes. Oh well. Agnes came through! She also called out some of Kari's dietary things without Kari asking. She is an absolute legend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WGCVwCDQLty-iVGUnkTuzy2sbRo262KLjkkDN_d6iJwYzsZCDWLtyQsP_UgEs8TBaL0Lg6XE3ESs_C7Pe6xwe2g-8LGRhxjmmBcBg9o-ZOZQ8Wktwsm9VfjIYtq8V5czYWTRaGFmwJ36zPQAu_15S0hzIy50xXu4reiQoCY7NXrhWyqnkZm0ULN2/s1280/IMG_0336.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WGCVwCDQLty-iVGUnkTuzy2sbRo262KLjkkDN_d6iJwYzsZCDWLtyQsP_UgEs8TBaL0Lg6XE3ESs_C7Pe6xwe2g-8LGRhxjmmBcBg9o-ZOZQ8Wktwsm9VfjIYtq8V5czYWTRaGFmwJ36zPQAu_15S0hzIy50xXu4reiQoCY7NXrhWyqnkZm0ULN2/s600/IMG_0336.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGea_HzwrpNMXA8BMr8LiMiibZT4yhlf_gmowIGVVgzBa0gPJOWn_kSki-I9tkkP-tB4DI_dBYln083w9BxPUh6yWCUdDnbT6wzfiE_E99k4JIVr0QviLTVBxasgs7z048o5DSHkU_Xo6Fd5l6tMh_AruiuLM8OfBnzEFD7pX17pw0kqqp6sbyh03/s1280/IMG_0337.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGea_HzwrpNMXA8BMr8LiMiibZT4yhlf_gmowIGVVgzBa0gPJOWn_kSki-I9tkkP-tB4DI_dBYln083w9BxPUh6yWCUdDnbT6wzfiE_E99k4JIVr0QviLTVBxasgs7z048o5DSHkU_Xo6Fd5l6tMh_AruiuLM8OfBnzEFD7pX17pw0kqqp6sbyh03/s600/IMG_0337.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>With the knowledge of a slightly later waking time, we chose to relax a bit before heading to bed. We are looking forward to our next day here!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Uganda-Tanzania-2022">Click here for photos from our African Adventure Part 3: Uganda & Tanzania!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Nyalutembe, Uganda-1.1346982 29.5847087-29.444932036178844 -5.5715413 27.175535636178846 64.7409587tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-48814489580828211882022-05-14T05:45:00.002-05:002022-05-22T13:01:50.990-05:00African Adventure 2022: Travel to Lake Mutanda & Chameleon Hill Lodge<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<iframe src="https://www.travellerspoint.com/embed/map.cfm/#/embed/822938/1342775/?tiles=default&showguide=true&triponly" width="100%" height="500" style="margin-bottom:10px;border:0;"></iframe>
<br />
<div>Boy, was that alarm brutal! Two nights of sub-5 hours of sleep was a bit rough. We hustled to get ready and check out of the lodge. Our driver was waiting for us when we got to reception at 5:40am. We did not have to wait long for our packed breakfast was ready and we were headed back to the airport.</div>
<br />
<div>Our flight from Entebbe to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisoro">Kisoro</a> was a small, 12-seat prop plane. Similar to the international flight the day before, this plane was operating on a loop. Our stop, Kisoro, was the fourth stop, so we got to experience our pilots, Roman & Albert, complete take-offs and landings on asphalt, grass, dirt/gravel, and a combination. They kept us informed with what was happening and let us get out at the first stop to use the washroom as that was our longest leg at close to an hour.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-pJi20lvfHZnhfzIZ_WsdQ_bGumt7oDRwfFI0oCIoJSGgjZ8zXIltS-VMUyT_WYi3ZH-SQ9C_paZc2hL4TAUxRv-EKh3kp8yq0NJYM10B9DqKvl_VX8OFcltJQq4k0qbLyVWhIB7G-dQCS_eDLo8fADZHtc3iPSNDLd3KGjBDWc6cnWuX66vjRj9/s1280/IMG_0205.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-pJi20lvfHZnhfzIZ_WsdQ_bGumt7oDRwfFI0oCIoJSGgjZ8zXIltS-VMUyT_WYi3ZH-SQ9C_paZc2hL4TAUxRv-EKh3kp8yq0NJYM10B9DqKvl_VX8OFcltJQq4k0qbLyVWhIB7G-dQCS_eDLo8fADZHtc3iPSNDLd3KGjBDWc6cnWuX66vjRj9/s400/IMG_0205.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYmcA63wx4KukGpnIdz15XsQY7BSkM43j2Mhk0zGCARwzLZNhf_4G6oBvZ1rl7Tu_LoaI975cZAM8qxWdU-VLgL2BZ37zKpCI3j1re_aoRFvc14WXIpVwGK9k5HubSO-gGHmnN2MmX7qfTRj0YcWV7u1yJ2Qzcbq2l9iafXO4dd19fBA77_jvFpFF/s1280/IMG_0208.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYmcA63wx4KukGpnIdz15XsQY7BSkM43j2Mhk0zGCARwzLZNhf_4G6oBvZ1rl7Tu_LoaI975cZAM8qxWdU-VLgL2BZ37zKpCI3j1re_aoRFvc14WXIpVwGK9k5HubSO-gGHmnN2MmX7qfTRj0YcWV7u1yJ2Qzcbq2l9iafXO4dd19fBA77_jvFpFF/s400/IMG_0208.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpst2Wl4EOVoesC2m-lidQr6JeSJo5lL11u3J2rE9ZTMXQIZhomSZXirGF5LZ2hJLRmrERmpCcyueEoG5yGWQ0IB7tSwBU5xSyWGLhfXgqtTCc0HrTdvYteG-yJgtGHvjBXAVidTjVZJEbPFC0wmf5I6OtjVwA4jw8apn6QEPqvmvKO9NeeMYtizQ/s1280/IMG_0210.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpst2Wl4EOVoesC2m-lidQr6JeSJo5lL11u3J2rE9ZTMXQIZhomSZXirGF5LZ2hJLRmrERmpCcyueEoG5yGWQ0IB7tSwBU5xSyWGLhfXgqtTCc0HrTdvYteG-yJgtGHvjBXAVidTjVZJEbPFC0wmf5I6OtjVwA4jw8apn6QEPqvmvKO9NeeMYtizQ/s400/IMG_0210.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>The views on the flight were incredible and varied throughout. That certainly help make up for the size, since my head almost hit the top of the plane while seated!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrJKWrjurS4eoQ1-IQPM8VUSyhEsQQ2ePwO5PXU-m-BmNeOA2lUlgLV9zlskR-1mqY9venW3sSBbf9ANFBuhUg8eE0xgFFtr9R-10rXcKs3Mn6mWy-AdQGq6arNetrRDUoKQqcBQEsSZL4_Cag8rzEQM5i0juJdTC4UqlgtVMF8jXBwTBjexmK4tn/s1280/IMG_0213.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrJKWrjurS4eoQ1-IQPM8VUSyhEsQQ2ePwO5PXU-m-BmNeOA2lUlgLV9zlskR-1mqY9venW3sSBbf9ANFBuhUg8eE0xgFFtr9R-10rXcKs3Mn6mWy-AdQGq6arNetrRDUoKQqcBQEsSZL4_Cag8rzEQM5i0juJdTC4UqlgtVMF8jXBwTBjexmK4tn/s400/IMG_0213.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWOJKemsrLCQPXn87DFWMBi9K0QjEXGJ800Apa9B4iYV13JFCLnuIuWhnspDakiJXySzKBGmAek-1XpKc8qcLnNz3R7n0mXSEMubFq4kWIrskgWDt85xL1Dd20SGj0iyz_L67xeS9V1f3MtaB9r7X2k1_Uvc_6y611q0SUhaTEZddOHm76glolD3d/s1280/IMG_0215.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWOJKemsrLCQPXn87DFWMBi9K0QjEXGJ800Apa9B4iYV13JFCLnuIuWhnspDakiJXySzKBGmAek-1XpKc8qcLnNz3R7n0mXSEMubFq4kWIrskgWDt85xL1Dd20SGj0iyz_L67xeS9V1f3MtaB9r7X2k1_Uvc_6y611q0SUhaTEZddOHm76glolD3d/s400/IMG_0215.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Before too long, we landed at Kisoro, where our driver guide for our time at <a href="https://www.chameleonhill.com/">Chameleon Hill Lodge</a>, Michael, met us. We used the facilities and then jumped in the jeep to make the journey from Kisoro Airport to Chameleon Hill Lodge. The drive took the better part of an hour with most over some pretty bumpy dirt tracks. Michael explained that road works happen during two times of the year: beginning of rainy season and end of rainy season. It felt similar to Wisconsin's winter and construction seasons.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE77cesZlDCXcHUcjcEqK8bLRSAiN5TPORWzHhHdIScII1u4yELZtuYh7-gM8iSwfIf7AcW-5PIUr7ZzNaqBqmXoTS78RA-Qy_gX_mfk68NL35tYnTHlCWG9IsGqhLwDX8tWkyudmHKGmgbTKsdvxGgseIiGJ_p9aWF5pFCdFyQdG_wyLUvlJ78Eu/s1280/IMG_0217.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpE77cesZlDCXcHUcjcEqK8bLRSAiN5TPORWzHhHdIScII1u4yELZtuYh7-gM8iSwfIf7AcW-5PIUr7ZzNaqBqmXoTS78RA-Qy_gX_mfk68NL35tYnTHlCWG9IsGqhLwDX8tWkyudmHKGmgbTKsdvxGgseIiGJ_p9aWF5pFCdFyQdG_wyLUvlJ78Eu/s400/IMG_0217.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>On our way out of town, Kisoro was alive with kids playing and people walking to and from church. It was cool to get a brief glimpse into normal life in the town. As we got further away from the city centre, the road conditions worsened to effectively a single lane for both directions of traffic due to the ravines cut through the dirt road. We also saw stack after stack of handmade mud bricks in various stages of processing. Most of the people in this area made their own bricks to use when building their home. Pretty cool to witness.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixygsPThlFhTgfuP8dJ0lwA8M4bzRV9eksASZhXo1gH8uSyfO5JqTYP5J96NNF5uWQ5krPgX8D8BWIxm5SERKUjvmB-b7IV269k1CPdD6Z8ekWjvN7BjxZ2us_GJo7n4akv6-BUDhnmYsYVQ_7zbqF048v-8Bw5d4LhpKozvBovWOzaz1ggDYjRC55/s1280/IMG_0218.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixygsPThlFhTgfuP8dJ0lwA8M4bzRV9eksASZhXo1gH8uSyfO5JqTYP5J96NNF5uWQ5krPgX8D8BWIxm5SERKUjvmB-b7IV269k1CPdD6Z8ekWjvN7BjxZ2us_GJo7n4akv6-BUDhnmYsYVQ_7zbqF048v-8Bw5d4LhpKozvBovWOzaz1ggDYjRC55/s400/IMG_0218.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Another amazing sight to witness on the drive were the people, primarily women, carrying large loads along the dirt roads by foot. Many of the homes along the ridge do not have running water or electricity, this is a daily task to walk to the lake to fetch water among other things. Given we are at ~6,000ft, they are some seriously tough people.</div>
<br />
<div>We finally made it to Chameleon Hill Lodge! We were greeted by Agnes and Charles upon our arrival. Agnes brought us wet towels to clean our hands and face as well as water and juice. It was nice to sit on the lanai, overlooking <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Mutanda">Lake Mutanda</a> and finally start to relax. We made it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyiflGMRURloC4sAYcnTM_5-otsPl8hZca4V9wmlJBb6PJW2w2QVATWcY-MjyaCpibjHEYZfv4OxRefPZeBu3zKh1oC6RY7SHS1bwFUdcywbq5QFk42hkmK-yAV0heyTQiEs06yTDXKofNsWhj4xFCNwJ5lCtwWM-S8mJN_PvrFvisbaW0vbmplq9/s1280/IMG_0234.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyiflGMRURloC4sAYcnTM_5-otsPl8hZca4V9wmlJBb6PJW2w2QVATWcY-MjyaCpibjHEYZfv4OxRefPZeBu3zKh1oC6RY7SHS1bwFUdcywbq5QFk42hkmK-yAV0heyTQiEs06yTDXKofNsWhj4xFCNwJ5lCtwWM-S8mJN_PvrFvisbaW0vbmplq9/s400/IMG_0234.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK7SlZTcWXWKFSHToMU-LMfeQnm2J3D1MM6c4WvtmI1q-jo9nXt3GqrNfOedrHRMcQdYqPngDLx0xOfXW6wEa5BkANVASwXn53GFD_S5-lIL1Y4y931aHY-GeSW5boAqyWa-g2Q28YJK7d8U-Qbe9x2lWvUFsWfgwUyZi1Nvh9GWPDPQldaLwNuN3/s1280/IMG_0219.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK7SlZTcWXWKFSHToMU-LMfeQnm2J3D1MM6c4WvtmI1q-jo9nXt3GqrNfOedrHRMcQdYqPngDLx0xOfXW6wEa5BkANVASwXn53GFD_S5-lIL1Y4y931aHY-GeSW5boAqyWa-g2Q28YJK7d8U-Qbe9x2lWvUFsWfgwUyZi1Nvh9GWPDPQldaLwNuN3/s400/IMG_0219.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzHjDd5tENiFjQg_itXyCovGBsPcvlOXXft4dA8UCBnKq02mr1njTo7pGHqkf5-N8F761iE8z-6qvPVTfnmAWjCW_6YLKv4l3FvxPdhR4MvA92l6pUlrqvxYiA6d5PDUrUJMXNRuTxQfSJ08eVmSyqLglr7pPfsJnkOQP4RkfPra0h-uvs3CVqcZk/s1280/IMG_0223.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzHjDd5tENiFjQg_itXyCovGBsPcvlOXXft4dA8UCBnKq02mr1njTo7pGHqkf5-N8F761iE8z-6qvPVTfnmAWjCW_6YLKv4l3FvxPdhR4MvA92l6pUlrqvxYiA6d5PDUrUJMXNRuTxQfSJ08eVmSyqLglr7pPfsJnkOQP4RkfPra0h-uvs3CVqcZk/s400/IMG_0223.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>After a short briefing to learn more about what the lodge had to offer, we went down to our cottage to get settled and relax until lunch at 12:30pm. It felt nice to unpack the bags a bit and sit on our patio overlooking the lake to read. I read a brief history of the place and Uganda before examining the activity menu to see if we wanted to do anything in the afternoon. Kari used this downtime to wash some of her clothes to try to reduce the bug spray smell.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcDX9EUhUiBmDZRR-rNpjVYH-Ymu4EhPtmuY7d8IKH7GM5TPJzYVseaioNN-xTPJS7FZ8oEC5ai8Oc5jGoSVvv76bgxLintLGqEzwMw6C-AfdbJ5-rQsYMfAptYeSMsZceKOdGzYLmVnBFFJo42koWNUnGNR_J9QGsJVeZCX8oidkBF0Y3KpZ-fPd/s1280/IMG_0225.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcDX9EUhUiBmDZRR-rNpjVYH-Ymu4EhPtmuY7d8IKH7GM5TPJzYVseaioNN-xTPJS7FZ8oEC5ai8Oc5jGoSVvv76bgxLintLGqEzwMw6C-AfdbJ5-rQsYMfAptYeSMsZceKOdGzYLmVnBFFJo42koWNUnGNR_J9QGsJVeZCX8oidkBF0Y3KpZ-fPd/s400/IMG_0225.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscD4pm7f73gTlwzEaJKgbGBXkBGF6M-IFPMp7yyRLUUcrqhUaYL-4v5pkd6uVekgUoTCeXJCNvk7UmhjJl1PwMVKYCM14uy3trRw4rH3sVzVdKC-XwN7-L9A4lL6LFk5ZMw3QDELnl-aIzyP1s22-_g1N-izHhPY5n3AsDzwUoYqAXVYCerUDG6pU/s1280/IMG_0226.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscD4pm7f73gTlwzEaJKgbGBXkBGF6M-IFPMp7yyRLUUcrqhUaYL-4v5pkd6uVekgUoTCeXJCNvk7UmhjJl1PwMVKYCM14uy3trRw4rH3sVzVdKC-XwN7-L9A4lL6LFk5ZMw3QDELnl-aIzyP1s22-_g1N-izHhPY5n3AsDzwUoYqAXVYCerUDG6pU/s400/IMG_0226.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Before long, it was time to head back up to the lodge for lunch. They served a delicious three course meal: carrot & ginger soup with warm bread, roasted chicken with roast potatoes & veggies, and finished with fruit salad for dessert. It was pretty incredible. No sooner than we had finished our dessert did Agnes come over to get our request for dinner. We also asked if it would be possible to learn how to carve a gorilla later in the afternoon. Thankfully, the instructor was available later in the afternoon. While we waited, we ventured off on a walk down to the lake.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu-WXz5oncE5NKHp9yT73ynZtfivwIV-B976Q1a75VYwgPcq9eQbz4nZUlYaxVlYfa-Y15e1-wAywEC7pTGQsV1xdoJ86cxybjfDe5HbR8SfPcd2PLNNXkx5pxxbTfjUcg9bfboIPxxY6Fs8F3fFvf4glAhspxckv3P2vW_6VD0fIkkcwZfRvC_my/s1280/IMG_0231.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifu-WXz5oncE5NKHp9yT73ynZtfivwIV-B976Q1a75VYwgPcq9eQbz4nZUlYaxVlYfa-Y15e1-wAywEC7pTGQsV1xdoJ86cxybjfDe5HbR8SfPcd2PLNNXkx5pxxbTfjUcg9bfboIPxxY6Fs8F3fFvf4glAhspxckv3P2vW_6VD0fIkkcwZfRvC_my/s600/IMG_0231.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkiRM_FybOePLvZojSkc8-wdls7Ky9YS0bkUB-WNydcAy41F_8zQc0Yv_lqH1dk27fJKVhLYf68_bKYRbubrqBzFFXhD5csDI67Kl-WYzXKF5RbOfcL8OFs7aJtx665nTpGvxjnuTPB8gJfvCwZPUtnGmpJF5lXTjsu_CsZG0JS7Yegh01xmSMfgi/s1280/IMG_0233.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkiRM_FybOePLvZojSkc8-wdls7Ky9YS0bkUB-WNydcAy41F_8zQc0Yv_lqH1dk27fJKVhLYf68_bKYRbubrqBzFFXhD5csDI67Kl-WYzXKF5RbOfcL8OFs7aJtx665nTpGvxjnuTPB8gJfvCwZPUtnGmpJF5lXTjsu_CsZG0JS7Yegh01xmSMfgi/s600/IMG_0233.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>While intended to be easy, this turned out to be rather complex. First off, I <b>*think*</b> Charles meant to say to go through the gate on the right instead of the left. Not thinking going on a trail away from the lake seemed like the right call, we continued down along the cottages and asked a worker for help. He pointed us to the trail and we were off. That is when we hit issue number two: no signage and loads of different paths to go down. We picked one and ended up near a river with tall reeds and grasses. Thinking this couldn't be right, we went back up and tried a couple other trails to see if one would do the trick. Sure enough. We managed to stumble our way down to the lake and found the lodge's pontoon boat. We stood there in awe of the beauty until a few otters broke the water's surface, playing, before heading further out into the lake.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd2p36n3aKBHWry9HQSLt9eK4DdEFreSDI_MiRFEUO5AWVh4Qm7DGADMkaxQQIa6c5J6mE-PUo6X41OoVmWttUbQ4RI6AAdneQgVzRwAL5N86fnH6Qs47su3A0KiMtZtLTtuzpXejQjl63FipqiZN4KDvXcGC_Sw58ngGV_6V9XXTArcREQvvHIpP/s1280/IMG_0243.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyd2p36n3aKBHWry9HQSLt9eK4DdEFreSDI_MiRFEUO5AWVh4Qm7DGADMkaxQQIa6c5J6mE-PUo6X41OoVmWttUbQ4RI6AAdneQgVzRwAL5N86fnH6Qs47su3A0KiMtZtLTtuzpXejQjl63FipqiZN4KDvXcGC_Sw58ngGV_6V9XXTArcREQvvHIpP/s400/IMG_0243.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>With our gorilla carving experience fast approaching, we made our way back to the lodge. Demas met us and took us to a shady spot to begin our carving lesson. Demas started off with something I had never really learned before. My uncle taught me how to woodcarve, but that was always from a sketch block. We took one of the small pieces of eucalyptus and started carving it down with a machete to make it roughly look like a gorilla. Once that was done, he gave us a shot at doing the same with a slightly bigger piece of wood. This was the one that we ultimately carved into what sort of looks like a gorilla. It was Kari's first time wood carving, and my first time solely using chisels with a mallet. In other words, it was pretty rough. Demas helped us throughout, which is largely why it looks decent. It needs a paint job, but we need it to dry completely first. Assuming we can agree on a color scheme, it will be painted when we get back to the UK.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX_HA7gN49qg2aOplyW7rMcNal9adYCHCZAlRobhXFy2yQ6INSfHTdfL6W2K_2RaSg6sAessWn6D-8P7d_kFycKAsXwEFyw_5wUT6D-ORakb7VS4mjS0clKbj4iXQ-Rk5BV5c0naGvJ7gYPqysGrasBdi61lJ75WRlacYQWfAZy5KYoJulBUCGnYL/s1280/IMG_0249.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX_HA7gN49qg2aOplyW7rMcNal9adYCHCZAlRobhXFy2yQ6INSfHTdfL6W2K_2RaSg6sAessWn6D-8P7d_kFycKAsXwEFyw_5wUT6D-ORakb7VS4mjS0clKbj4iXQ-Rk5BV5c0naGvJ7gYPqysGrasBdi61lJ75WRlacYQWfAZy5KYoJulBUCGnYL/s400/IMG_0249.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R2PLSVYfFo5ctDwRIx1a4HDSrDBTUkviDYxRd0HnQeX5747gt4ioHInIDkDZlfm-f8QvrxdUsuxIYbc_WVUuOzGkf5CF4bd5VaquQpxEDm5VWTxMUX_gYrxDKpaYQoFLu9Xqvje5nVCv8Dl-qxj0uic7x83Byd2pyfk7-Vqwdmd1-rqiXkxmRbYS/s1280/IMG_0253.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8R2PLSVYfFo5ctDwRIx1a4HDSrDBTUkviDYxRd0HnQeX5747gt4ioHInIDkDZlfm-f8QvrxdUsuxIYbc_WVUuOzGkf5CF4bd5VaquQpxEDm5VWTxMUX_gYrxDKpaYQoFLu9Xqvje5nVCv8Dl-qxj0uic7x83Byd2pyfk7-Vqwdmd1-rqiXkxmRbYS/s400/IMG_0253.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>After parting ways with Demas, we went back to the lodge to relax before dinner. We found Michael on the lanai and chatted with him about our upcoming day and life in the area. Agnes came out around 7pm to call us in for dinner. It was another delicious three course meal consisting of tomato & basil soup, pork chops with fried plantains, and caramelized fruit for dessert. Absolutely delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_QYoHuYi6tGTAzLtBumb7ACKrr2Bp4uXaXlqrzoqeePd2KlEH3PCRjXMW98bLUgqUHL41xeUVBcAbBumUHbFCqfS3825-NqxZNqRDV21OOFjt9vhWLWMk877y0_IW5N5CBZcf7lr-qb7YWtA1NU77ALrAutPwwh5OvJbCU7B2osKRKqTL0JPB1UE/s1280/IMG_0256.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_QYoHuYi6tGTAzLtBumb7ACKrr2Bp4uXaXlqrzoqeePd2KlEH3PCRjXMW98bLUgqUHL41xeUVBcAbBumUHbFCqfS3825-NqxZNqRDV21OOFjt9vhWLWMk877y0_IW5N5CBZcf7lr-qb7YWtA1NU77ALrAutPwwh5OvJbCU7B2osKRKqTL0JPB1UE/s400/IMG_0256.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjYg3EQkaNrp8g3vDA09b-pDoSvU_1t-E36KWZ5v_tJqRcNro_KImw1oAYNAPaTFJWGpX1gjTq0mcdxIJtBuhqc9oqWdVqG__7Pfgd64Zjw0WPoo8S45_MUBKqoa9p2z_BbMtlh-PeAO7pGOsD6K95YHWylpV59j-GT8r22QbFivBqQI3MoqmPVh6/s1280/IMG_0257.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjYg3EQkaNrp8g3vDA09b-pDoSvU_1t-E36KWZ5v_tJqRcNro_KImw1oAYNAPaTFJWGpX1gjTq0mcdxIJtBuhqc9oqWdVqG__7Pfgd64Zjw0WPoo8S45_MUBKqoa9p2z_BbMtlh-PeAO7pGOsD6K95YHWylpV59j-GT8r22QbFivBqQI3MoqmPVh6/s600/IMG_0257.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following dinner, we spent a little time on the lanai catching up on life in the outside world before heading to bed. Given the lack of sleep over the past couple nights, we were looking forward to an early bed time. After prepping for tomorrow's gorilla trek and getting ready for bed, we were under the covers by 9pm. It was glorious!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Uganda-Tanzania-2022">Click here for photos from our African Adventure Part 3: Uganda & Tanzania!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Lake Mutanda, Uganda-1.2080071 29.6788877-29.518240936178845 -5.4773622999999994 27.102226736178846 64.8351377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-41278359454092050752022-05-14T02:32:00.005-05:002022-05-22T13:03:18.605-05:00African Adventure 2022: Travel to Uganda<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<iframe src="https://www.travellerspoint.com/embed/map.cfm/#/embed/822938/1342770/?tiles=default&showguide=true&triponly" width="100%" height="500" style="margin-bottom:10px;border:0;"></iframe>
<br />
<div>We awoke early (read: 3am) to get a quick shower and get ready to start the long travel day to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entebbe">Entebbe</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda">Uganda</a> from Bristol. We hired Arrow Cars to collect us at 3:45am to head to the airport to catch our 6am flight from Bristol to Amsterdam. Our driver arrived a few minutes early, so we set off slightly ahead of schedule. The Bristol Airport was surprisingly full of other holiday makers, scrambling to catch an EasyJet or Thomas Cook flight to somewhere warm and sunny or a place that offered skiing opportunities. Thankfully, not many appeared to be on KLM to Amsterdam, so we didn't have to wait long before we got in line to go through security.</div>
<br />
<div>With the world getting a little easier to navigate again, we will need to look at not getting to the airport quite as early. We managed to drop our bags and get through security in about 15min, which left us with about an hour until our gate was announced and boarding began. Oh well.</div>
<br />
<div>The flight to Amsterdam was uneventful like normal. Upon our arrival, we headed to the KLM Crown Lounge for some breakfast and to wait for our next flight to Entebbe to board.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYUkNuiTHu3lRWNAV0iASA3ApsNpPn1ltaSXRo2-0O7bIWdYN_O7-quAtcH6HfrpVI1NU1TJFrW0u6tPu1sXlO960-yIj01jnzlHRL7MJ3664FImEtGNj_lWL-RLgdrvM0RRSukEXnXsMf1Q4yVa2V3A1POu9wHTi4RMahLw9Pwc0_fSnW-hHBX3_/s1280/IMG_0202.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYUkNuiTHu3lRWNAV0iASA3ApsNpPn1ltaSXRo2-0O7bIWdYN_O7-quAtcH6HfrpVI1NU1TJFrW0u6tPu1sXlO960-yIj01jnzlHRL7MJ3664FImEtGNj_lWL-RLgdrvM0RRSukEXnXsMf1Q4yVa2V3A1POu9wHTi4RMahLw9Pwc0_fSnW-hHBX3_/s400/IMG_0202.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>The flight to Entebbe was a little delayed out of Amsterdam due to the flight arriving late. This was also the first flight I can remember taking that had two destinations: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kigali">Kigali</a> and Entebbe. Passengers for both destinations boarded the plane and we set off for Kigali first followed by Entebbe. In reality, this flight was really a loop: Amsterdam to Kigali to Entebbe to Amsterdam. The plane only fully emptied and reloaded in Amsterdam. Other than some technical issues with the on-board entertainment, it was a fairly uneventful flight. We watched a few movies and played some of the in-flight games.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdKdFU6Fxve5gvdlHbEzDzVQ7X-elpjCnsKRxDBcbZlU30WqymVV-Nxxs81ZMNbR_Uu017mntAhs75BO_6rG_dhaCOqjW7v2DCN5z6P9a_SFqYCqxNpQgxyXtt6vPSOiDlXkKhv3SIiBTmwRbrivaDlu7c_ehHjs_Ij9-FXF6cdD-EvNMhQu9nNQ/s1280/IMG_0203.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdKdFU6Fxve5gvdlHbEzDzVQ7X-elpjCnsKRxDBcbZlU30WqymVV-Nxxs81ZMNbR_Uu017mntAhs75BO_6rG_dhaCOqjW7v2DCN5z6P9a_SFqYCqxNpQgxyXtt6vPSOiDlXkKhv3SIiBTmwRbrivaDlu7c_ehHjs_Ij9-FXF6cdD-EvNMhQu9nNQ/s400/IMG_0203.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>It took about an hour in Kigali to unload everyone staying in Rwanda, clean the plane, and add the new passengers enroute to Entebbe or Amsterdam. It was a bit of a weird experience hanging out on the plane during that time. Once we were back in the air, it was a short hop to Entebbe.</div>
<br />
<div>Upon arrival in Entebbe, we made our way off the plane and found our escort to get through customs and the health checks. While I'm not sure we needed the escort, it was nice to help make sure we had everything ready for the right person. Once we had our bags, we met up with our driver to take us to the <a href="https://www.boma.co.ug/">Boma Lodge</a> for our short night of sleep.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj289ytZrp_XxAPNZ2IMe38lHIA1dpXhAUbbv4AzL8pTWVwBsRIu5ilxpO2cydv86DRTp9blvQ-TnD9JhkiOhtML9y5-GsJqqpkMid1kW9Mld79Hsf67uF0yJax_ptCFPI51gv1Pd3q5iBMMxJJHUyFyVwyihQJiMCGAgq9uzJ2pVNRUUpRTRKcvSOr/s1280/IMG_0204.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="640" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj289ytZrp_XxAPNZ2IMe38lHIA1dpXhAUbbv4AzL8pTWVwBsRIu5ilxpO2cydv86DRTp9blvQ-TnD9JhkiOhtML9y5-GsJqqpkMid1kW9Mld79Hsf67uF0yJax_ptCFPI51gv1Pd3q5iBMMxJJHUyFyVwyihQJiMCGAgq9uzJ2pVNRUUpRTRKcvSOr/s400/IMG_0204.jpeg"/></a></div>
<br />
<div>Waiting for us at the Boma Lodge was a doctor to collect samples for our COVID test to get into <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzania">Tanzania</a> next week. Then, our driver gave us a briefing on what to expect for our time in Uganda before leaving us for the night. We were a little sad we were only going to get to spend ~6 hours in the lodge with most of that asleep. It looked lovely and would likely be worth more time to enjoy. After getting settled in the room, we passed out, knowing our 5am wake-up was going to come quickly!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Uganda-Tanzania-2022">Click here for photos from our African Adventure Part 3: Uganda & Tanzania!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Entebbe, Uganda0.0511839 32.463708-28.259049936178844 -2.6925420000000031 28.361417736178847 67.619958tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-51087284111066799932019-02-19T15:16:00.000-06:002019-02-19T15:16:17.072-06:00Vacate to Venice 2019 - Travel Back to Bristol<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>The alarms went off at 4:30 am, signalling an end to our time in Venice. We quickly got ready and began our 20 minute walk to meet the pre-arranged cab. While we probably could have counted on finding one in the Piazzale Roma, it added peace of mind knowing one would be waiting for us.</div>
<br />
<div>Walking through Venice in the early morning hour is quite different than other times. Most places are boarded up with minimal light to guide us. It certainly added an eerie quality to our walk.</div>
<br />
<div>Our driver found us as we walked into the Piazzale Roma and quickly whisked us off to the airport. Security was quick and easy. Before we knew it, we were on the plane back to Bristol. What a wonderful way to spend a weekend!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BstE0r_CdNYmAD1f2CRRuIpFGJJmXpGIm_XkPKP75EcSqjnbA70nEHonA9VEBFR1H_W0SgjGHjJLtdx7gUcLS9jJe-66w-Av3m4f7IMXY2nKqmOh9kXeEqwwHcsz-4w0tGBeUIPopYE/s1600/IMG_8054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BstE0r_CdNYmAD1f2CRRuIpFGJJmXpGIm_XkPKP75EcSqjnbA70nEHonA9VEBFR1H_W0SgjGHjJLtdx7gUcLS9jJe-66w-Av3m4f7IMXY2nKqmOh9kXeEqwwHcsz-4w0tGBeUIPopYE/s640/IMG_8054.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Vacate-to-Venice/">Click here for photos from our Vacate to Venice!</a></div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-30071122501865930502019-02-19T15:14:00.001-06:002019-02-19T15:14:19.774-06:00Vacate to Venice 2019 - Exploring San Marco & San Polo<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>Without the rush to catch a vaporetto to go to a more distant island, we awoke more slowly, enjoying a nice breakfast of fruit we picked up at the market the night before. On our walk to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Basilica">San Marco Basilica</a>, we stopped for some croissants to supplement our fruit breakfast. While Kari preferred the warmth of the croissants from the day prior, I felt these croissants were better quality, a little lighter and fluffier. I also had a hot chocolate. Throughout Venice, we had seen these hot chocolate machines constantly turning liquid chocolate. What a better way to start a brisk morning walking around Venice than with a croissant and a hot chocolate. It was delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQfq03adRhV6bsNwpvVBgqOjjs2kE9DU5A2WTw0A5GV3LBO5pIjMMRpACHkSIomUwxWY5BfbS7BfJzyyadnXV9SNjsqCkV0CkRHiB0yB1iSthfm8e0TQLGoi1LOxNRWM4IORn59GiK7c/s1600/IMG_7900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQfq03adRhV6bsNwpvVBgqOjjs2kE9DU5A2WTw0A5GV3LBO5pIjMMRpACHkSIomUwxWY5BfbS7BfJzyyadnXV9SNjsqCkV0CkRHiB0yB1iSthfm8e0TQLGoi1LOxNRWM4IORn59GiK7c/s640/IMG_7900.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we arrived at San Marco Basilica, we left our bags and began the climb to the museum above the church. As beautiful and grand as the exterior was, the interior was even more beautiful. The walls and ceilings were adorned with scenes from the Bible and church history in mosaic. Around each image was gold leaf mosaic tiles to serve as a consistent background for the ceiling. Absolutely stunning! Unfortunately, they requested no photos, so we only snagged a couple to help remember for ourselves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_tWQkMrzMrBlwn9QtUKmeGUOFRBm-EN6MtcfYnm4iEJbAIgYgLR1VBTByFE3fJDpIHTaN2jnVu-NOXGR-aqCYSyb-isoi9VIkdViWhFtCLrGaBKw4xCYcMkVb2XCuSBK_8NvIeNhYEk/s1600/picture-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_tWQkMrzMrBlwn9QtUKmeGUOFRBm-EN6MtcfYnm4iEJbAIgYgLR1VBTByFE3fJDpIHTaN2jnVu-NOXGR-aqCYSyb-isoi9VIkdViWhFtCLrGaBKw4xCYcMkVb2XCuSBK_8NvIeNhYEk/s640/picture-36.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IOoofMxfH-XtDj8pQ90ScdfLZTqPZOk0sVMw3y_Pn2fotzhxxDysX5Q63QOm_qX5YEjloLSSKi9ptjL8_i14diA1rZDf3BLKIs24E3vPYiohiZX9d-MS_pf_ZtKgj_QLZ2M31YM-da4/s1600/picture-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IOoofMxfH-XtDj8pQ90ScdfLZTqPZOk0sVMw3y_Pn2fotzhxxDysX5Q63QOm_qX5YEjloLSSKi9ptjL8_i14diA1rZDf3BLKIs24E3vPYiohiZX9d-MS_pf_ZtKgj_QLZ2M31YM-da4/s640/picture-40.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHgn1SBUmvwkIV4tFky4STOj5DnB3qpybS_77paxMLlr848-teNfsJWhDL44Vla0mKG_6koKKv9RJSha9t5tr4Sog04NV3oTAUoNgD0gvtie9lEFP7UafX0I6pSmYZVJePLgc1v1MrCw/s1600/IMG_7906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHgn1SBUmvwkIV4tFky4STOj5DnB3qpybS_77paxMLlr848-teNfsJWhDL44Vla0mKG_6koKKv9RJSha9t5tr4Sog04NV3oTAUoNgD0gvtie9lEFP7UafX0I6pSmYZVJePLgc1v1MrCw/s640/IMG_7906.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Walking through the museum was like walking through the history of the church. We saw various pieces going through restoration and some of the techniques used to preserve the Basilica for years to come. We also saw some of the pieces that started to become too damaged in their prior place to remain, such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horses_of_Saint_Mark">Horses of Saint Mark</a>. These were replaced by replicas to maintain the look without losing the originals due to weathering over time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsVR1dT4Y27YHu4eqP_v20w88pXvMqsu5vXOOKMEgz9667ii82lRJ2M6p_AlQVuxyQnwL4ufBehXeBACwqLuBtHaR4csHWDX6hMUq7DfEa6aLVZ4LE2xXUw3kcDeGg7AGXzj1nAgq0Ns/s1600/picture-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsVR1dT4Y27YHu4eqP_v20w88pXvMqsu5vXOOKMEgz9667ii82lRJ2M6p_AlQVuxyQnwL4ufBehXeBACwqLuBtHaR4csHWDX6hMUq7DfEa6aLVZ4LE2xXUw3kcDeGg7AGXzj1nAgq0Ns/s640/picture-52.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeybiegBsovvyKMYaBXU9RbyGeld9H5hELK7inss5EeAP4rAe7gac3DLNW-yv8EPAFU3Rth0rzwzPypqKVSWWmJHgOGGcz621wAD6hu3AAR7C2ssjqS-kVQZeR4kpjq4i7U5I3Byz1Nw/s1600/picture-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeybiegBsovvyKMYaBXU9RbyGeld9H5hELK7inss5EeAP4rAe7gac3DLNW-yv8EPAFU3Rth0rzwzPypqKVSWWmJHgOGGcz621wAD6hu3AAR7C2ssjqS-kVQZeR4kpjq4i7U5I3Byz1Nw/s640/picture-42.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-agd2TQLzvqZLk8ZIKtAgV73cwQCTY5Ah73CAkPispCh1HoJNLcCXgXWSog7Ss6UY8hlPHxX0VvUJPolxdOPoR9WEncgZzZXGcg7oaDeiSfOsng8YJd4rILJQqJtHajGfJdqayPdID8/s1600/picture-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-agd2TQLzvqZLk8ZIKtAgV73cwQCTY5Ah73CAkPispCh1HoJNLcCXgXWSog7Ss6UY8hlPHxX0VvUJPolxdOPoR9WEncgZzZXGcg7oaDeiSfOsng8YJd4rILJQqJtHajGfJdqayPdID8/s640/picture-46.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP3g3ocCMUbSPewK63A0lKy-2gvvdXou_F0JmMz3fsbWROAxELoIqhfJ-QgoN2t34ZsyejW1BxFYNYpoAjHre1o3I8A1XBZmJROVCnWJYs_wLOf77XLIuuK3EA62f7GSbR8CJCuKb4uE/s1600/IMG_7912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGP3g3ocCMUbSPewK63A0lKy-2gvvdXou_F0JmMz3fsbWROAxELoIqhfJ-QgoN2t34ZsyejW1BxFYNYpoAjHre1o3I8A1XBZmJROVCnWJYs_wLOf77XLIuuK3EA62f7GSbR8CJCuKb4uE/s640/IMG_7912.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_N8w_jSmMFTQCKJ0q9LjvAilDGSm20LtFimpfXqAtLp3Krksro_lQB5AKltihj8BMD3Q8DSju-XQfUflDkm-E8yyjNy1HvnX4kPaXewjUp4EZRVPzWChUovcMyR1helNxOsKSZtritE/s1600/picture-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_N8w_jSmMFTQCKJ0q9LjvAilDGSm20LtFimpfXqAtLp3Krksro_lQB5AKltihj8BMD3Q8DSju-XQfUflDkm-E8yyjNy1HvnX4kPaXewjUp4EZRVPzWChUovcMyR1helNxOsKSZtritE/s640/picture-51.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>In addition to seeing the beauty of the church from above, we could hear morning mass proceeding below us. It was quite lovely and cool to think this building is still being used for its original purpose many centuries later.</div>
<br />
<div>After descending back to ground level, we were given the opportunity to enter the main portion where mass was occurring to use the confessional or seek a blessing. Kari and I, being not catholic, did not feel comfortable spoiling the sanctity of the space and left. We headed off to collect our belongings and continue our tour of Piazza San Marco.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYtuv9Vc9_DzmcYCbSJWyd9J-2-dRmoMKz7urV6DQrE_0KjdCJXcrYFo6zsrhDLSX0wAfLPqxIwBF3CtJfi96ycFvdYW-IrkkSEECaTTP7qh-qiKIBx7zg2UzwRliu18KNPUH9q5nzsU/s1600/picture-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYtuv9Vc9_DzmcYCbSJWyd9J-2-dRmoMKz7urV6DQrE_0KjdCJXcrYFo6zsrhDLSX0wAfLPqxIwBF3CtJfi96ycFvdYW-IrkkSEECaTTP7qh-qiKIBx7zg2UzwRliu18KNPUH9q5nzsU/s640/picture-54.jpg" width="640" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our next stop was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doge%27s_Palace">Doge's Palace, or Palazzo Ducale</a>. Similar to San Marco Basilica, a portion was turned into a large museum to show the history of the culture. In addition to serving as the residence for the doge, or political leader for the Venetian people, it was also the home for the legislative and judicial branches of their government. With the former government being a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic">republic</a> similar to our own, it had three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. It is cool to see one of the likely examples/influences to our founding fathers when forming our government.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53rJoHhgEz_yzpV63FJ2SpsLLkt02s7xkeKb5EdRrGEdWJQm_5LNk8EcLD8SVGJ5ZIoYKIMq10n-joPONI3w1Ep6npebTnHuNz50ReXuenRtpPhsPCLoXa7DdM0zf9aQVHA8DjOV7Nb4/s1600/picture-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53rJoHhgEz_yzpV63FJ2SpsLLkt02s7xkeKb5EdRrGEdWJQm_5LNk8EcLD8SVGJ5ZIoYKIMq10n-joPONI3w1Ep6npebTnHuNz50ReXuenRtpPhsPCLoXa7DdM0zf9aQVHA8DjOV7Nb4/s640/picture-60.jpg" width="640" height="528" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1321" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUleK6MtadzdnorulsXwWPNxoLdyRq_XDUYGVOhpFdNwhxTNIH1-rKrodoKQe5eVRVSo9xPFBmht_bgkiBtC6NbMu2YCP8e8yfYgVfcefZvkGgsvCVW45suL5Cm8K6xisvQ5lESJf86s/s1600/picture-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUleK6MtadzdnorulsXwWPNxoLdyRq_XDUYGVOhpFdNwhxTNIH1-rKrodoKQe5eVRVSo9xPFBmht_bgkiBtC6NbMu2YCP8e8yfYgVfcefZvkGgsvCVW45suL5Cm8K6xisvQ5lESJf86s/s640/picture-59.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sm7-jGbwMl2Yk-UaH35KLd_rAe8l4TSuGHQ7ZaDklcxSwcRyCh0BE5lG3B54TCEqsY1Olr-8O0xNCR_9q22OnlrkyPdZed3LVScR-_xc5V245wEvAZTjBQqEhbC9yIED4yc1hopqmlc/s1600/picture-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sm7-jGbwMl2Yk-UaH35KLd_rAe8l4TSuGHQ7ZaDklcxSwcRyCh0BE5lG3B54TCEqsY1Olr-8O0xNCR_9q22OnlrkyPdZed3LVScR-_xc5V245wEvAZTjBQqEhbC9yIED4yc1hopqmlc/s640/picture-62.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we wandered through various halls and rooms, we were struck by the beauty and ornate decorations. Many of the walls and ceilings were covered with paintings and carvings or sculptures. It was spectacular. The final stop in our tour was across the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_of_Sighs">Bridge of Sighs</a> and into the new prison. Named the Bridge of Sighs due to the thought prisoners would sigh as they crossed, glimpsing freedom one last time before entering the dark, damp prison. It was an interesting view to see through the small windows out at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Giorgio_Maggiore">San Giorgio's</a>, watching <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gondola">gondolas</a> pass below us on the canal.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP24NxAj-RMpg1uB9hrddTedpzlVsrVZ8wM54vl0AzALqUBxhmdaY5WLZFmvKM65Q_irbwU3SEQ28aMYYNzaKATnci5FCfZJSYhIXqsuZmxpTNJMV6o6ecHJo_GesJieDizYgx5z_ZAZI/s1600/IMG_7950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP24NxAj-RMpg1uB9hrddTedpzlVsrVZ8wM54vl0AzALqUBxhmdaY5WLZFmvKM65Q_irbwU3SEQ28aMYYNzaKATnci5FCfZJSYhIXqsuZmxpTNJMV6o6ecHJo_GesJieDizYgx5z_ZAZI/s640/IMG_7950.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnWuattXa2tKenkYrPYpsWWMUJnUvdH7HTh7V9G_3rC6FNb8it_UUZ7HRUD1KPgEngz_Gzg9LAMlsUGnSfRP4lzpElhcPtsSgWV7XOXlMyqn65RNMCf9MF1ulccUkHi0KN03LpzhDxfY/s1600/IMG_7951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnWuattXa2tKenkYrPYpsWWMUJnUvdH7HTh7V9G_3rC6FNb8it_UUZ7HRUD1KPgEngz_Gzg9LAMlsUGnSfRP4lzpElhcPtsSgWV7XOXlMyqn65RNMCf9MF1ulccUkHi0KN03LpzhDxfY/s640/IMG_7951.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQIzEsM8Yze4-mR4NVTj84ofENMinUDLDU93Mmj_ET41oTWpOJmwHsrwi-iB5PvHabbB6SQgIw4d2Fgtkt4x7Ov4PbUnjIjf1fOoNUYiacH71BGZg13ya2lpvx0Aw2l1B_ZaBL6oji4E/s1600/IMG_7954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQIzEsM8Yze4-mR4NVTj84ofENMinUDLDU93Mmj_ET41oTWpOJmwHsrwi-iB5PvHabbB6SQgIw4d2Fgtkt4x7Ov4PbUnjIjf1fOoNUYiacH71BGZg13ya2lpvx0Aw2l1B_ZaBL6oji4E/s640/IMG_7954.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQi2NR1cAZ2c837bAvSpbyXClA06APUxVoiKUBjKNXtW7FU5yU4PeukqobiWUKnpRrFzjtB-y1OT5nIl0PwhsrK5hEY7a_ujB0QhHS1qFU05fDCAhCvUui8EPlT2vhq8egJ7CckrgFcM/s1600/IMG_7958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQi2NR1cAZ2c837bAvSpbyXClA06APUxVoiKUBjKNXtW7FU5yU4PeukqobiWUKnpRrFzjtB-y1OT5nIl0PwhsrK5hEY7a_ujB0QhHS1qFU05fDCAhCvUui8EPlT2vhq8egJ7CckrgFcM/s640/IMG_7958.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3mke-dS76Re4JlcKUXzgZp6m9SB2J_hQhWr0LbBZtBBJT38C-uzUA8lr6E8v2xMi_LKRTueyRL1RM7mRs_ZOMiLEKgwgNMgNP6PJzo9WCk6ZyXSpHpVUzSr8ZlnunqUwB2IIZokjaw4/s1600/IMG_7980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3mke-dS76Re4JlcKUXzgZp6m9SB2J_hQhWr0LbBZtBBJT38C-uzUA8lr6E8v2xMi_LKRTueyRL1RM7mRs_ZOMiLEKgwgNMgNP6PJzo9WCk6ZyXSpHpVUzSr8ZlnunqUwB2IIZokjaw4/s640/IMG_7980.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDSio7NIWWd5df5JfcLgLSX8crssIHqKmpFDV1_BNGpeoMAMMLTPXHpKErnmB0Vq74O-tXRfMuu0EOWPG8Az6_DjbVSs8YVTd4g8cKZ56Ax90agqoZxKqAKa2qyKCCFnsLcUCSuQuEtQ/s1600/IMG_7982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDSio7NIWWd5df5JfcLgLSX8crssIHqKmpFDV1_BNGpeoMAMMLTPXHpKErnmB0Vq74O-tXRfMuu0EOWPG8Az6_DjbVSs8YVTd4g8cKZ56Ax90agqoZxKqAKa2qyKCCFnsLcUCSuQuEtQ/s640/IMG_7982.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjpByHBIC7J8XUL27g9AUbfQTdYVLuv11vNSQweiAHtclOafOPHmhiNuhgRHn4ItW92-MrVQPEioEl9tw5JhcymSczhTU3IIGinGl99yYaWZFkEiwe-A8asw6ZaM4srWZ2ypQmvovBxA/s1600/IMG_7985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjpByHBIC7J8XUL27g9AUbfQTdYVLuv11vNSQweiAHtclOafOPHmhiNuhgRHn4ItW92-MrVQPEioEl9tw5JhcymSczhTU3IIGinGl99yYaWZFkEiwe-A8asw6ZaM4srWZ2ypQmvovBxA/s640/IMG_7985.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqPzo8BFqFBKaCoJTBZb7oUbdDYCV1YQnXAs85S6joXBgegZvnKR7_8_VtxMNEO4Dl-eK696IEckyb2YrmSF3XKqF80lS_OwjM3hBaJeK2UGSZ878AgxW1DIEa98roeomYI6AVSc1TRs/s1600/IMG_7987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqPzo8BFqFBKaCoJTBZb7oUbdDYCV1YQnXAs85S6joXBgegZvnKR7_8_VtxMNEO4Dl-eK696IEckyb2YrmSF3XKqF80lS_OwjM3hBaJeK2UGSZ878AgxW1DIEa98roeomYI6AVSc1TRs/s640/IMG_7987.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fk6fy-ubSY79bwq08foV_0bhsdFce11TVVclxokNpeybr6ddor8-LPYUbRlTiFK6vQoPKrYhnepuNHbKRcrMIePWqN4CgL-2CTh1vTdGfws6u0zBuqtK7l5bZIxORbMxKgpA29B5k90/s1600/IMG_7998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fk6fy-ubSY79bwq08foV_0bhsdFce11TVVclxokNpeybr6ddor8-LPYUbRlTiFK6vQoPKrYhnepuNHbKRcrMIePWqN4CgL-2CTh1vTdGfws6u0zBuqtK7l5bZIxORbMxKgpA29B5k90/s640/IMG_7998.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UoGOTXWa46d3tsDN1toE0MkQ7IvaoqHxLtcR0CGSQtUuEDccc5mSh27bNKOLC9ejbHK7e-QPHkBZCOS_6Rd4AVZH7jhfMxUSRXzY13KIoef-HS94ErDjpLwsIDbqdw2qiBuA7ibcqe8/s1600/IMG_8009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UoGOTXWa46d3tsDN1toE0MkQ7IvaoqHxLtcR0CGSQtUuEDccc5mSh27bNKOLC9ejbHK7e-QPHkBZCOS_6Rd4AVZH7jhfMxUSRXzY13KIoef-HS94ErDjpLwsIDbqdw2qiBuA7ibcqe8/s640/IMG_8009.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8-WJdHA7wItWm2TCloXthV0mqJAMw8d1ei9Ou_BAeslaa5ginnPq2wyeX-LCExTA-haLbIUdfnU1138OwuotKbu4rlro4AyYOs4K3kH03v9YKfziuQeBTuPIumcXdJxPYtNVTzx8w8Q/s1600/picture-69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8-WJdHA7wItWm2TCloXthV0mqJAMw8d1ei9Ou_BAeslaa5ginnPq2wyeX-LCExTA-haLbIUdfnU1138OwuotKbu4rlro4AyYOs4K3kH03v9YKfziuQeBTuPIumcXdJxPYtNVTzx8w8Q/s640/picture-69.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Now, we have been touring museums for a few hours building a healthy appetite. We opted to try one of the recommendations from Lauren and Jesse, <a href="https://www.dalmorosfreshpastatogo.com/">Dal Moro's</a>, a grab and go pasta place. I had spaghetti with bolognese sauce, chicken, and parmesan cheese. Kari had spaghetti with black fish sauce and parmesan cheese. The food was hot and delicious, just what we needed after spending a few hours roaming the cool drafty halls of the Doge's Palace.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijke3ez7bFwz7tO0Z1n83TezQYBgXNRKuBLwVq7c_Gn_LKZl4XZQE0VXQGK5bqduAIOwmnof9Hpml1kUTGYPd8aZvgt-jNarx1t9us43HSBKz7fnXmRZpJoi3JARyH_W2Qhzz4o54wOw0/s1600/IMG_8016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijke3ez7bFwz7tO0Z1n83TezQYBgXNRKuBLwVq7c_Gn_LKZl4XZQE0VXQGK5bqduAIOwmnof9Hpml1kUTGYPd8aZvgt-jNarx1t9us43HSBKz7fnXmRZpJoi3JARyH_W2Qhzz4o54wOw0/s640/IMG_8016.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following lunch, we wandered over to <a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice/restaurants/suso/a/poi-eat/1256001/360029">Suso's</a> for our first gelato of the day; another recommendation from Lauren and Jesse. This was one of the better gelatos we had tried. The <a href="https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/frutto_di_bosco">fruit di bosco</a> was excellent and the lemon was pretty good.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLChmeJCDgdVvxTkLZDv_YwG7h8OHffv_vQo5Xoy7GYvyO_9aBxOjIy1MG80AOcRFa0qHXxDCajSA8j_IhMz-qpBUqQq79VJ3y9y5c0EEG2uC5RhQEZC6AC1Z0SU0Mh9-lNNuxbwR5vwI/s1600/picture-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLChmeJCDgdVvxTkLZDv_YwG7h8OHffv_vQo5Xoy7GYvyO_9aBxOjIy1MG80AOcRFa0qHXxDCajSA8j_IhMz-qpBUqQq79VJ3y9y5c0EEG2uC5RhQEZC6AC1Z0SU0Mh9-lNNuxbwR5vwI/s640/picture-71.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyPxkCWFA7xVxZJvJV1f5UcnlZC66xR16AeL1KhvIZA3wRWO73qcL2i0trhWyfWDxFb74jXYOUq7tMpNTdlMm6LQJn0uCOOMwzoubMCz_FSKj3gjSZFQzRnU6MZfmjvOXMg5vty1E7Zs/s1600/IMG_8024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQyPxkCWFA7xVxZJvJV1f5UcnlZC66xR16AeL1KhvIZA3wRWO73qcL2i0trhWyfWDxFb74jXYOUq7tMpNTdlMm6LQJn0uCOOMwzoubMCz_FSKj3gjSZFQzRnU6MZfmjvOXMg5vty1E7Zs/s640/IMG_8024.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt0lGuDIrBihbA9TKQtx5rDn1NPhM1YvTNruX2PQEMMeijOB55Mje_SsVOS5EbRywZIiAiAS3f1iHcSUt9EG_74xcZfd2IKqidkbwHKwgsltoj_PGeOfmRyPnlbAayonidjXCrvGEOPI/s1600/IMG_8028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt0lGuDIrBihbA9TKQtx5rDn1NPhM1YvTNruX2PQEMMeijOB55Mje_SsVOS5EbRywZIiAiAS3f1iHcSUt9EG_74xcZfd2IKqidkbwHKwgsltoj_PGeOfmRyPnlbAayonidjXCrvGEOPI/s640/IMG_8028.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1280" data-original-height="960" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NuprZVN7xI_MNZfIb2eVrY0SQLbmSFzFpF4TQtVQ0L6cKF0MEEb67oIP8EGsey2PJpf4GctN3lTlCB1YRhbBGEmIXQCjbKRdZKaZZKBlEYzOL-DSBRCwpydfliJqApVer37I6EK2eS8/s1600/picture-72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NuprZVN7xI_MNZfIb2eVrY0SQLbmSFzFpF4TQtVQ0L6cKF0MEEb67oIP8EGsey2PJpf4GctN3lTlCB1YRhbBGEmIXQCjbKRdZKaZZKBlEYzOL-DSBRCwpydfliJqApVer37I6EK2eS8/s640/picture-72.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPayM6MTdsFgx66UYGW8Lnpm2g2H14o-pu7AjyXrpahCWxz-pY5Y086fmdjA7UwN9yDEvrCMD4rbAR1JbEDp-X2nJWkkBsbvzwWhKrNTKg3iG04eZ-er3CLSRSrho-ukUhHNhsR0Wt4iE/s1600/picture-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPayM6MTdsFgx66UYGW8Lnpm2g2H14o-pu7AjyXrpahCWxz-pY5Y086fmdjA7UwN9yDEvrCMD4rbAR1JbEDp-X2nJWkkBsbvzwWhKrNTKg3iG04eZ-er3CLSRSrho-ukUhHNhsR0Wt4iE/s640/picture-74.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>With food in our bellies, we set off to find a gondola ride. We tried to find one on one of the small canals, hoping for a more peaceful and serene ride than solely on the Grand Canal. That turned out to be a good choice. While our gondolier took us on a loop that involved some time on the Grand Canal, we also spent a decent amount of time navigating the small canals, often alone. The gondola provided an interesting perspective; a glimpse of a time past. Many years ago, the gondola was a primary form of travel to get around Venice, with numbers nearing 10,000 gondolas. Today, there are about 500 remaning, primarily to give tourists an experience. The vaporettos are now the common way to get around Venice.</div>
<br />
<div>After our gondola ride, we felt we had done most, if not everything, we had come to Venice for, so we set off on a stroll to take the long way back to the apartment we rented to warm up and decide where to have dinner.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgj04NzxcO-O3R336A297T1yJcs0l4BDkxiwFInhYqSKIJ6qRDLoeBDY_OeBEwPqWMQejR57wKtY2xqNd2cfmw1T9elSWPkwrp8vr8cIDYUeoHIm4_hipU-P-dwWDf_Amp8yUnif9tAo/s1600/picture-78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgj04NzxcO-O3R336A297T1yJcs0l4BDkxiwFInhYqSKIJ6qRDLoeBDY_OeBEwPqWMQejR57wKtY2xqNd2cfmw1T9elSWPkwrp8vr8cIDYUeoHIm4_hipU-P-dwWDf_Amp8yUnif9tAo/s640/picture-78.jpg" width="640" height="544" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1359" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofc8TaxxivOT8lEtDnz-Mg_jMNBbTrVv39aspWlrurWI6d6_3gS1tzO96Ny-PDdkbioGzBbnUCDZR_HqxXwbX0VUWHXLQQtlzlr1uJyAra1W1QYTbtUj7Y956jCypIKAw-RL4A-msZaQ/s1600/picture-84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofc8TaxxivOT8lEtDnz-Mg_jMNBbTrVv39aspWlrurWI6d6_3gS1tzO96Ny-PDdkbioGzBbnUCDZR_HqxXwbX0VUWHXLQQtlzlr1uJyAra1W1QYTbtUj7Y956jCypIKAw-RL4A-msZaQ/s640/picture-84.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>with it being our last night, we knew we wanted to stay in Venice's culinary wheelhouse; more pizza and gelato. We found a highly rated pizza place, <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187870-d1320417-Reviews-Da_Mamo-Venice_Veneto.html">Da Mamo's</a>, and wandered over. Thankfully, we got there as they were opening and before the rush. By the time we left, it was packed. The pizza was excellent. While I preferred the crust of another place a bit more, the sauce and cheese were better here. It was certainly a good pizza to end our time with.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM4ElgKc3BOaVtrscQbcjqkJfc1mMLJq382FBfmOnCFzylZJi7THMEi5eQuqjOppdR5RuAq161SC884pj_0Eu7fhgllrXBSifreLVKbGdZXexZsUnOosF4fH40ishTPGdf7DL2IoCRuI/s1600/IMG_8048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM4ElgKc3BOaVtrscQbcjqkJfc1mMLJq382FBfmOnCFzylZJi7THMEi5eQuqjOppdR5RuAq161SC884pj_0Eu7fhgllrXBSifreLVKbGdZXexZsUnOosF4fH40ishTPGdf7DL2IoCRuI/s640/IMG_8048.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPDQWS9VepnBGjXVHpJtXZgXupLZMct6rbu-Akjc1l7InWluEA0T1L6P3HxKNoPxbruWESYH24L0sUgmEQwSSa5oEpKYFb08mDJuORAyF0OtFm-t2u1KVjhWxALCDfuz4lSiTozsVBrQ/s1600/IMG_8049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPDQWS9VepnBGjXVHpJtXZgXupLZMct6rbu-Akjc1l7InWluEA0T1L6P3HxKNoPxbruWESYH24L0sUgmEQwSSa5oEpKYFb08mDJuORAyF0OtFm-t2u1KVjhWxALCDfuz4lSiTozsVBrQ/s640/IMG_8049.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After dinner, we tried two more gelato places in our quest to find the best. We believe we have it narrowed down to <a href="https://www.amorino.com/us/">Amorino's</a> for lemon, strawberry, and raspberry; <a href="https://www.grom.it/en/">Grom's</a> for lemon and fruit di bosco, and Suso's for chocolate and fruit di bosco. Unfortunately, Amorino's was closed when we were walking back to the apartment to finish our comparison. Regardless, all three were delicious and highly recommend.</div>
<br />
<div>With an early morning looming, we packed our things and went to bed early.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Vacate-to-Venice/">Click here for photos from our Vacate to Venice!</a></div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-84117646007830240322019-02-19T14:19:00.000-06:002019-02-19T14:19:08.427-06:00Vacate to Venice 2019 - Burano & Murano<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>We awoke to the sounds of birds, mainly seagulls, making noise outside our apartment. It was not overly different to the sounds we hear out of our actual flat in Bristol.</div>
<br />
<div>Following a quick shower, we were off to find the boat stop to buy our tickets and head off to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burano">Burano</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murano">Murano</a>. Our walk took us over the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rialto_Bridge">Rialto Bridge</a>, an ironic bridge in the heart of Venice. It is much quieter in the morning than when we arrived the night before. It is also nice to be able to see what is around us. Betting on finding food as we walked, we were on the lookout for a bakery. As luck would have it, we found one and snagged a couple croissants to take on our journey to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaporetto">vaporetto</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrCD07mhMc3X27eLCm5aawTH3ncmCxKvGursXOLeBIf-DOjKNPNaCXZbSy4culmAjwrz8tlvH0Wa-CiyjeDejgURS7Ai9jA9PwlcetzOFT8OZ4L8KGYi3jMAzSlShJpLbd0iLRHTyotw/s1600/picture-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrCD07mhMc3X27eLCm5aawTH3ncmCxKvGursXOLeBIf-DOjKNPNaCXZbSy4culmAjwrz8tlvH0Wa-CiyjeDejgURS7Ai9jA9PwlcetzOFT8OZ4L8KGYi3jMAzSlShJpLbd0iLRHTyotw/s640/picture-2.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotEvX2I7bv5bvZ5_1D5m936aCjCR55wfknWBkWVlAgEY7SpQne0ikH6ZfbTYVmhVab-7Wg54YaN3sALORZLYaIXYYH7vokLe6xG-Ax2PQ3w9aGyB1MxfPcJyL0qsMMI57x2G-pCtJChI/s1600/picture-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotEvX2I7bv5bvZ5_1D5m936aCjCR55wfknWBkWVlAgEY7SpQne0ikH6ZfbTYVmhVab-7Wg54YaN3sALORZLYaIXYYH7vokLe6xG-Ax2PQ3w9aGyB1MxfPcJyL0qsMMI57x2G-pCtJChI/s640/picture-4.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We had to wait a little while before the vaporetto to Burano appeared. We climbed on, snagging a window seat for the 45 minute cruise to the island. As we were leaving Venice, we passed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isola_di_San_Michele">Cimitero</a> and several other small islands, making stops of Murano and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazzorbo">Mazzorbo</a> before reaching Burano.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXhEKvn-V3VaQVblN1zRs7-QNBF5IUdiMXaH_74K-a-XkwEtsUjPGPKLPgTqKXQZZf4zrw4ZpoFY7WecVd6uFVK_wi-P7pdMp7_c67UnBzUX0Sn6Hy-bT67bsLzNfmf-3xAyvvc0azc/s1600/picture-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPXhEKvn-V3VaQVblN1zRs7-QNBF5IUdiMXaH_74K-a-XkwEtsUjPGPKLPgTqKXQZZf4zrw4ZpoFY7WecVd6uFVK_wi-P7pdMp7_c67UnBzUX0Sn6Hy-bT67bsLzNfmf-3xAyvvc0azc/s640/picture-7.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Burano is a small fishing village island known for its colorful houses and fine lace. Fishermen, in an attempt to easily locate their homes when coming back from the sea, painted their houses in bright colors. Today, the tradition continues more to help continue bringing tourists than anything else. The village was beautiful and very colorful, a nice change from drab, stone, and brick. In addition to the colorful homes, the island is known for fine lace production. As we wandered around taking in the sights, we stopped in a few lace shops and galleries to see if Kari found any she was interested in. Unfortunately, her favorite places were around €800, which was a little more than we wanted to spend at this moment. They were super beautiful and soft, so I could not blame her for liking them.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaREYaEfYsmwbsys0XwiMv2FTr6ks3lJ0WhDu3YM0Wn3UFUqDRMeCQIGrxWYtyTcPp-cNA64aMm0Wr8d41kMoMh9p1VPYQwN79MFLOq10PhGmdK_BfIQgXGL27Sb5sRsyhCub3Sp6x0wM/s1600/picture-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaREYaEfYsmwbsys0XwiMv2FTr6ks3lJ0WhDu3YM0Wn3UFUqDRMeCQIGrxWYtyTcPp-cNA64aMm0Wr8d41kMoMh9p1VPYQwN79MFLOq10PhGmdK_BfIQgXGL27Sb5sRsyhCub3Sp6x0wM/s640/picture-12.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Q2PXLQa9hC0iKtUTYjSETjKxlxHA-04lGntQnf68Razho1usyIMOezguSbSnq8hd2kfD6urz_zeZ1TCEXskU6mlxIi-NkJCylCVQnVqlQjV6ZIvbLWJHkB7-q7b2KZf3hhJDW9F4n4/s1600/picture-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9Q2PXLQa9hC0iKtUTYjSETjKxlxHA-04lGntQnf68Razho1usyIMOezguSbSnq8hd2kfD6urz_zeZ1TCEXskU6mlxIi-NkJCylCVQnVqlQjV6ZIvbLWJHkB7-q7b2KZf3hhJDW9F4n4/s640/picture-13.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we set off on our day of adventure, we decided to treat it as a "State Fair" food day. For us, that means trying things whenever we find something that looks good and sharing it. Since we were in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy">Italy</a>, we found a nice pizza place and shared a salami pizza. Quite tasty.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGtafMxEEqMckxOkUY8cXv0e0FRuQEXb6T9E6L7ltC-bnSWGLfCxbjWKKQUH5OyKSeGA6bL9Qh_-S8NqEp9H-TB9ZHH1mAuMK-QwURQgkYJSsKZcfNxUvtTayx8-E-1Ob0dv8mFlJ0kc/s1600/picture-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwGtafMxEEqMckxOkUY8cXv0e0FRuQEXb6T9E6L7ltC-bnSWGLfCxbjWKKQUH5OyKSeGA6bL9Qh_-S8NqEp9H-TB9ZHH1mAuMK-QwURQgkYJSsKZcfNxUvtTayx8-E-1Ob0dv8mFlJ0kc/s640/picture-18.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZFAsmTWMj2agdxShC8gTdnu1eJNRbDnHUWmtQhioimhQoDnqvl-LbR-nwPPJWx_9yHopVb91I7I_XSfr-D3Iqzr8oK7-7zAeuFwFFc8Ieasgv-oZNaF9F-7Fy-5l-9yKtp9HPEGqRk/s1600/picture-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZFAsmTWMj2agdxShC8gTdnu1eJNRbDnHUWmtQhioimhQoDnqvl-LbR-nwPPJWx_9yHopVb91I7I_XSfr-D3Iqzr8oK7-7zAeuFwFFc8Ieasgv-oZNaF9F-7Fy-5l-9yKtp9HPEGqRk/s640/picture-22.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jQaDqvXxKlgsG_ASEXvjwCIT-GWU5VZS8SYSnF0k4_yr3NSYma6F7sZaQmGEbLVm2pSjH764sGMIcFh9Uk2mfizm1whuVIkhos6_pCa1LARrBHEmgdt-kgLDh094-pVKkpHiBlMYP8U/s1600/picture-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jQaDqvXxKlgsG_ASEXvjwCIT-GWU5VZS8SYSnF0k4_yr3NSYma6F7sZaQmGEbLVm2pSjH764sGMIcFh9Uk2mfizm1whuVIkhos6_pCa1LARrBHEmgdt-kgLDh094-pVKkpHiBlMYP8U/s640/picture-25.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After spending a couple hours on Burano, taking in the sights and eating some pizza, we headed off to the boat stop to catch the vaporetto back to Murano. As luck would have it, we arrived at the boat stop five minutes prior to departure and were able to jump on the boat. Similar to our cruise to Burano, we made a quick stop at Mazzorbo before heading to Murano.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QFYechPAUUjy3nMNRPhW_k6gKyrB_0MfIySnqTd0HrKt77KuVl7j1iYTxCQ6FKGc7S-rxRtKBjLqh471nGdJAIc9PF9L8F6B3nvadWUqbiVRHT3QGv96JSER_4f3NFPziV946vgtm1Y/s1600/picture-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QFYechPAUUjy3nMNRPhW_k6gKyrB_0MfIySnqTd0HrKt77KuVl7j1iYTxCQ6FKGc7S-rxRtKBjLqh471nGdJAIc9PF9L8F6B3nvadWUqbiVRHT3QGv96JSER_4f3NFPziV946vgtm1Y/s640/picture-28.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimodVB6lWbtyKGjmBjLRFFfgW1dmUm2pPGHK_Pksawdi8QXHEhsmqoeOzIfaxHO6xA2hMO1mdU-8aL2pHvSdYNpB-6aPxq0cCZUvu1C-8zF74SBs0vt46WSi-lt6-m7tM91XyAtf2dz9U/s1600/picture-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimodVB6lWbtyKGjmBjLRFFfgW1dmUm2pPGHK_Pksawdi8QXHEhsmqoeOzIfaxHO6xA2hMO1mdU-8aL2pHvSdYNpB-6aPxq0cCZUvu1C-8zF74SBs0vt46WSi-lt6-m7tM91XyAtf2dz9U/s640/picture-31.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Murano, while still beautiful, does not have the same level of charm as Burano with its colorful homes. Instead, Murano is known for its history as one of the premiere glass blowing places in the world. There are 47 families still operating today that have been blowing glass for generations. To learn more about this history, we went to the <a href="http://museovetro.visitmuve.it/en/home/">Murano Glass Museum, Museo del Vetro</a>. It was fascinating to see how the master glass makers changed styles over the centuries, with some styles lost and rediscovered over time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-ouAu8e-de8RzdUmMt8kWYiaMjWslw76sud8yxrHZyCON6ayC7dD179el71IVkiSbvHElU6BW92LQC7xU1S3Vi3lT8q_kOKk_sawfq7WQ2FAcrWHM5c3Qm5nBNcJXVjujvoCAOflLCA/s1600/picture-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-ouAu8e-de8RzdUmMt8kWYiaMjWslw76sud8yxrHZyCON6ayC7dD179el71IVkiSbvHElU6BW92LQC7xU1S3Vi3lT8q_kOKk_sawfq7WQ2FAcrWHM5c3Qm5nBNcJXVjujvoCAOflLCA/s640/picture-32.jpg" width="427" height="640" data-original-width="1067" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpo8faLNbTyoDcanm3eKzxu_NvDlBr2Pp7CBUF9opFySDFm4X08pzqNW_9iBZ-tL1iSmLzNrff3BPKZwiOPxUwyc3cTVjjgBvgx-Ho-L-nTzSGD10EatdIcHbiHnJQCMbg-FNGFRiu5U/s1600/IMG_7875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpo8faLNbTyoDcanm3eKzxu_NvDlBr2Pp7CBUF9opFySDFm4X08pzqNW_9iBZ-tL1iSmLzNrff3BPKZwiOPxUwyc3cTVjjgBvgx-Ho-L-nTzSGD10EatdIcHbiHnJQCMbg-FNGFRiu5U/s640/IMG_7875.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our time in the museum, we set off to see if we could find a glass blower in action. Unfortunately, we were not so lucky. Instead, we found some authentic shops and learned more about specific glass makers while perusing for some glass to bring home. There are some truly incredible pieces available on the island.</div>
<br />
<div>With the sun going down, we thought it would be good to head back to Venice. On the walk back to the vaporetto, we stopped for our first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelato">gelato</a>. I had strawberry and lemon, and Kari had raspberry and lemon. They were quite delicious. One of the other benefits of the sun going down was the lights strung across the smaller canals were lit. It added some romance and ambience to the already beautiful scene.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYfkcZ9isxZHduwCARKni7FRv2RRwX-9xENdRqKs3Aal5c1upS2l7c8ckpy-PN5f15IgA4UX02b7nrEa2OTDHThG-4eqrOzJ_V3lL_oqA9FDpVEKq-bFbozr3y3GIgvL5UxZl5RPvRbc/s1600/IMG_7877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYfkcZ9isxZHduwCARKni7FRv2RRwX-9xENdRqKs3Aal5c1upS2l7c8ckpy-PN5f15IgA4UX02b7nrEa2OTDHThG-4eqrOzJ_V3lL_oqA9FDpVEKq-bFbozr3y3GIgvL5UxZl5RPvRbc/s640/IMG_7877.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back in Venice, we wandered back to our apartment with a stop at Captain Candy (danger!) and the Co-Op, a local grocery. We tried to warm up a bit before heading back out to catch a vaporetto the ride along the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canal_(Venice)">Grand Canal</a> at night. Of course, we snagged another gelato for our walk to the vaporetto, because why not?</div>
<br />
<div>The Grand Canal at night is absolutely stunning. The restaurants, bridges, and homes are lit as people head out for an evening of fun memories. We tried to soak it all in as we meandered along the Grand Canal to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco">Piazza San Marco</a>. Similar to the Grand Canal's beauty at night, the Piazza San Marco was stunning. Kari was in awe of the size and grandeur of the place, particularly when compared against the other squares we had seen prior. The piazza shone from thousands of lights strung throughout. We took a stroll around the lights, while also looking for a place to have an authentic Italian meal. The place we ultimately chose was not far off the square. I had some good spaghetti and meatballs, while Kari had spaghetti and scampi. Unfortunately, hers was not as good as mine. We will have to find a better spot for her tomorrow.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwOQjgjGWeKzfeZgkZuQnkRDwegInujNwAXyQCLO4MOuYYLWbqxO77HHNK6l1WUlPz6GGzFzWjgvnU0896LEdNPAj5dGTqUWx_TKmHAIP_ROmup4T_1YJRilEsghAfWvibkTMbM07Rc/s1600/IMG_7886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwOQjgjGWeKzfeZgkZuQnkRDwegInujNwAXyQCLO4MOuYYLWbqxO77HHNK6l1WUlPz6GGzFzWjgvnU0896LEdNPAj5dGTqUWx_TKmHAIP_ROmup4T_1YJRilEsghAfWvibkTMbM07Rc/s640/IMG_7886.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WZXqfB5ArqdCIokmZ7m0vyIDPSjSX1ZNeYu1aYOxLqk00d7bXOAigdurCNir_UG_10rETLppu7qjwNgby2bMw-4T3qjjgzD_wsuFpuligfQ46XJs94b5UH9ynYr0p9enj30B1y4uFIY/s1600/IMG_7892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WZXqfB5ArqdCIokmZ7m0vyIDPSjSX1ZNeYu1aYOxLqk00d7bXOAigdurCNir_UG_10rETLppu7qjwNgby2bMw-4T3qjjgzD_wsuFpuligfQ46XJs94b5UH9ynYr0p9enj30B1y4uFIY/s640/IMG_7892.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6ne8Ez1FbEjU1U10f2Zk5jruHeTXoymP9ABxGOmUD2WklwcnTYZKMLFQEM6Zi0hCYekEXjBbuxpQxq-jbcFYrfxerBri_k6Z5VkofNS_m7hjWh1yrHPneuabp5Qt6a5Xmgw_R3jxYOk/s1600/IMG_7893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6ne8Ez1FbEjU1U10f2Zk5jruHeTXoymP9ABxGOmUD2WklwcnTYZKMLFQEM6Zi0hCYekEXjBbuxpQxq-jbcFYrfxerBri_k6Z5VkofNS_m7hjWh1yrHPneuabp5Qt6a5Xmgw_R3jxYOk/s640/IMG_7893.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLozbKgddh3mYH3LFJRsW6do3xnnDC8C1DV50kYLDc7eLVkEkpUi8_ROcBgBgqNvIB6ze7b6p3BqnXt7H6JDt0icrnHrgAnsCnJWZkwZtiVG0fAFK0XyXJQ7ZAiOC-Qx7JROWCE9l4H5E/s1600/IMG_7895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLozbKgddh3mYH3LFJRsW6do3xnnDC8C1DV50kYLDc7eLVkEkpUi8_ROcBgBgqNvIB6ze7b6p3BqnXt7H6JDt0icrnHrgAnsCnJWZkwZtiVG0fAFK0XyXJQ7ZAiOC-Qx7JROWCE9l4H5E/s640/IMG_7895.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After dinner, we walked back to our apartment. The city was starting to buzz and come to life. All of the small roads were packed with people as we could hear some bars starting to overflow into the streets. We crossed the Rialto Bridge one final time to get back to the side of the Grand Canal we were staying.</div>
<br />
<div>Before getting back, we stopped for one more gelato, our third of the day. Since it was our third, we opted to share a strawberry, raspberry, and lemon gelato. This was probably our favorite place we have tried thus far. Dangerous it is only a couple blocks from the apartment we are staying in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKNvE7JhQR0chdcqRbEb-H3nbuKten66XVIPNhgvq46Olr3O-ne7XyzEzwWA2CwxXdmGjLZ-FcRT8RQ8TjeA-CrIR-wa99IRAvQ9lrXD10aAnadzT7Hb39uUe26E4yWy6Lu12mwzNr5w/s1600/IMG_7899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKNvE7JhQR0chdcqRbEb-H3nbuKten66XVIPNhgvq46Olr3O-ne7XyzEzwWA2CwxXdmGjLZ-FcRT8RQ8TjeA-CrIR-wa99IRAvQ9lrXD10aAnadzT7Hb39uUe26E4yWy6Lu12mwzNr5w/s640/IMG_7899.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Vacate-to-Venice/">Click here for photos from our Vacate to Venice!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-38933711362444153392019-02-19T12:51:00.001-06:002019-02-19T12:53:26.212-06:00Vacate to Venice 2019 - Travel to Venice<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>While living abroad is its own adventure, we wanted to take advantage of our proximity to Europe to explore as much as possible. For our first weekend getaway since our move to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol">Bristol</a>, we picked <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice">Venice</a>. We found some cheap, non-stop flights from Bristol to Venice, as well as some nice, affordable lodging in the heart of the city. What could be better?!</div>
<br />
<div>After a short half day of work, we took off to a bus stop to catch the <a href="https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Flyer</a>. Normally, we took <a href="https://www.uber.com/gb/en/ride/">Uber</a> to the airport (or drove) in the States, due to its convenience and ease. In Bristol, we do not have a car, so driving is out, which leaves our options as taxi/Uber, bus, or train. With the pervasiveness of public transport in the city, there is a dedicated bus line, the Bristol Flyer, that runs between Bristol and the <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport</a> every 10 minutes during the day. As a bonus, it costs the same as one Uber ride for round trip fare for two people. We figured it was worth the attempt.</div>
<br />
<div>Thirty minutes later and we were at the airport. This was our first time at the Bristol Airport as passengers departing to another destination. It took us a little time to get our bearings, but we managed to get through security fairly quickly. In total, it took us a little over an hour from the time we left our flat until we were through security in the airport. Good to know for future trips.</div>
<br />
<div>Since we got to the airport really early and we had already eaten lunch, we explored some of the shops while waiting for our flights to be announced. In the future, grabbing food at the airport looks promising.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcrcX618HKP_On1xiwRjz9F04Wv2PxnlblZKqUhcg0zu5prXbESQo0BmFmHcz21WNneaBA1CQECxYkxQNMwdS3VC4kjmyliAXmZLMPntSgCeWY6gNUwRDt3AMpWcU997J8QUAmfJugzM/s1600/IMG_7844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcrcX618HKP_On1xiwRjz9F04Wv2PxnlblZKqUhcg0zu5prXbESQo0BmFmHcz21WNneaBA1CQECxYkxQNMwdS3VC4kjmyliAXmZLMPntSgCeWY6gNUwRDt3AMpWcU997J8QUAmfJugzM/s640/IMG_7844.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="960" data-original-height="1280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our flight was pretty uneventful. We chose to fly <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en/">EasyJet</a>, a low-cost carrier in Europe. The service was fine, and everything costs an extra fee. The coolest part of the flight was seeing the mountains as we started our descent into Venice.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlXw6Rh7rrQNDztjtvwD5y9obnHtRJdBXGhTzPdcz8zvvDiw8bnYyWXR4GrgF15WZbzjyH2LulslxH7vUeFWrQDX2d_MrOWhMBqk5iNsrkidx1Yet5QD9GP0lBwrk_3ShGQKo6Gd52A4/s1600/IMG_7845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlXw6Rh7rrQNDztjtvwD5y9obnHtRJdBXGhTzPdcz8zvvDiw8bnYyWXR4GrgF15WZbzjyH2LulslxH7vUeFWrQDX2d_MrOWhMBqk5iNsrkidx1Yet5QD9GP0lBwrk_3ShGQKo6Gd52A4/s640/IMG_7845.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>In Venice, we made it through customs and found a taxi service to take us to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazzale_Roma">Piazzale Roma</a>. It as a quick trip, in part thanks to our driver's blatant disregard for the speed limit. Speed limit, more like speed suggestion. From the Piazzale Roma, we had a 20 minute walk to our meeting point for the apartment we rented. Thankfully, our UK sims worked here. Even though Google maps were not perfect, they were certainly helpful when navigating the narrow streets in the dark.</div>
<br />
<div>We met our host at the San Silvestro boat stop, which was a short walk from the apartment. He gave us a tour of the 2 bedroom/2 bath property we rented, how to operate the controls, and gave us some suggestions of things to do, see, and eat before leaving us for the night. Taking one of his recommendations, we dropped our bags and went to <a href="http://www.birrarialacorte.it/">Birraria La Corte</a>, which was a delicious pizza (and Italian food) place. I had a diavola (i.e., pepperoni) pizza, and Kari had a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_Margherita">margherita (i.e., cheese) pizza</a>. Super delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjTfaJ_sNUWsewgRkmLWQPSZMdT5vjNhVINqEF99mauFtTs25r-1aYdawsIcuA8eBhZSn8oFJUbTWp0WxRhMCJa5CTNKXdBx-2qXFD1RM086Y2M1lZtikB6n7mm7k7jNXfHTe14FLXho/s1600/IMG_7847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwjTfaJ_sNUWsewgRkmLWQPSZMdT5vjNhVINqEF99mauFtTs25r-1aYdawsIcuA8eBhZSn8oFJUbTWp0WxRhMCJa5CTNKXdBx-2qXFD1RM086Y2M1lZtikB6n7mm7k7jNXfHTe14FLXho/s640/IMG_7847.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back at the apartment, we got settled and into bed to be rested for our adventures in the morning.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Vacate-to-Venice/">Click here for photos from our Vacate to Venice!</a></div>
Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-81678066708304307472018-12-17T20:36:00.001-06:002018-12-25T07:01:25.275-06:00Aloha Adventure 2017<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>It's always a stressful time of year, the holidays. Planning for time with family, buying gifts for reunion gift changes with people you have not seen in a year, resolving to finish all the "to dos" that you have put on the back burner so you can end the year cleanly and start fresh on January 1st. So what better time to escape all of that stress and go to Hawaii??</div>
<br />
<div>What's even better than a trip to Hawaii? A trip partially covered by my company!</div>
<br />
<div>Given the high-turnover common in travel positions like mine, my company added a reward trip for those who go on at least 75 work trips during the first few years. For the trip, I was allowed to pick somewhere I have never been in the US for a week, and I was allowed to bring Kari. One of the few places I've never been in the US is Hawaii. Once I qualified for the trip, Kari and I jumped to head on a week to Hawaii!</div>
<br />
<div>Since this was our first trip to Hawaii, we opted to spend a couple days on <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kauai">Kauai</a> before heading over to <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maui">Maui</a> for four days. Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle and the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is lush and a little more remote. Maui, also known as the Valley Isle, is home to Haleakala, Hana and its famous road, and beautiful coastlines. We love being outdoors and active, and we figured this was a good sampling of the Hawaiian Islands.</div>
<br />
<div>When you think tropical paradise, what do you equate with that? Palm trees, sandy beaches, lush foliage, etc. Regardless of what you thought, I highly doubt oodles of feral chickens are on your list. In the early 90s, a hurricane hit Kauai, releasing chickens that have become more wild over the years. We found them at breakfast, along the sides of the roads, in parking lots, and in stores. Everywhere we looked, we found more chickens. It became more of a game to see where we could find more chickens.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4kOoHkQhTzcj3bP-vc-CpdmF9fQmCtSOAksEZ8pwcjL1ISYPpA8N8YsIGHHkGn23IWysEgS8Lk79CMDlVU30VKizOwPD89iczkNJobh-mDNqxrNXvTl-H0DYVdRPboC2yv3dRKthSxs/s1600/IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4kOoHkQhTzcj3bP-vc-CpdmF9fQmCtSOAksEZ8pwcjL1ISYPpA8N8YsIGHHkGn23IWysEgS8Lk79CMDlVU30VKizOwPD89iczkNJobh-mDNqxrNXvTl-H0DYVdRPboC2yv3dRKthSxs/s400/IMG_5987.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzEUgcpHm4AlEikNXLa7LwSYffrA16c_7Q7Yit15wGoO0letGSkvN-U3x0klQgWSFbApoDFTkWJLY-2o_bBEUqolX9h_LlcdziLHvd-nhMx3tlkZ49JUUMR8bdlwR_xKM6fB9hsGBOcY/s1600/IMG_6069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzEUgcpHm4AlEikNXLa7LwSYffrA16c_7Q7Yit15wGoO0letGSkvN-U3x0klQgWSFbApoDFTkWJLY-2o_bBEUqolX9h_LlcdziLHvd-nhMx3tlkZ49JUUMR8bdlwR_xKM6fB9hsGBOcY/s640/IMG_6069.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On Kauai, we stayed at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lihak-koloa-landing-resort-at-poipu-autograph-collection/">Koloa Landing Resort</a>. With its location on the leeward side of the island near the water, we had a beautiful base camp for our adventures. Thankfully, we were upgraded to a two room suite with a small kitchen, washer, and dryer. Having the second room and patio provided the additional benefit of a space for me to go and read while I waited for Kari to wake up.</div>
<br />
<div>We started off our adventure on Kauai with surf lessons at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poipubeachsurfschool.com/">Poipu Beach Surf School</a>. Kari was a natural on the water. She did a great job popping up and riding the waves. The waves were borderline big enough for me to get up. I could see the benefit learning to surf as a kid. One of the two kids in our group was buoyant enough to ride waves that did not break. He was so little.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXlRKIh6q4EnnW0ot9O1ZF7fbJNagaz8WOXUDb0cw2rey3d1jGN03Fax92xcxNE-GPMjcuk2Q1ITurwsvlkCRUwzhDaVHFE99h8hyphenhyphenRWsbspSIEmK6tp5M5wCZCgf9yn6hv14qNiCqaTM/s1600/picture-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXlRKIh6q4EnnW0ot9O1ZF7fbJNagaz8WOXUDb0cw2rey3d1jGN03Fax92xcxNE-GPMjcuk2Q1ITurwsvlkCRUwzhDaVHFE99h8hyphenhyphenRWsbspSIEmK6tp5M5wCZCgf9yn6hv14qNiCqaTM/s400/picture-1.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After we wrapped up surfing, we headed over to <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waimea_Canyon_State_Park">Waimea Canyon</a> to explore and identify possible hiking routes. With daylight rapidly diminishing, we were not able to hike that day. As we drove into the state park, we stopped to take in the sites. At the end of the road, we found one of the wettest spots on Earth, <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Waialeale">Mount Waialeale</a>. This shield volcano around 400 inches of rain per year. Holy cow!</div>
<br />
<div>Our second day was supposed to be our day to take our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.islandhelicopters.com/falls.html">Jurassic Falls</a> helicopter tour. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. The helicopter company postponed our tour to the next day, hoping the weather would clear. This was the activity I was most excited for, so I was a little bummed we were not able to go. Not wanting to waste our day, we headed up to hike the <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalalau_Trail">Kalalau Trail</a> along the <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C4%81_Pali_Coast_State_Park">Na Pali Coast</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ_ab9VYl0XT_ndfgMnht4eOz9U_o4qWdtTF2DRBmBLr3zTbVauPoBbfMLB3wS-hEwPTeUbD2vwL3v1ZNdqQYRd-VpLu89UErN3RvF6oCE26Fg-tinUvodu-25OKbLbUlOR5EiP5EdkY/s1600/picture-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ_ab9VYl0XT_ndfgMnht4eOz9U_o4qWdtTF2DRBmBLr3zTbVauPoBbfMLB3wS-hEwPTeUbD2vwL3v1ZNdqQYRd-VpLu89UErN3RvF6oCE26Fg-tinUvodu-25OKbLbUlOR5EiP5EdkY/s640/picture-19.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCY84mIwveKJLWgH5NfJLTJPWnZSU3RED3kaPklHmrhXYghj3IzOBDPhhFflePBL9lFBlpM3hygR2Z_MkNkQ53woW5wMzpeNeDynursE5CpD50lBhJwXFigOX3v841TQ66Hr7DMuacls/s1600/picture-62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCY84mIwveKJLWgH5NfJLTJPWnZSU3RED3kaPklHmrhXYghj3IzOBDPhhFflePBL9lFBlpM3hygR2Z_MkNkQ53woW5wMzpeNeDynursE5CpD50lBhJwXFigOX3v841TQ66Hr7DMuacls/s640/picture-62.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Given all of the rain, the trail was muddy and slippery. We were really glad we had our trekking poles to maintain some level of balance. The other area where we found evidence of the rain and flooding was the Hanakapi`ai Stream. The "stream" was full and raging. We felt for the backpackers that needed to cross the stream to continue on to camp or get out. While we wanted to explore the other side, we chose the smarter option and turned back.</div>
<br />
<div>Along the trail, we found a helicopter landing pad. Naturally, Kari pretended to be a helicopter coming in for a landing! Enjoy the <a target="_blank" href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Aloha-Adventure-2017/i-hHKv3Sj/A">video</a>!</div>
<br />
<div>On our final morning on Kauai, we checked out of our hotel and headed over for our helicopter tour. The day to find dinosaurs was upon us! Our helicopter tour started off skirting coast before heading in to snake through the canyons. As we approached the waterfall, the same one that they landed at in <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Park_(film)">Jurassic Park</a>, our pilot turned on the Jurassic Park theme music. Super cool!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN7ouqM9HgpasnCl7MzwGbdo7TsKU1TwsNJDgsKVQi4oHxPOXUgexsGIkmOTTmT9TIjP-v-7gnSNn6uZFnQEVudukArjrBXpg4H4FX7tFCrHtvH-UZ9KEDaZ5kIUGAb0LJBNekZrXUB0/s1600/IMG_6106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSN7ouqM9HgpasnCl7MzwGbdo7TsKU1TwsNJDgsKVQi4oHxPOXUgexsGIkmOTTmT9TIjP-v-7gnSNn6uZFnQEVudukArjrBXpg4H4FX7tFCrHtvH-UZ9KEDaZ5kIUGAb0LJBNekZrXUB0/s400/IMG_6106.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr43dSijd_8hMxDNZs-Q2Vh46f15IYFKq49DQTyXuPZsdx0GdajDvK9xUcUXlXxfnMNEkKnSFrUtHLhrd53YRGkQ7ftBEuHxj3ZEiwp45mQVwbM6V-1lOoucn9DykfMcYSj-fSCWq7Lc/s1600/IMG_6110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr43dSijd_8hMxDNZs-Q2Vh46f15IYFKq49DQTyXuPZsdx0GdajDvK9xUcUXlXxfnMNEkKnSFrUtHLhrd53YRGkQ7ftBEuHxj3ZEiwp45mQVwbM6V-1lOoucn9DykfMcYSj-fSCWq7Lc/s400/IMG_6110.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<div>Following a quick pit-stop searching for dinosaurs at the base of the waterfall, we jumped back into the helicopter to continue our tour. Our pilot took us to the heart of the island to see where it was born. While in flight, we saw more effects of the recent rains. There were numerous waterfalls all over the island! This helicopter tour was certainly the highlight of the trip thus far!</div>
<br />
<div>With a little time before we needed to catch our flight, we headed over to the <a target="_blank" href="http://kilohanakauai.com/">Kilohana</a> to explore and ride the Kauai Plantation Railway. It was a fun end to our short time on the island. Despite that, we knew we wanted to come back and spend more time here.</div>
<br />
<div>One of the smarter decisions I made was to get us first class tickets on our flight from Kauai to Maui. It was only a little more than the cost of a coach seat plus the baggage fee plus it was way more comfortable!</div>
<br />
<div>After the short hop from Kauai to Maui, we grabbed our jeep and headed to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/">Old Lahaina Luau</a>. Our first luau in Hawaii was pretty fun. We tried hula and watched as they pulled the pig from the imu. The meal was delicious. Since it was all you could eat and drink, we made sure to fill up before heading off to our hotel, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnmmc-wailea-beach-resort-marriott-maui/">Wailea Beach Resort</a>, for the night. The parting gift was a delicious piece of banana bread, probably the best banana bread we had on the trip.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwIXStS_eDygn1uGNJbvwmwL6SpRbYzm_5kYURRiuZsY4aCzrm5LueZnO-bu9M4v_y6eNCgA0p9Fbg9cZ-xCEyNpxvkrrlUF3uCZ7g_FmkvHKK6Htl_L1lk-rDBzZZQw3-eJYqr1Ynog/s1600/IMG_6185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwIXStS_eDygn1uGNJbvwmwL6SpRbYzm_5kYURRiuZsY4aCzrm5LueZnO-bu9M4v_y6eNCgA0p9Fbg9cZ-xCEyNpxvkrrlUF3uCZ7g_FmkvHKK6Htl_L1lk-rDBzZZQw3-eJYqr1Ynog/s400/IMG_6185.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs2JZAMxuT221ajXuY8Y9e_3XnvK5-iQJq3x9LNWst5ZUENNdjD4YV2q8JUyCGkVlCf4V1f13gwT975xsdgEDMJJDG9quXWAPIPMbyb5qYqXZWkzoe7SAbUpMr8wqeXggmPQxZeZflJ0/s1600/IMG_6192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs2JZAMxuT221ajXuY8Y9e_3XnvK5-iQJq3x9LNWst5ZUENNdjD4YV2q8JUyCGkVlCf4V1f13gwT975xsdgEDMJJDG9quXWAPIPMbyb5qYqXZWkzoe7SAbUpMr8wqeXggmPQxZeZflJ0/s400/IMG_6192.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8VdxQ2p_7F_uI1vrttFSLE5JVG9ineSlGiLzEgb5awllL2UKs4L18S4bUklh4kMk7kiZLM2LRm6pc7t8l6ryQxRA5gQ9xmhStrmAnEnLTQii6SLYiaOADsDKuiZ1zGyqex75_U2FU14/s1600/IMG_6193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8VdxQ2p_7F_uI1vrttFSLE5JVG9ineSlGiLzEgb5awllL2UKs4L18S4bUklh4kMk7kiZLM2LRm6pc7t8l6ryQxRA5gQ9xmhStrmAnEnLTQii6SLYiaOADsDKuiZ1zGyqex75_U2FU14/s400/IMG_6193.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our second day on Maui started with the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/morning/">Molokini and Turtle Town Snorkel Tour</a>. The ride out to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molokini">Molokini Crater</a> was beautiful. We connected with a couple we had met the previous night at the luau and snorkeled with some amazing fish and coral. After we had our fill at the crater, we headed over to Turtle Town. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Turtle Town was a short walk from our hotel. We quickly swam over to where the crew mentioned to look for turtles, and we found a few <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_sea_turtle">green sea turtles</a> playing in the waves by the shore. Soon, it was time to head back and continue our adventure on land.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxe1Jjt_mK3Ox4Zz2eW2f5hESRW8rcwoK2KVm_KKmVsV0TTvTZQR13B_nmm_eEp2tnjbmDVF6IMRPRMbv-jR5lMxXEcmeS3Tpy9XBGo3dsmsBeqlX3rWnoIBiHIo60E3jYkw2nTODa6Y/s1600/picture-158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxe1Jjt_mK3Ox4Zz2eW2f5hESRW8rcwoK2KVm_KKmVsV0TTvTZQR13B_nmm_eEp2tnjbmDVF6IMRPRMbv-jR5lMxXEcmeS3Tpy9XBGo3dsmsBeqlX3rWnoIBiHIo60E3jYkw2nTODa6Y/s400/picture-158.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>One the places we had heard so much about was <a target="_blank" href="https://sarentosonthebeach.com/">Sarento's On The Beach</a>. We managed to secure a table on the water for sunset. Not only was the food delicious, but watching the sunset was even more special.</div>
<br />
<div>For our first day off on the island, we decided to drive up Haleakala to hike in the crater. Since we did not plan ahead to secure a sunrise slot before arriving on the island, we were not able to go about our day completely as planned. Thankfully, we secured a slot for the following morning. Our hike in the crater was like we were hiking on Mars through a dense fog. Other than a few small scrub bushes, what we could see of the landscape was seemingly devoid of all life. Occasionally, we found cinder cones amongst the landscape.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ucHFBzTcpKJtnjFtErAINWEVFY6-yTQ84zBSdOh0RhDi9nI967a2wxAR4yKWYYGBDbnBB6n1M8JjuC6AFQf3N3AcCaagnqkzLnAJyiI1QSRSkC7IOZUIEpuLGIDkDl0LzZBVkUyjYKU/s1600/picture-173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ucHFBzTcpKJtnjFtErAINWEVFY6-yTQ84zBSdOh0RhDi9nI967a2wxAR4yKWYYGBDbnBB6n1M8JjuC6AFQf3N3AcCaagnqkzLnAJyiI1QSRSkC7IOZUIEpuLGIDkDl0LzZBVkUyjYKU/s640/picture-173.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Before we headed down, we saw a few cyclists starting to crest the summit. It was super cute watching a couple make it to the top and celebrate before starting the descent back down. Most people opt to be driven to the top to ride down; however, a few choose to ride both ways. Hopefully, I can convince Kari that this would be super fun some day!</div>
<br />
<div>The time had arrived for us to wake up really, really early and begin our drive up Haleakala to watch the sunrise. We managed to get to the top at about 5:30am, which was about an hour before sunrise. After going to the rest room, we bundled up and searched for a good spot to take in the view. Instead of staying with the rest of the folks watching the sunrise, we hiked back towards the trail leading into the crater to have a little solitude. It was a magical experience.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6BxjHMz8OOeDBgFoAxzrmrXwf-jHQXD5ZLEoC5-1K0REiX6s9vhf058HfgegoioN5-p5zneW2SrJyt4Sn_uGe3-s5mwgY1ph8nrTZnl40wHdC8QMvtDuOQTJK8_5jhqJGGXflBsjVWQ/s1600/picture-203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6BxjHMz8OOeDBgFoAxzrmrXwf-jHQXD5ZLEoC5-1K0REiX6s9vhf058HfgegoioN5-p5zneW2SrJyt4Sn_uGe3-s5mwgY1ph8nrTZnl40wHdC8QMvtDuOQTJK8_5jhqJGGXflBsjVWQ/s640/picture-203.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp50lJKQ0VD486J4qgL8nixfed_suhLpE5Y4ATzswMejaczbPO342o5sR9OLBVgt3Zo6qX6_cuS0DbDvSKbEDMSsE4noBZZDD6taMYNeI1XTF_SYnCXliNm2G_Ze_REfhWMvHFg7bxcdo/s1600/picture-206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp50lJKQ0VD486J4qgL8nixfed_suhLpE5Y4ATzswMejaczbPO342o5sR9OLBVgt3Zo6qX6_cuS0DbDvSKbEDMSsE4noBZZDD6taMYNeI1XTF_SYnCXliNm2G_Ze_REfhWMvHFg7bxcdo/s640/picture-206.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Unlike the day before when we had time to hang out at the top before we needed to leave, we needed to scurry down shortly after sunrise to catch our whale watching ferry tour. Even though it was the beginning of the whale watching season, we figured we would try. It was a beautiful ride towards Lanai. We saw a rainbow in a valley and flashes of a whale before jumping in for a quick snorkel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS9NtNd5JEJZJj3ZfN7Z1TG3E3gP52hdVis8pa3xFZOOYdZKPUEqw-_U92VsGX02tmQ-pvg_o5U-ugnBvmGJvBwj-eqnABKlXUV27bjrLeq7xOEprC28pm3XtlvojMqGbhFyYryVwJqA/s1600/picture-314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGS9NtNd5JEJZJj3ZfN7Z1TG3E3gP52hdVis8pa3xFZOOYdZKPUEqw-_U92VsGX02tmQ-pvg_o5U-ugnBvmGJvBwj-eqnABKlXUV27bjrLeq7xOEprC28pm3XtlvojMqGbhFyYryVwJqA/s640/picture-314.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64-1UpR6IxtuNotzP799a9jo-XNIImXt7Q3QDINGj9n6C9PH2-5W9rkCbeSvgrt427JrdLJ1RLx0_ZLwlLKwxqpoyMV6VE1UF7i-W-pfRndwcVZJ6wogrDsgThpZ1fnwm9U_9ZA5RY88/s1600/picture-273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64-1UpR6IxtuNotzP799a9jo-XNIImXt7Q3QDINGj9n6C9PH2-5W9rkCbeSvgrt427JrdLJ1RLx0_ZLwlLKwxqpoyMV6VE1UF7i-W-pfRndwcVZJ6wogrDsgThpZ1fnwm9U_9ZA5RY88/s640/picture-273.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On our last day on Maui, we spent the day on the famous <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway">Hana Highway</a>. With all of the options to journey along the road, we struggled to figure out the best way to do it. We knew we did not want to go with a private tour company, so we could go at our own pace. Thankfully, we were recommended to check out <a target="_blank" href="https://www.shakaguide.com/classic-road-to-hana-driving-tour">Shaka Guide</a> by a couple we met during the whale watching tour. It was fantastic! We climbed through a lava tube to a secret world, hiked to a hidden waterfall, explored black and red sand beaches, and ate loads of banana bread. It was a perfect end to a great trip!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYlM3T0O0ut_kJ988Uo32RTN6TFGlSKuvoAFOadL6WCeuSCDUnIFfut3ZtlB3mG8iG_XUjAMI7EQIB3K9xmGLr6dS_mTM6nb2u6HkyOVFg7TPt1U1MWShWA1b95cvZ6aT2S0EOUv2BRk/s1600/picture-321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYlM3T0O0ut_kJ988Uo32RTN6TFGlSKuvoAFOadL6WCeuSCDUnIFfut3ZtlB3mG8iG_XUjAMI7EQIB3K9xmGLr6dS_mTM6nb2u6HkyOVFg7TPt1U1MWShWA1b95cvZ6aT2S0EOUv2BRk/s640/picture-321.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXhz7boz36WrUQHszGPKzwFRx7xG2x_slR7QuXXhqdhaYCrLrzWLsQ1tqBm4BOD0xJj15swn-BooHRkqMIRpPgVh3DLMM5d9Dq1hxtPlumMmj6o4XhTcDYr2eD9S_QGCrbBlUD5UMTOs/s1600/picture-368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXhz7boz36WrUQHszGPKzwFRx7xG2x_slR7QuXXhqdhaYCrLrzWLsQ1tqBm4BOD0xJj15swn-BooHRkqMIRpPgVh3DLMM5d9Dq1hxtPlumMmj6o4XhTcDYr2eD9S_QGCrbBlUD5UMTOs/s640/picture-368.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXumC9kHw0EcJNnO3Yi_YJ-ZhzZfk254mlvEahFROkrIncNfed3dj1KBRCJyc8TgZ5mbR7WsO0QACCb1lUKmRE_SABn-6zi625qqgfpB1xnObwxo74ONJnRcfuBxQR6ozEooAfnjv3gY/s1600/picture-377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXumC9kHw0EcJNnO3Yi_YJ-ZhzZfk254mlvEahFROkrIncNfed3dj1KBRCJyc8TgZ5mbR7WsO0QACCb1lUKmRE_SABn-6zi625qqgfpB1xnObwxo74ONJnRcfuBxQR6ozEooAfnjv3gY/s640/picture-377.jpg" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0QIfOdtekk45s3rhksHlGpm_9GjBqdDnhjrD_UcinS5i7HwpOaf7Siuv40todT0SBeOHcelT9ee9y6GZsKHgw5iKPkGVXBFvU_a9y-cI4DZdB3G2N8fSQjCeulyj1rrdZ6K86cpFBQ8/s1600/picture-402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0QIfOdtekk45s3rhksHlGpm_9GjBqdDnhjrD_UcinS5i7HwpOaf7Siuv40todT0SBeOHcelT9ee9y6GZsKHgw5iKPkGVXBFvU_a9y-cI4DZdB3G2N8fSQjCeulyj1rrdZ6K86cpFBQ8/s640/picture-402.jpg" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our adventurous day on the Road to Hana, we made our way back to the airport to begin our long journey home. This trip was a great sampling of Hawaii and left us eager to come back!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrctNxLI9aM6Z4EWc8bKYBIn7aceo4L3r-hTWY8XHKgjAVBZ4HFBxtjxkuqgNBFgmHgIe-d6OG81zD4ISTgVtf_T3WT2ZzDGtxeApHdSA4HZQSwbyb1S4r2Z95nmmRUMtWoGCWnE8Enw/s1600/IMG_6531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrctNxLI9aM6Z4EWc8bKYBIn7aceo4L3r-hTWY8XHKgjAVBZ4HFBxtjxkuqgNBFgmHgIe-d6OG81zD4ISTgVtf_T3WT2ZzDGtxeApHdSA4HZQSwbyb1S4r2Z95nmmRUMtWoGCWnE8Enw/s640/IMG_6531.jpg" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="https://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Aloha-Adventure-2017/">Click here for photos from our Aloha Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-60112195870488557102016-08-14T21:05:00.003-05:002018-12-16T16:47:10.120-06:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Final Morning at Posada Amazonas and the Journey Home<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_894483'><script src="https://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=894483&stopid=6335170&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_894483&height=300&width=450"></script></div>
<div>We awoke a few minutes before our 5am alarm, excited for our final activity at Posada Amazonas, watching the parrots at the clay lick. The night before, we managed to convince Jorge to get up early with us to try one more thing. Just like in the previous mornings, the howler monkeys were up and making a great commotion. As we walked into the jungle, we could hear the parrots squawking in the trees. Oh boy today was getting off to a great start! Once we arrived at the blind, we could see another group already there. We squeezed in and waited for the parrots to come down.</div>
<br />
<div>After about 20-30 minutes, the first parrot came down to the clay lick. This sparked a chain reaction and soon there were dozens of parrots in the trees near the clay lick and on the clay lick. Unlike the macaws, where there was only one species, there were three different species of parrot plus a species of macaw. It was really cool and loud.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-TIHmKbLBhtNWcajQOL3MSt8BNLETk68ImaKZVIuWn8q-MkSd99UYhGxA6OD9Lq92FI99ONLEPxqu6a5-j63pJ4LO4FbEbq1SbRqM1fjQtyVRAkJH7C7WPQMGYn5m3r0To72VPtGyK4/s1600/jungle62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-TIHmKbLBhtNWcajQOL3MSt8BNLETk68ImaKZVIuWn8q-MkSd99UYhGxA6OD9Lq92FI99ONLEPxqu6a5-j63pJ4LO4FbEbq1SbRqM1fjQtyVRAkJH7C7WPQMGYn5m3r0To72VPtGyK4/s640/jungle62.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our time at the clay lick, we returned our rubber boats, finished packing, and got ready for breakfast. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, bread, and fruit. The bread was by far our favorite part. We, mainly me, ate so much bread.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we were done with breakfast, we waited for our boat ride back to Infierno. Kari and I were both sad to leave but excited to go home. Our boat ride was very relaxing. We chatted with an Australian couple, Mick and Kathy, about travels and their home country, since we want to go there in the not too distant future.</div>
<br />
<div>Back in Infierno, we boarded the bus that would take us down the super bumpy road for about one and a half hours. As an added bonus, Kari and I were in the back, out of range of the AC. That certainly made the ride less fun. Oh well.</div>
<br />
<div>At the Rainforest Expeditions office, we retrieved our luggage and said our goodbyes to Jorge. We certainly had a blast spending the past few days with him. We learned a lot about the jungle and the native community at Infierno from him.</div>
<br />
<div>Our stop at Rainforest Expeditions' office was short and we were at the airport in Puerto Maldonado in no time. The airport in Puerto Maldonado reminded us of some of the small African airports we flew through. While I was glad to be there early to deal with some of the craziness, there was not much to do once inside. Oh well. Only two short flights and we were back in Lima. Unfortunately, we had a 10 hour layover in Lima. Not really a city I want to get out and explore with our luggage, since Delta does not open its check-in counter until only a few hours before our flight's departure, which was at 2am. We opted to get a snack and try to sleep on the floor while we waited.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uO9ALxTE0RBv-Rjb97Lh8jlWzcaCzQ0LRP_F4enaLtmQ4RFqBupkSjt_lYMhePkNPqL5z3ULGDMikmTpdfNbo4wBSFlVSZj_FMsfzJLUkhRCbC0uMqXkDyJ9qz7IpZ_BlxiLDA9o9og/s1600/travel_home1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uO9ALxTE0RBv-Rjb97Lh8jlWzcaCzQ0LRP_F4enaLtmQ4RFqBupkSjt_lYMhePkNPqL5z3ULGDMikmTpdfNbo4wBSFlVSZj_FMsfzJLUkhRCbC0uMqXkDyJ9qz7IpZ_BlxiLDA9o9og/s640/travel_home1.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2SAQt-GA5xbVpyIJn97T02ZjsbJJZQ9uhupiQLxa_pJzcc7sy1huQ_G7pXrFmFjW5E3zdw-i6OnHwDjUCdgirxif8J0cW99AwBB1KigItFfeHOR4jo2bDF9jfIsA9ApuKvTjtBkqC6U/s1600/travel_home2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2SAQt-GA5xbVpyIJn97T02ZjsbJJZQ9uhupiQLxa_pJzcc7sy1huQ_G7pXrFmFjW5E3zdw-i6OnHwDjUCdgirxif8J0cW99AwBB1KigItFfeHOR4jo2bDF9jfIsA9ApuKvTjtBkqC6U/s640/travel_home2.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYbX0V06h9fkeSGGP_AFiMkABzrbnGRl8oas0kIMsBrTRSzfOu9LhyphenhyphenIvvt2TDmjNJWoM9VQstYYLISgX1I1NpK-7nUgav3c9oATzY79_s-MecusqerL28eAgz-f_2msAimbAXnKJBdxo/s1600/travel_home3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYbX0V06h9fkeSGGP_AFiMkABzrbnGRl8oas0kIMsBrTRSzfOu9LhyphenhyphenIvvt2TDmjNJWoM9VQstYYLISgX1I1NpK-7nUgav3c9oATzY79_s-MecusqerL28eAgz-f_2msAimbAXnKJBdxo/s640/travel_home3.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we were able to finally hand over our bags around 11pm, we quickly walked through security and went to wait by our gate. We managed to sleep on the flight home for a little while before waking to have breakfast. Our time making it back through customs in Atlanta was pretty short and sweet. Thankfully. We started calling family to let them know we were safely back in the US while we waited for our flight to Chicago.</div>
<br />
<div>In Chicago, we collected our bags and began the journey back to the car. Thanks to the Delta app, we were able to easily find our car in the economy lot. Joyous to start our two hour drive back to Madison and unwind a bit before heading back to work the next day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk3jKBjIwveBxUnQdXVTWYLTuo5yy_ntsJNHmezWgXIESNMHUrLfwySE37iTaYeU7aN_JtmaU9bMxjJv7TyZde1fOKsVSkYtZagWqGaVl9AjaevNXOQ4maCwGZ-V1Suv8jn-Qx3_42Sk/s1600/travel_home4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk3jKBjIwveBxUnQdXVTWYLTuo5yy_ntsJNHmezWgXIESNMHUrLfwySE37iTaYeU7aN_JtmaU9bMxjJv7TyZde1fOKsVSkYtZagWqGaVl9AjaevNXOQ4maCwGZ-V1Suv8jn-Qx3_42Sk/s640/travel_home4.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>This was certainly a whirlwind adventure. We got to experience some new cultures and stretch ourselves by going somewhere where we do not really share a common language. I know I was pushed out of my comfort zone quite a few times. That's part of why we travel. To experience the world, new places, and new cultures and to continue to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and continue to grow. We look forward to our next opportunity to see more of this beautiful world we are part of.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-27829525466927580072016-08-14T21:02:00.003-05:002016-08-14T21:02:47.875-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Posada Amazonas Day 2<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>Our alarm went off at 4am; time to get ready and head to breakfast. Jorge was taking us to Tres Chimbadas Lake today. We were greeted with pancakes, fruit, bread, ham, and cheese. It was all delicious, despite not really being hungry at 4:30am.</div>
<br />
<div>After breakfast, we boarded the boat with Rodrigo and he took us up river to where we needed to hike to the lake. It was a fairly short ride. While the sun came up, we could see the banks of the river coming more into view.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we were dropped off, we had a 30 minute walk through the jungle to the lake. Gustavo greeted us at the lake on the wooden <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catamaran">catamaran</a> we were going to use to explore the lake. Gustavo skillfully glided us along the water as Jorge pointed out various birds and explained how this lake may no longer exist in about 300-400 years, depending on the erosion of the river. While this was happening, the sue was rising, giving us a beautiful view on the water.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNgVIEqG9eXFw7u7ysULWLuGx-ACUgKF_LmkMfVJgywdljCFfkTm-Nc72g36Q9UHSjEPj4WdLiKru2h4QQutFzXPmOHdc0n2TeusiOe_kIU5oe-9T84claeqDBc5bdZAJj9aVfP6FE90/s1600/jungle19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNgVIEqG9eXFw7u7ysULWLuGx-ACUgKF_LmkMfVJgywdljCFfkTm-Nc72g36Q9UHSjEPj4WdLiKru2h4QQutFzXPmOHdc0n2TeusiOe_kIU5oe-9T84claeqDBc5bdZAJj9aVfP6FE90/s640/jungle19.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV7P5ifNQvo-FOTgsCTpQEv0GEuSB8ggQDkEiCHprzkQOlhdkmkUeDq3Na4S2drnMSjJjCh6PbtsDRpm-QDXQ99LXG_wn9WizRjvyF-EXsWi4z-gAezb_KKGgfD0nQldeOK2hhOrPQOc/s1600/jungle20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguV7P5ifNQvo-FOTgsCTpQEv0GEuSB8ggQDkEiCHprzkQOlhdkmkUeDq3Na4S2drnMSjJjCh6PbtsDRpm-QDXQ99LXG_wn9WizRjvyF-EXsWi4z-gAezb_KKGgfD0nQldeOK2hhOrPQOc/s640/jungle20.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Near the border of the refuge, Gustavo stopped the catamaran in the grass near a little inlet, with hopes we would see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_otter">giant river otter</a>. The river otter is the apex predator for the river. They are also known as the wolf of the river, since they hunt in packs. As soon as we stilled ourselves, we could hear the young otters crying for their parents to feed them. They were incredibly loud; much louder than the birds we were next to.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDnpIGfPnvPsxivH30z7lZblyf07hpZZ3RRK6Pw6oC4Ge2c5-Re_FXteF66kmyoaNWozWFbueCOLOQ0YqUS3sPoY1aP1g5akIvY1VHAF2brLNDwIdYIT43QRee6jXxC1Sr-UrhBpdq3k/s1600/jungle21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDnpIGfPnvPsxivH30z7lZblyf07hpZZ3RRK6Pw6oC4Ge2c5-Re_FXteF66kmyoaNWozWFbueCOLOQ0YqUS3sPoY1aP1g5akIvY1VHAF2brLNDwIdYIT43QRee6jXxC1Sr-UrhBpdq3k/s640/jungle21.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHGy4tyKYgnbM7V_EFOVtUssQ8VJC_W4kvT04rWYsKM-arc-XTol7PdIk6Z746FoWPV5Xnr9tvjEp97CGzWYvlM-v7ScFlcNYd57AED6b7GG8o_wskcjyqjbM3nGo8zIn1TJRSkLpaPs/s1600/jungle22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHGy4tyKYgnbM7V_EFOVtUssQ8VJC_W4kvT04rWYsKM-arc-XTol7PdIk6Z746FoWPV5Xnr9tvjEp97CGzWYvlM-v7ScFlcNYd57AED6b7GG8o_wskcjyqjbM3nGo8zIn1TJRSkLpaPs/s640/jungle22.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Eventually, our patience paid off and all four otters of the family group swam only a few meters away from the boat, providing excellent photo opportunities. Super cool! Jorge kept mentioning we were lucky and must be emanating good energy, since he had not seen the otters that close in a long time, maybe ever.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuE1IfOBGzntwze3FlVx7N718tyMJzyG9ctkSDE7e0rdhjhE2eBKWpBi4DjVO5XltD0RGKkpRt-RhchyphenhyphenqruIq05KXXz1B2w8Dc4gem7ss8KXsJnGm3SdhSOxpkZjIzUU6CZFZ5gEsnO4/s1600/jungle23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuE1IfOBGzntwze3FlVx7N718tyMJzyG9ctkSDE7e0rdhjhE2eBKWpBi4DjVO5XltD0RGKkpRt-RhchyphenhyphenqruIq05KXXz1B2w8Dc4gem7ss8KXsJnGm3SdhSOxpkZjIzUU6CZFZ5gEsnO4/s640/jungle23.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNeHbNQDoLWulTipZ344WBZCmS2YHxzBtHmwr0gutBRtRoeP71PH9DjJb5N1u_L68L4LP9y9MWBmBfkq-ldGTV2tb6OQalDU71qR29o6T6VWNMIqMHNqRBJ5tNdVHHq6RCEbBNk0Y-nk/s1600/jungle24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNeHbNQDoLWulTipZ344WBZCmS2YHxzBtHmwr0gutBRtRoeP71PH9DjJb5N1u_L68L4LP9y9MWBmBfkq-ldGTV2tb6OQalDU71qR29o6T6VWNMIqMHNqRBJ5tNdVHHq6RCEbBNk0Y-nk/s640/jungle24.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaWmSPGW_2NQ-YG55qlmRC3T6nXP-c6QyMmA2f_kuPQUD7GnQX7u_w_fNO-I79e7eIYVDyIqNBQORpOY7tyxzWmunRwaqpTefwGtIoolk800-RCNEZiImUGFu4ntaF8RDyaOjdYmb8AY/s1600/jungle25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaWmSPGW_2NQ-YG55qlmRC3T6nXP-c6QyMmA2f_kuPQUD7GnQX7u_w_fNO-I79e7eIYVDyIqNBQORpOY7tyxzWmunRwaqpTefwGtIoolk800-RCNEZiImUGFu4ntaF8RDyaOjdYmb8AY/s640/jungle25.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once the otters had moved on, we tried our luck fishing for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piranha">piranhas</a>. Kari was the only one in our group to catch one, but she was too afraid to touch it. I held it, so she could photograph it. The piranhas successfully stole the rest of our bait! Super speedy little buggers!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4Q3MJ4P9wdCd1Uq_MoG_qWPjEmXlinzroSXLM9eA4JhBKIUJcDeMm6_T1mHfJAi6x9bQ4uIJuFppyvPmyd-klmg67clbZzKF18p7JYd5KDnIif_RsaxpVv27A7hFbLCisYj7CZvWTPI/s1600/jungle26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4Q3MJ4P9wdCd1Uq_MoG_qWPjEmXlinzroSXLM9eA4JhBKIUJcDeMm6_T1mHfJAi6x9bQ4uIJuFppyvPmyd-klmg67clbZzKF18p7JYd5KDnIif_RsaxpVv27A7hFbLCisYj7CZvWTPI/s640/jungle26.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wEeJA0btcN41CMOo2MscHrnZicZL_YD7KA2L78DnWOCXWpg4QlKxVzdcgBGHV8IsNms79yXMioc2XZ03ISkNLyIXJJXLIa1zHuwmfSG2089_2VMBeZkE99Nbbc58Dxb2gw8fWhjL6dI/s1600/jungle27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wEeJA0btcN41CMOo2MscHrnZicZL_YD7KA2L78DnWOCXWpg4QlKxVzdcgBGHV8IsNms79yXMioc2XZ03ISkNLyIXJJXLIa1zHuwmfSG2089_2VMBeZkE99Nbbc58Dxb2gw8fWhjL6dI/s640/jungle27.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On our ride back, Jorge explained and demonstrated how to row the catamaran with the special oar they had. Much different than anything we had seen before. We saw a few more birds, including a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cormorant">cormorant</a> on our way back.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJcwJVQ4W-6HXP-eXz23MWLyXcc7Wj6IKNpDpH9UCPjFfZBVWKtw5dboIgs9iFTOd54UiSurpYR6dYAmELSykSBM29HgCODk3eGDlz5rOfz0pG_q9FrPF3QplcoMvNW5RjzV1piY7LFs/s1600/jungle28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJcwJVQ4W-6HXP-eXz23MWLyXcc7Wj6IKNpDpH9UCPjFfZBVWKtw5dboIgs9iFTOd54UiSurpYR6dYAmELSykSBM29HgCODk3eGDlz5rOfz0pG_q9FrPF3QplcoMvNW5RjzV1piY7LFs/s640/jungle28.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV4lrRai2cyTZlfZ3ROCUpjocfTJNz43_Wkfo1obdqmBIr16i-Z1vizEMXnCdOQqguRzN_gvdLUVGmKJUhybtqL0JB-u_obpt2dhBjmqZa7EEftTEyREadDWWF0Agdw0iRHh-cmrsSH4/s1600/jungle29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV4lrRai2cyTZlfZ3ROCUpjocfTJNz43_Wkfo1obdqmBIr16i-Z1vizEMXnCdOQqguRzN_gvdLUVGmKJUhybtqL0JB-u_obpt2dhBjmqZa7EEftTEyREadDWWF0Agdw0iRHh-cmrsSH4/s640/jungle29.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>During our walk back through the jungle to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambopata_River">Tambopata River</a>, Jorge pointed out some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leafcutter_ant">leafcutter ants</a> working as a group plus a few other plant species. We also greeted Gustavo's family, as they live in a house along the trail near the river. They certainly live a different life from what we are used to.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7HHmk5hbV-1GtVNp39OHZOFWZFKDVb23xWEq6PwvUtNYyMgztDUfI85_f3uBy4j5cmdnahIV9tZG4lqkAb5ABOcM-1zL1xNOStueMcBfoiq-2knU9A7z4D-iq9qH_IX7UwLRSJUrAaM/s1600/jungle30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7HHmk5hbV-1GtVNp39OHZOFWZFKDVb23xWEq6PwvUtNYyMgztDUfI85_f3uBy4j5cmdnahIV9tZG4lqkAb5ABOcM-1zL1xNOStueMcBfoiq-2knU9A7z4D-iq9qH_IX7UwLRSJUrAaM/s640/jungle30.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsexykli3BNVxAE2J4XOgxZORPmMJWSVCGlq9jptmyzEdpue8ys9rltKP2r88M3yRTk9PSXtKjgT1DDET9y_33QOLONpWABO1hGsvrwC9AKuz8Gf8OkbKSV35HHFfjt3pC2EobRj-f5I/s1600/jungle31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsexykli3BNVxAE2J4XOgxZORPmMJWSVCGlq9jptmyzEdpue8ys9rltKP2r88M3yRTk9PSXtKjgT1DDET9y_33QOLONpWABO1hGsvrwC9AKuz8Gf8OkbKSV35HHFfjt3pC2EobRj-f5I/s640/jungle31.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After a quick ride in the boat, we were back at Posada Amazonas. We were greeted by a snake and an egg sandwich snack. Pretty awesome start to the morning! We both changed to get ready for our next activity: the clay lick. All while listening to the howler monkeys.</div>
<br />
<div>On our hike to the clay lick, we found a large number of brown capuchin and brown squirrel monkeys in the trees. We stopped to watch for a bit and take some photos. With all of the monkeys nearby, the first clay lick was a bust. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaw">macaws</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parrot">parrots</a> are too sensitive to come down from the trees with monkeys around.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqfeyipVg_nhNOsExpRYv64b36KF8tjEx92v-BhNTzjgrixQQVR60I-c_tMOvcRq7GeB5T_krY7t7WvfsEiD_Wqh25lCvb9y5Y_HmC0R9zNHqvKchYdng4Km0bijNduQAvOGAYrTTXfA/s1600/jungle32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqfeyipVg_nhNOsExpRYv64b36KF8tjEx92v-BhNTzjgrixQQVR60I-c_tMOvcRq7GeB5T_krY7t7WvfsEiD_Wqh25lCvb9y5Y_HmC0R9zNHqvKchYdng4Km0bijNduQAvOGAYrTTXfA/s640/jungle32.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLdmaXgYgyBtwf16OdJ0v6STxc1c5a2CrYKgN_w39GjAssRhupNthksKnLWULE83UgwI4jyVty4ftyWQWsWCb7Laa4W4e5bHUBeVP9Q_IQ6piDBjZiHd-_T8R3DN4-2zoFsDGprjPO6g/s1600/jungle33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLdmaXgYgyBtwf16OdJ0v6STxc1c5a2CrYKgN_w39GjAssRhupNthksKnLWULE83UgwI4jyVty4ftyWQWsWCb7Laa4W4e5bHUBeVP9Q_IQ6piDBjZiHd-_T8R3DN4-2zoFsDGprjPO6g/s640/jungle33.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGImj4G2uMCRMu_APwlPfQtceEQ9_05DAWN8XM2TEgvzOumSkjyhJsrjMbtdslB_ZkYXO51U7LwZrxkdQqZX7EYpi6j_0f-0_injDKHTy-BfD7G9Kjwx7Poyl_YBDRXpEACtobW_alrw/s1600/jungle34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGImj4G2uMCRMu_APwlPfQtceEQ9_05DAWN8XM2TEgvzOumSkjyhJsrjMbtdslB_ZkYXO51U7LwZrxkdQqZX7EYpi6j_0f-0_injDKHTy-BfD7G9Kjwx7Poyl_YBDRXpEACtobW_alrw/s640/jungle34.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a5gNsbTQ2oHq_pDbo0lGTj9DbDlgiXQQL47nUUbxDFhzSpganUGwjbi_bGLDb8JGA6Omugtj1w72H2qZv50q5cQmbVEsdQO_GgXi8qvaMSDlA2DMw0Wl87nkx9JFPHIoHO8p30wl3N0/s1600/jungle35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a5gNsbTQ2oHq_pDbo0lGTj9DbDlgiXQQL47nUUbxDFhzSpganUGwjbi_bGLDb8JGA6Omugtj1w72H2qZv50q5cQmbVEsdQO_GgXi8qvaMSDlA2DMw0Wl87nkx9JFPHIoHO8p30wl3N0/s640/jungle35.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHXE6PJDf4GbsraXe8Cd4QV578CD6_31tcyr0hHd0uCAoDSaUa0awk7MW7JYNjLZh8ByGM8mubHJHbnqq2wb3UmwqA4ynN2q9l2EHVDn4_TdTNFdoYF6dnrdksfNsI9yVayKqLZgyJY/s1600/jungle36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHXE6PJDf4GbsraXe8Cd4QV578CD6_31tcyr0hHd0uCAoDSaUa0awk7MW7JYNjLZh8ByGM8mubHJHbnqq2wb3UmwqA4ynN2q9l2EHVDn4_TdTNFdoYF6dnrdksfNsI9yVayKqLZgyJY/s640/jungle36.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMEoqYWJty3IAfWcnajZJK2VOTBKT4xxLQNfwmKw5aI2HeS2zX_D93MAruvhz7HUF5m0upipaw3kd_AUKFLP4ZhP4jH71XeG0VAxgBXfe32VhjebJFl_SceuhnRpPMBJmCBGNT2gjxk/s1600/jungle37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVMEoqYWJty3IAfWcnajZJK2VOTBKT4xxLQNfwmKw5aI2HeS2zX_D93MAruvhz7HUF5m0upipaw3kd_AUKFLP4ZhP4jH71XeG0VAxgBXfe32VhjebJFl_SceuhnRpPMBJmCBGNT2gjxk/s640/jungle37.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZBTHt-C6WM_cEKiHP5bAWKVXFptlmq8fxaRRNGePl0gdUccXj38YRz7l4isWPz4Oev7wh0EF9wTrxBDfWyiRKgVPWWGnMitO58rPun_bFqV_yhvKpjdfcsLe1HsPVIf5I8g12oTfIAc/s1600/jungle38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZBTHt-C6WM_cEKiHP5bAWKVXFptlmq8fxaRRNGePl0gdUccXj38YRz7l4isWPz4Oev7wh0EF9wTrxBDfWyiRKgVPWWGnMitO58rPun_bFqV_yhvKpjdfcsLe1HsPVIf5I8g12oTfIAc/s640/jungle38.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1QyCFaUzwhij2iKKjUE21z6H-TClsq4dQcHerl5C3PyShQ6XRmevARPplV36eJzYnwBjjphF6lQsidZWj5oohoF-PLtz8mxDFSf08AChcrw02KvfIGTjaiMH2IdRwWeXUbz5XOScnc0/s1600/jungle39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1QyCFaUzwhij2iKKjUE21z6H-TClsq4dQcHerl5C3PyShQ6XRmevARPplV36eJzYnwBjjphF6lQsidZWj5oohoF-PLtz8mxDFSf08AChcrw02KvfIGTjaiMH2IdRwWeXUbz5XOScnc0/s640/jungle39.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUd_5RRrdCGtmUPxyrWxSzfhWMm0eQVL3nX9KnPZVzC8uF9Mq3woO5Ch86bHUnJtWQZKXbqmqc83nkEQuQ_lxqlrc8r_9VQI714Ztxwi0gwTUcXm93ft3yK8T8L7vXmKafC9dSdpzFq0/s1600/jungle40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUd_5RRrdCGtmUPxyrWxSzfhWMm0eQVL3nX9KnPZVzC8uF9Mq3woO5Ch86bHUnJtWQZKXbqmqc83nkEQuQ_lxqlrc8r_9VQI714Ztxwi0gwTUcXm93ft3yK8T8L7vXmKafC9dSdpzFq0/s640/jungle40.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4v6f0Xk_PKwLKgsi2Mr3f_uDtK2DOwgXk3sN_ffkjNnq7CEXKeqG80x8-naNBFiDcuNxZMRWWBHOmF8dFJf0Ej9d7iatJJuvHqJUFykuDCuNyJ4Qmg0TsWC07dhZEgOyabxr3R7OkXU/s1600/jungle41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4v6f0Xk_PKwLKgsi2Mr3f_uDtK2DOwgXk3sN_ffkjNnq7CEXKeqG80x8-naNBFiDcuNxZMRWWBHOmF8dFJf0Ej9d7iatJJuvHqJUFykuDCuNyJ4Qmg0TsWC07dhZEgOyabxr3R7OkXU/s640/jungle41.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>At the second clay lick, we were treated to a show by a dozen or so <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-and-green_macaw">red and green macaws</a>. We sat mesmerized for about 15-20 minutes until they flew off. Pretty spectacular! Again Jorge mentioned how blessed we were, since not many people actually get to see the macaws. Go us!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn_oMgWmYhZS_D37h2-JLrbCVrBVtITRKmbSNo-kEsgZBU8rFazN5QHAjXDgJeAYhnoHpePCtw4Z_OoEJM2o9-c1hZNBN2EIZrYxmrZ3sI451qUgdXz_xztWcQ_tryrp3duVDkuMDYBo/s1600/jungle42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn_oMgWmYhZS_D37h2-JLrbCVrBVtITRKmbSNo-kEsgZBU8rFazN5QHAjXDgJeAYhnoHpePCtw4Z_OoEJM2o9-c1hZNBN2EIZrYxmrZ3sI451qUgdXz_xztWcQ_tryrp3duVDkuMDYBo/s640/jungle42.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0IgwjNhbk4_B564zRIwRzOqraWCCYn4au64Sdp6mvCI5Cf1jzBl8K8fzLLeFoe7fCfBBaQ-WN1T78bjQ-fNb-Ui-F1OezvZG8637VVMI7kPqK6GJ_Azn7UwtSL-yeFssFUL3fzyTlGg/s1600/jungle43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0IgwjNhbk4_B564zRIwRzOqraWCCYn4au64Sdp6mvCI5Cf1jzBl8K8fzLLeFoe7fCfBBaQ-WN1T78bjQ-fNb-Ui-F1OezvZG8637VVMI7kPqK6GJ_Azn7UwtSL-yeFssFUL3fzyTlGg/s640/jungle43.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JyytdKaFrdEkIf4gybJb4DgME5cNEEFz9ZTt-Ia2Bzq5RZvR9t_CYdO2WeC0zUuI5VtwwRoJxfsbmSSbjGnqXUo9cclILq1HtAIJGE1rHXr2qpWKK4tk0sTvD-yA8SREhfrRpDvHpRM/s1600/jungle44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JyytdKaFrdEkIf4gybJb4DgME5cNEEFz9ZTt-Ia2Bzq5RZvR9t_CYdO2WeC0zUuI5VtwwRoJxfsbmSSbjGnqXUo9cclILq1HtAIJGE1rHXr2qpWKK4tk0sTvD-yA8SREhfrRpDvHpRM/s640/jungle44.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroblwEmKhYBuh8d9mZoFbY0FTAII7egLo8uOHE8PIFsPYZqD5QmbcXqgh-R9yhaxZSXftiv-ZNpbC64U2appUkvgwI6-JPM4gpKN6z3szMdlA2vig8c_cgrv-_exsKLHIioT35UartAs/s1600/jungle45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroblwEmKhYBuh8d9mZoFbY0FTAII7egLo8uOHE8PIFsPYZqD5QmbcXqgh-R9yhaxZSXftiv-ZNpbC64U2appUkvgwI6-JPM4gpKN6z3szMdlA2vig8c_cgrv-_exsKLHIioT35UartAs/s640/jungle45.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWztbpxEeGyxSoe2oux7Z2Gfy-M_5tbSnguJBWDVFfG9GvTvZtGksH0HTmg-7c3v2QcFL-r4WWsXkUsm2DH8jmxrfUyEmMm2Opq3xd-8g-jxuKcTZufQJqYjpoXyqoZrKiuALm1ZcLQ4c/s1600/jungle47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWztbpxEeGyxSoe2oux7Z2Gfy-M_5tbSnguJBWDVFfG9GvTvZtGksH0HTmg-7c3v2QcFL-r4WWsXkUsm2DH8jmxrfUyEmMm2Opq3xd-8g-jxuKcTZufQJqYjpoXyqoZrKiuALm1ZcLQ4c/s640/jungle47.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiOmXK3YjUZMrMJD4QgQtCrOtsG0VcKWHUMmArapbP3RQY4usRoXaYdj8UtFQalRVSOfqMEYI2s6FcS6jAsE8yH1Obk4g8qZWJUk9697Krvt6i7-jW5sznN8xuN49gMiAvg69MpDXCts/s1600/jungle46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiOmXK3YjUZMrMJD4QgQtCrOtsG0VcKWHUMmArapbP3RQY4usRoXaYdj8UtFQalRVSOfqMEYI2s6FcS6jAsE8yH1Obk4g8qZWJUk9697Krvt6i7-jW5sznN8xuN49gMiAvg69MpDXCts/s640/jungle46.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUKfrW48liArn_VkDIQdprnNG-398lE5ZOHhry_ImJcSMuMhUIA9KLlGqKHBxyNZfDG3gfcwfII2yQvrehX7r3GKMz0OsbOisNgK3BAOc76Xq8HAJAvhxRn9NLzpPDl7kynjA0ZVj4sg/s1600/jungle48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUKfrW48liArn_VkDIQdprnNG-398lE5ZOHhry_ImJcSMuMhUIA9KLlGqKHBxyNZfDG3gfcwfII2yQvrehX7r3GKMz0OsbOisNgK3BAOc76Xq8HAJAvhxRn9NLzpPDl7kynjA0ZVj4sg/s640/jungle48.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We made it back to Posada Amazonas with just enough time to drop our stuff and head to lunch. With each passing meal, this place reminded us more and more like <a href="http://www.chapungulodge.co.za/">Chapungu</a>. We seem to be fed constantly, including dessert at all meals! May need a diet after this vacation!</div>
<br />
<div>After lunch, and our short break, we met Jorge to take a boat to the medicinal gardens. The medicinal gardens are located at a new eco-lodge that the native community at Infierno are working on as a solo venture, taking what they have learned at Posada Amazonas and using it here. While not yet complete, the lodge was beautiful.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4E-JjlPK_d9KYWCZ64_eG7w4jUkEWfyTg5-sHWWZTHPQ9bJwTtOBQfhhO0kYoomvHEgnkqCfnKRG7RZ4vgXCL060i7sfW_4L5GRzJj5m1OtcLJi1e_sA9rRfgeXIlYe9sLbQUBBQpcI/s1600/jungle49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4E-JjlPK_d9KYWCZ64_eG7w4jUkEWfyTg5-sHWWZTHPQ9bJwTtOBQfhhO0kYoomvHEgnkqCfnKRG7RZ4vgXCL060i7sfW_4L5GRzJj5m1OtcLJi1e_sA9rRfgeXIlYe9sLbQUBBQpcI/s640/jungle49.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHBmknkkQMPEP4Y5XsHbECDVCVOv1H1aQoRmNR80V3N0LdmHm5XwWPmS0Ri7yRsVFeApKGrChzGWwpcXiBZZyCY9FYabx67AHBOTnu0aWJk9Tdfi02R6YPsy_Po9NzQYh6h1hnaqha0Y/s1600/jungle50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHBmknkkQMPEP4Y5XsHbECDVCVOv1H1aQoRmNR80V3N0LdmHm5XwWPmS0Ri7yRsVFeApKGrChzGWwpcXiBZZyCY9FYabx67AHBOTnu0aWJk9Tdfi02R6YPsy_Po9NzQYh6h1hnaqha0Y/s640/jungle50.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ESqjK8ZQAfM8zOC2rBSlAKkCtOCXihppR96llcD-BnrD2N0gZsQ1Pbq6dIdp5LPmoZ2cyN3Ofy4oxY-SPrG1lZDfcHhHkohIbxpi3jmQUGKuwftaMFWYy5pDhYEFopCKPwfi4o3VTWY/s1600/jungle51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ESqjK8ZQAfM8zOC2rBSlAKkCtOCXihppR96llcD-BnrD2N0gZsQ1Pbq6dIdp5LPmoZ2cyN3Ofy4oxY-SPrG1lZDfcHhHkohIbxpi3jmQUGKuwftaMFWYy5pDhYEFopCKPwfi4o3VTWY/s640/jungle51.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK9466s1cK2Rib-l3CEsG_kvzQjCV8J31zgLzbmplesp52YixxcgQ-6iOr3eUt4WMP3zwWcKduc_SjaCtwYvrHs5UCWRSfwzm3wd8zke-CtquHskAQJemSAsRGcJ6ijLpCB6VyvGToR0/s1600/jungle52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLK9466s1cK2Rib-l3CEsG_kvzQjCV8J31zgLzbmplesp52YixxcgQ-6iOr3eUt4WMP3zwWcKduc_SjaCtwYvrHs5UCWRSfwzm3wd8zke-CtquHskAQJemSAsRGcJ6ijLpCB6VyvGToR0/s640/jungle52.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Jorge took us on a short-walk around the gardens, explaining what the different plants were used for. He also had us try a couple. The <a href="https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_aduncum&prev=search">Cordoncillo</a> was a pretty powerful anesthetic that caused our mouths to go numb for a while. Supposedly, the roots can be used to help numb the pain of a snake bite. After our experience with the leaves, I believe it.</div>
<br />
<div>As we neared the end of our hike, the "pet" <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peccary">wild pig</a>, Pancheta, came to greet us. He snuggled into my leg before trying to bite/nibble on Kari. Once we got him to stop trying to bite her, he followed us around as Jorge showed us the shaman house and explained the purpose of the shaman. In Infierno, a village of ~900, there are 7 shamans and about another 50-60 more in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Maldonado">Puerto Maldonado</a>. He mentioned that it is very important to find a good shaman. Good to know.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj0ShPuVbJkHpZeSzkkbmm7nBqQCep47Pzqxr7iHWMBml6hvMSb7IkFQ9eXwm12zAd1MH-62FRE4n5tmJzFO3idFCCekq_PgqNEuuNwHY1tFk4boI9pnbjVGTJwrognBOCVDLRMUeZ88/s1600/jungle53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj0ShPuVbJkHpZeSzkkbmm7nBqQCep47Pzqxr7iHWMBml6hvMSb7IkFQ9eXwm12zAd1MH-62FRE4n5tmJzFO3idFCCekq_PgqNEuuNwHY1tFk4boI9pnbjVGTJwrognBOCVDLRMUeZ88/s640/jungle53.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On our ride back to Posada Amazonas, we saw a couple <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara">capybara</a> on the river bank. We stopped to take some photos. Unfortunately, we never saw <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar">jaguar</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarantula">tarantula</a>, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_dart_frog">poison dart frog</a>. Oh well. There is always a future trip.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDQWTeZBmQkKHFnzJSn8eeifaqPWk549rMrh5Zxz8GXdwSurMBv2IifB1d-d7J7LrbdhnQI1bAz9BPg6Uchgn65SBnB5-yxh33JhCVQpYQ-SkTy9Ne5Wv-H6fb1dX_XahlOaIwYLde8s/s1600/jungle54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDQWTeZBmQkKHFnzJSn8eeifaqPWk549rMrh5Zxz8GXdwSurMBv2IifB1d-d7J7LrbdhnQI1bAz9BPg6Uchgn65SBnB5-yxh33JhCVQpYQ-SkTy9Ne5Wv-H6fb1dX_XahlOaIwYLde8s/s640/jungle54.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back at Posada Amazonas, we got cleaned up for dinner and started getting ready for our night hike.</div>
<br />
<div>Dinner was fantastic! By far, my favorite meal we had at Posada Amazonas! It was a twist on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomo_saltado">lomo saltado</a> with spaghetti noodles instead of rice. I piled my plate high with delicious beef loin, noodles, and banana fries. I also got the tomato soup to Kari's surprise. Everything was delicious!</div>
<br />
<div>After dinner, we met Jorge for our night hike. We initially followed another group before splitting off. We saw a lot of small spiders, hundreds, if not thousands. Quite amazing when you think of the numbers. We also saw a couple <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_frog">tree frogs</a>, a wild pig, a snake, several <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraponera_clavata">bullet ants</a>, and loads more spiders. To help bring the wild pig into view, we turned off our lights and stood completely still. After a few minutes in the dark, we turned our lights on to see a pig in the middle of our trail before running off into the jungle. Freaky but awesome! Unfortunately, we could not find a tarantula, a poison dart frog, or a jaguar. Looks like we will need to go back to the jungle to try again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a5JWPwZw088hGlmGu_2GjBWZnmamkzNVEkwtj9AGymlVa7plSZ-kFCtLRgPaiYzVT0TopIoHF_X4IbDUHKdFphV02tUHXKmapgRhBnSVcF85TRq6m0KWGdWB0Vl9V71VlSRqUMwKIxQ/s1600/jungle55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a5JWPwZw088hGlmGu_2GjBWZnmamkzNVEkwtj9AGymlVa7plSZ-kFCtLRgPaiYzVT0TopIoHF_X4IbDUHKdFphV02tUHXKmapgRhBnSVcF85TRq6m0KWGdWB0Vl9V71VlSRqUMwKIxQ/s640/jungle55.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6u5Lq7JDuTLF63d1Q9I0H3F-kXidx4kgloGAzc0Q9imc111i8E4gJ6UbmPsHflpvGWAC7R0sT_246IDDL46Pb0FNH4LcqS2DYlVO2goUcVd7xJw5Dsvmjd6XTLgwSGKpG6ylqlITWcM/s1600/jungle56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6u5Lq7JDuTLF63d1Q9I0H3F-kXidx4kgloGAzc0Q9imc111i8E4gJ6UbmPsHflpvGWAC7R0sT_246IDDL46Pb0FNH4LcqS2DYlVO2goUcVd7xJw5Dsvmjd6XTLgwSGKpG6ylqlITWcM/s640/jungle56.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt8Rf7SP4GyendaoKR02u5UeiG_Jwt8PnqdEos5NB0C8gUnlGmzjqjmLPw6XtHrMG3kOrg9Qkfb8JYkXRbLxGkkaWFFlQ61nr-A3GV1ybMJRcOp78Csg_potS9eA_GqrmNXfbRVszCZc/s1600/jungle57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt8Rf7SP4GyendaoKR02u5UeiG_Jwt8PnqdEos5NB0C8gUnlGmzjqjmLPw6XtHrMG3kOrg9Qkfb8JYkXRbLxGkkaWFFlQ61nr-A3GV1ybMJRcOp78Csg_potS9eA_GqrmNXfbRVszCZc/s640/jungle57.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF6TgpUHvJ3EhfrC26OYQOckIUDZmQrY7bKiWC8Dl57gykzj0Xl-rGXZEmW0tDwM4Qp7u_zqIoZ7VidWE8GBZuBRLZaYvoFJjVU_bQJteT8TZI5_axwKD79qc5q6redzTuFFqNizg_D0/s1600/jungle58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF6TgpUHvJ3EhfrC26OYQOckIUDZmQrY7bKiWC8Dl57gykzj0Xl-rGXZEmW0tDwM4Qp7u_zqIoZ7VidWE8GBZuBRLZaYvoFJjVU_bQJteT8TZI5_axwKD79qc5q6redzTuFFqNizg_D0/s640/jungle58.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyXh8xxZEhhnxs-R_DnAQL_mZYE9sXuKL78BzpojSTSCNLxWvBNZp8bP0V7UmvqzzdR7YLL846esz-ASZctH1Tv60ZIorQlI_qUU_x926c_FN27888mkQyBr4KbyF-LOw8svg8Q8ooAo/s1600/jungle59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyXh8xxZEhhnxs-R_DnAQL_mZYE9sXuKL78BzpojSTSCNLxWvBNZp8bP0V7UmvqzzdR7YLL846esz-ASZctH1Tv60ZIorQlI_qUU_x926c_FN27888mkQyBr4KbyF-LOw8svg8Q8ooAo/s640/jungle59.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRkPucLJ_yB3lcZrE9nvbPIohlVvXhZNYEwur9_UncPSL4-nC42hJHxFfqykUq47KkxxahQkCRe3zvrB5Kpq4xp3vdT9aV9hpxyurynTbhm7hyphenhyphenl6-AZfzwwzq7VEHbWEnrlpdnuyHD64/s1600/jungle60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRkPucLJ_yB3lcZrE9nvbPIohlVvXhZNYEwur9_UncPSL4-nC42hJHxFfqykUq47KkxxahQkCRe3zvrB5Kpq4xp3vdT9aV9hpxyurynTbhm7hyphenhyphenl6-AZfzwwzq7VEHbWEnrlpdnuyHD64/s640/jungle60.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlkqBctIcHFnikBnYOiFNr5Xd8aXI766SeI-YcbkGDafuiuvZQr5wu9fBC364FTRsnKm23DpkSVaX27Y3v_oKQvOZt-FHYA9CmC7nRU1TEwNoBtW-WdXndGvQbS8vnYe5pDYaYJr3pCg/s1600/jungle61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlkqBctIcHFnikBnYOiFNr5Xd8aXI766SeI-YcbkGDafuiuvZQr5wu9fBC364FTRsnKm23DpkSVaX27Y3v_oKQvOZt-FHYA9CmC7nRU1TEwNoBtW-WdXndGvQbS8vnYe5pDYaYJr3pCg/s640/jungle61.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back at Posada Amazonas, we packed up our stuff, much easier when you only have a small bag and showered before bed time. It was certainly a long, full day!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-40403163002413624492016-08-14T19:24:00.002-05:002016-08-14T19:27:05.493-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Travel to Jungle<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_894404'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=894404&stopid=6334208&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_894404&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>We awoke early to shower, finish packing, and enjoy one final breakfast at the JW Marriott el Centuro Cusco. Like every other day, the breakfast was delicious.</div>
<br />
<div>After we finished breakfast, we checked out and asked for a taxi to the airport. Time to fly to the jungle! Our taxi driver did not speak much English, so we tried our best to communicate in Spanish. Ultimately, we just watched as Cusco passed us by, trying to soak up the last moments in the city.</div>
<br />
<div>Our time at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Velasco_Astete_International_Airport">Cusco airport</a> went smoother than I expected. I had us arrive 2 hours before our plane departed, unsure of how long it would take. We were checked in, had bags checked, and through security in under 30 minutes, giving us an hour of waiting at the gate. Oh well. Better to be safe than sorry at a new airport in a foreign country.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iPWkFPLm4w04OF9k-z4Y4ZLYyYhvcDsq8POP2zj5EmCOnSP8x3bjtJWIXshs1YB4vcv6CZwn8j42602YDELmDo3swRWr3uHc4oKJj5XTIc4Tyfo0YGvYe4mw7KSw9g5Q49BEY-gAaog/s1600/cusco_airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iPWkFPLm4w04OF9k-z4Y4ZLYyYhvcDsq8POP2zj5EmCOnSP8x3bjtJWIXshs1YB4vcv6CZwn8j42602YDELmDo3swRWr3uHc4oKJj5XTIc4Tyfo0YGvYe4mw7KSw9g5Q49BEY-gAaog/s640/cusco_airport.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>The flight was short, only about 40 minutes, and we landed at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padre_Aldamiz_International_Airport">Puerto Maldonado airport</a> in the heart of the jungle. It was very reminiscent of some of the small African airports we flew through a couple years ago. As soon as we stepped outside of the plane, the heat and humidity hit us like a ton of bricks. Whew! Super hot compared to Cusco!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aPQopVD_HC88-zoXrJgjfHsly_idBhMSqvx942Rv1YsyCycGrrCegny64-lNic23TZvK2-kRcmlMBBtCVdA2hVk9tfjwYr37kO3eRWvLp3ETtj_K3INblYQRZesA_uoANrr0hHMIHjE/s1600/arrive_in_jungle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7aPQopVD_HC88-zoXrJgjfHsly_idBhMSqvx942Rv1YsyCycGrrCegny64-lNic23TZvK2-kRcmlMBBtCVdA2hVk9tfjwYr37kO3eRWvLp3ETtj_K3INblYQRZesA_uoANrr0hHMIHjE/s640/arrive_in_jungle1.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOGFgx79mMauEuHJl5CHLSOlEBbXz4pkmdItAPZ2nj1eBLYUW8gh1oHUXQmE2ijmuVqnGPPbhyphenhyphenktgQvrinbR4kf9WS7tgTart52C7nh6WOPdZzY4KExhgWkTZhW7h3pzFJxJ7lkr8pJs/s1600/arrive_in_jungle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOGFgx79mMauEuHJl5CHLSOlEBbXz4pkmdItAPZ2nj1eBLYUW8gh1oHUXQmE2ijmuVqnGPPbhyphenhyphenktgQvrinbR4kf9WS7tgTart52C7nh6WOPdZzY4KExhgWkTZhW7h3pzFJxJ7lkr8pJs/s640/arrive_in_jungle2.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67tsgnmaWPlqGZKmzNV1PG-SRyTNFNXAnFJrepSO7zaH1IFbJEAtEdtH7bNqwAM_oZSPx9nOY48apaRZJ-I4zUIfiXNj6gz480DPczgkzeNQCbbkBOxRnXikD96x1LD9Vm0EyXTwln5E/s1600/arrive_in_jungle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67tsgnmaWPlqGZKmzNV1PG-SRyTNFNXAnFJrepSO7zaH1IFbJEAtEdtH7bNqwAM_oZSPx9nOY48apaRZJ-I4zUIfiXNj6gz480DPczgkzeNQCbbkBOxRnXikD96x1LD9Vm0EyXTwln5E/s640/arrive_in_jungle3.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our guide, Jorge, met us at the airport and took us to the <a href="http://www.perunature.com/">Rainforest Expeditions</a> office to check in and drop our unnecessary suitcases. He also offered us a small snack and juice. Very delicious! Before we knew it, we were on a bus for the one and a half hour dirve on a dirt road to Infierno where we caught a boat to take us the rest of the way.</div>
<br />
<div>As we were driving, Jorge pointed out various things to help us learn more about the local culture. One of the big things to see were the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papaya">papaya</a> plantations. They were huge!</div>
<br />
<div>Once we arrived in Infierno, we mae the quick change to the boat. Our captain, Rodrigo, greeted us and we were off. Jorge passed out our lunches, which were fried rice in a leaf plus juice. Pretty good and needed after a morning of travel.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK1gAIiMOr0L9g3Kyicy5d5OGGv2VJHe0a1qbdOtn2reQEMBUFw7LhT5gv7TbAYzbESBo0KJ2tdKTpa0XWf4gFICFKSRz5I6UiX4wXLKILe6JIp2P1GkRy34MtSwcxPbGMfaUMPIeCqw/s1600/jungle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK1gAIiMOr0L9g3Kyicy5d5OGGv2VJHe0a1qbdOtn2reQEMBUFw7LhT5gv7TbAYzbESBo0KJ2tdKTpa0XWf4gFICFKSRz5I6UiX4wXLKILe6JIp2P1GkRy34MtSwcxPbGMfaUMPIeCqw/s640/jungle1.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywNdPyIXQo7sSeYa189b4Kre0K432U3uqUFqUo-hPcl8sXFYNOZhF93jckehLruza095TK4DCQM3PkzsOLKp8yIxxv5mU_iTCZj1oyhknxtgkFfRuQXRmQ3HZQPxVyetYO6iMyNVDDcI/s1600/jungle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywNdPyIXQo7sSeYa189b4Kre0K432U3uqUFqUo-hPcl8sXFYNOZhF93jckehLruza095TK4DCQM3PkzsOLKp8yIxxv5mU_iTCZj1oyhknxtgkFfRuQXRmQ3HZQPxVyetYO6iMyNVDDcI/s640/jungle2.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Difd2AYDXaZR8jUnwUKeG3_8rpvdFFwksFqN8t7mgfz_PpaTNSjVcUqR8_xXqi8TRNKzyfkMacl8Q2T6HEU7lgRYtyRyoPS7GLPOYnTRvcLu4NcJgNKx8-4XIUWGl8mBvtPMTGeNkMI/s1600/jungle3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Difd2AYDXaZR8jUnwUKeG3_8rpvdFFwksFqN8t7mgfz_PpaTNSjVcUqR8_xXqi8TRNKzyfkMacl8Q2T6HEU7lgRYtyRyoPS7GLPOYnTRvcLu4NcJgNKx8-4XIUWGl8mBvtPMTGeNkMI/s640/jungle3.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ycg3aeEdiKmJl4wwL9CrA0YVY8AaxR-RtWjhOHsacC09UNVMm0WZot9p5WZKylKhuaOquN0Wfia5TwgfpHXaom2NgKDtVmqjn_08AubDWQB73_pWGGllOSq2_f8-ANx0l7q1s4zNQwM/s1600/jungle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ycg3aeEdiKmJl4wwL9CrA0YVY8AaxR-RtWjhOHsacC09UNVMm0WZot9p5WZKylKhuaOquN0Wfia5TwgfpHXaom2NgKDtVmqjn_08AubDWQB73_pWGGllOSq2_f8-ANx0l7q1s4zNQwM/s640/jungle4.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After we finished eating, Rodrigo hit the gas and we were truly off on our 45 minute boat ride to <a href="http://www.perunature.com/posada-amazonas.html">Posada Amazonas</a>. Along the way, Jorge explained some history and information of the area. Most of the time, we just sat and admired the beauty passing us by.</div>
<br />
<div>When we arrived, we found a soccer game just getting started between some locals and guests of Posada Amazonas. We continued our walk through the jungle to the lodge. The lodge was absolutely beautiful. We were greeted with juice in the lobby area and an introductory talk by the guest manager. Then Jorge took us to our room, so we could unwind a bit before our evening activity, the canopy tower.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOieqkZryrcQm6_eGkVSdFFVpSC8b9nAjaBLkvFjtbbCYcfvd-hSUoJapjbOEVo2DtbtzlWe471VDv3Fu3wIyOaSetXLusXeDZbYnJGrxUjE6rRX3qlTeW4Bhu9yuBou9FGxYIDuSGpjM/s1600/jungle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOieqkZryrcQm6_eGkVSdFFVpSC8b9nAjaBLkvFjtbbCYcfvd-hSUoJapjbOEVo2DtbtzlWe471VDv3Fu3wIyOaSetXLusXeDZbYnJGrxUjE6rRX3qlTeW4Bhu9yuBou9FGxYIDuSGpjM/s640/jungle5.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our room was really nice. We had two full size beds, both with mosquito netting, a hammock, and our own private bathroom with shower. While the build has a roof, our room does not really have a ceiling, giving it more of an open feel. Plus, our outside wall was open to the jungle. There were some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tufted_capuchin">brown capuchins</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squirrel_monkey">squirrel monkeys</a> working in the trees above that we could watch from our room. Amazing!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA0CAVipzeY6l2xUVTemr4KdQPngoURCnKobN1ReC8gm5IlQJriAOtrTiQSQbFmzw-2U_F9YDmJNKcPRKv2krug7G5BPbgcw-WH7IYWcaXEk_nfzy5NdeLRHn-M3TMFFr845o69IOO8k/s1600/jungle6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZA0CAVipzeY6l2xUVTemr4KdQPngoURCnKobN1ReC8gm5IlQJriAOtrTiQSQbFmzw-2U_F9YDmJNKcPRKv2krug7G5BPbgcw-WH7IYWcaXEk_nfzy5NdeLRHn-M3TMFFr845o69IOO8k/s640/jungle6.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6M7WUnANFSE8PdWvXzXTD9wjDvyZuumMyGGk3B_dWTlbmX4PLAYQa1WZJtKtt2XuVfe2JuWFdVyUYSO5sUdJ245zZ0DQmbCNxOqW06uG7nnS1F_ZDlKrdXapyHsyx8mHkWCPEC38hgA/s1600/jungle7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6M7WUnANFSE8PdWvXzXTD9wjDvyZuumMyGGk3B_dWTlbmX4PLAYQa1WZJtKtt2XuVfe2JuWFdVyUYSO5sUdJ245zZ0DQmbCNxOqW06uG7nnS1F_ZDlKrdXapyHsyx8mHkWCPEC38hgA/s640/jungle7.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7171pPVl5pZsVbhjNtkkIXoXKtLWu4Nikx9X1Dn9nAMe-lU7Lm0obQAbuopm3v_6qxIXScHFfhoanCOeTT-XCCM-Q5hTSzeSh57ky4joRmK6w8193o3AfR3Iu7BE5-isnkNCOGrM5AE/s1600/jungle8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7171pPVl5pZsVbhjNtkkIXoXKtLWu4Nikx9X1Dn9nAMe-lU7Lm0obQAbuopm3v_6qxIXScHFfhoanCOeTT-XCCM-Q5hTSzeSh57ky4joRmK6w8193o3AfR3Iu7BE5-isnkNCOGrM5AE/s640/jungle8.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EXheT3RQMxBiq_n51RMmAl5MIa2DlTbXLHT8h4a3DvlcmlcnooK3twB2Lfct9pJ7BaUJsoNn-ydyy0JU9TqLMdhUwINFIC7M8pDaZHC_ZEGU7gHlqcO3bNYivq16vTTsmZGCIdADN2Q/s1600/jungle9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EXheT3RQMxBiq_n51RMmAl5MIa2DlTbXLHT8h4a3DvlcmlcnooK3twB2Lfct9pJ7BaUJsoNn-ydyy0JU9TqLMdhUwINFIC7M8pDaZHC_ZEGU7gHlqcO3bNYivq16vTTsmZGCIdADN2Q/s640/jungle9.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_KoinIKrKB-hNQ3iD21n2UEx-2M-VT2YyKYUj403g3FbYxas8w0sSGtz8seT9A7Xsn8snGjHfEd79gG457DQVGn6TBfml806OX55C1V_NwSK-WWMZkKjzcquJceXRt4znJVq7X-hdhE/s1600/jungle10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_KoinIKrKB-hNQ3iD21n2UEx-2M-VT2YyKYUj403g3FbYxas8w0sSGtz8seT9A7Xsn8snGjHfEd79gG457DQVGn6TBfml806OX55C1V_NwSK-WWMZkKjzcquJceXRt4znJVq7X-hdhE/s640/jungle10.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcxfEJQOzyXqB2UUnljiXTPN3XH7HoQzAhRM-o-Zhg9tpTCOvY0hZ3-kr0nAhxsmReAszBzK2Z3kGvRDX1idxhzMIn4N-QG5D_eWy_hpep_1J9vH3ki7WMt8R2a9Jhc2_mp99R-Z2R0c/s1600/jungle11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcxfEJQOzyXqB2UUnljiXTPN3XH7HoQzAhRM-o-Zhg9tpTCOvY0hZ3-kr0nAhxsmReAszBzK2Z3kGvRDX1idxhzMIn4N-QG5D_eWy_hpep_1J9vH3ki7WMt8R2a9Jhc2_mp99R-Z2R0c/s640/jungle11.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_hNuc-eCh2Qb1a_VGJjGNQF1Hjz86ELrnB8oZxtmIDfnfUsqazxrRGCUqz5Uw76GhSzvUO8Sk0DoFloR8g_i0Y1K1BcRzL5lBgx1l4A1mCiUQTp_R1YijGqN7TK8Jmo3D8VU31lMZHA/s1600/jungle12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_hNuc-eCh2Qb1a_VGJjGNQF1Hjz86ELrnB8oZxtmIDfnfUsqazxrRGCUqz5Uw76GhSzvUO8Sk0DoFloR8g_i0Y1K1BcRzL5lBgx1l4A1mCiUQTp_R1YijGqN7TK8Jmo3D8VU31lMZHA/s640/jungle12.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIsag6AeM8_nqSr9qT7ErVGAiPZWCDKIRU4EPBkIAkaa9Ec3UZbaoe8fpq4AeiOs3I_tGJuznNNYx5sLTfcd3oiqdu463nFuohWCl2d-98L4QepSASu47EtkNVn63A5Flesr7T-u3RQU/s1600/jungle13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIsag6AeM8_nqSr9qT7ErVGAiPZWCDKIRU4EPBkIAkaa9Ec3UZbaoe8fpq4AeiOs3I_tGJuznNNYx5sLTfcd3oiqdu463nFuohWCl2d-98L4QepSASu47EtkNVn63A5Flesr7T-u3RQU/s640/jungle13.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our little bathroom was also pretty nice, unlike the majority of toilets we used in Peru. Similar to most toilets in Peru, there was a basket beside for the tp, since it could not be flushed. This definitely has taken some getting used to.</div>
<br />
<div>At 4:30pm, we met Jorge for our canopy tower hike. The canopy tower here is 37m, ~120ft, tall and provided spectacular views of the jungle around us. We saw some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howler_monkey">howler monkeys</a> and the silhouettes of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andes">the Andes</a> in the distance. Jorge said that they were easier to see in the dry season, May through October. Now we know, visit the Southern Hemisphere during the dry season for better views and less bugs.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOPnpIwpG-7Xv6Weqc7b-KPhL_lLzf7arVm5-YGXySEm3FBd1XnRr0I189AU16J9w_ycBnIrATFMPXLpOearWkE8g5fgUMKnyCLgGF20upv6u4i_Ue9CWNqxWcNLF0K4OHflL0UAYldM/s1600/jungle14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOPnpIwpG-7Xv6Weqc7b-KPhL_lLzf7arVm5-YGXySEm3FBd1XnRr0I189AU16J9w_ycBnIrATFMPXLpOearWkE8g5fgUMKnyCLgGF20upv6u4i_Ue9CWNqxWcNLF0K4OHflL0UAYldM/s640/jungle14.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL4anzDAXb8UKHQRjlRGy5SUgx6qE7oJF0hoFqF51Te_yG2PdbyHhu6JgmKFgG7Bx6HxS9sNgdc-a0YBSRYUgPksju4rt_RSWKxaG4JhtoSXqOwTRJCitNmteKnkq4FUdPWF1ONr_I2s/s1600/jungle15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfL4anzDAXb8UKHQRjlRGy5SUgx6qE7oJF0hoFqF51Te_yG2PdbyHhu6JgmKFgG7Bx6HxS9sNgdc-a0YBSRYUgPksju4rt_RSWKxaG4JhtoSXqOwTRJCitNmteKnkq4FUdPWF1ONr_I2s/s640/jungle15.jpg" width="427" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvucnUOQS-kViI5OMVHEdptfVl6ovQe-Use5gqNJ9XqZdgN0qSb2mcODtPf8DouqWHWyhmCpLOCu_EP9XQyNv504Rt00l2I_re5YiDyKlBRaW0ZqIxiPAF09s6uJd_X8iG-6nlchfvZY/s1600/jungle16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvucnUOQS-kViI5OMVHEdptfVl6ovQe-Use5gqNJ9XqZdgN0qSb2mcODtPf8DouqWHWyhmCpLOCu_EP9XQyNv504Rt00l2I_re5YiDyKlBRaW0ZqIxiPAF09s6uJd_X8iG-6nlchfvZY/s640/jungle16.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh056F47GnTs_7u2gwxZkSVN3chWvZTC4cbKgdAn_2zAwlq1fDaYNxocR8_rkLDdQ0zHkWXQYTHLxJ1_SgFCl0GEA5Azcoch0af1775oBrnzJVh8nF8XzYVACC_gH8DdY02gMDxFdcOh_c/s1600/jungle17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh056F47GnTs_7u2gwxZkSVN3chWvZTC4cbKgdAn_2zAwlq1fDaYNxocR8_rkLDdQ0zHkWXQYTHLxJ1_SgFCl0GEA5Azcoch0af1775oBrnzJVh8nF8XzYVACC_gH8DdY02gMDxFdcOh_c/s640/jungle17.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyQOJrHs3rY3c5KPAoJH0HOv1IL1dg125ngmmfSsNKhuKacXERtkb6deRmtr4ObVnsAuSLHZz18AxapNlXMA9Nnxd7l3ZnhGnLIXxiFDIQ6y17g6nRkZBgmTWdD46DnWT6-H5B6OJXJU/s1600/jungle18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyQOJrHs3rY3c5KPAoJH0HOv1IL1dg125ngmmfSsNKhuKacXERtkb6deRmtr4ObVnsAuSLHZz18AxapNlXMA9Nnxd7l3ZnhGnLIXxiFDIQ6y17g6nRkZBgmTWdD46DnWT6-H5B6OJXJU/s640/jungle18.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Darkness fell quickly during our walk back. Thankfully, we had our headlamps to help us see. Back at Posada Amazonas, Jorge gave us a short lecture on the goal of this place. This lodge is a joint venture between the native community in Infierno and some business men from Lima who founded Rainforest Expeditions. Posada Amazonas is in its 20th year and has numerous awards for Eco-tourism.</div>
<br />
<div>Following the lecture, we joined the rest of the guests for dinner: chicken, rice, vegetables, and purple carrot for dessert. Tasty! Then Kari and I went back to our room to shower and get some rest for our next day!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-41635133779831739392016-08-14T18:37:00.005-05:002016-08-14T18:37:54.698-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Final Day in Cusco<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_894408'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=894408&stopid=6334220&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_894408&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>As much as we wanted to sleep in, we were both awake before 5am. Not sure if it was the preceding day's wake ups, tired and sore legs, or both. Oh well. It gave us time to "wash" our really smelly clothes and begin organizing our bags for our trip to the jungle.</div>
<br />
<div>After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we wandered around Cusco, trying to find souvenirs and check out some of the markets. We were a little surprised that most places were not open yet at 9:30am. Definitely a slower paced city than what we are used to in the States.</div>
<br />
<div>Following a couple hours of exploration, we went back to the hotel to wait to be picked up for the City Tour. To our surprise, we had the same driver pick us up. His English is worse than my almost non-existent Spanish. Eventually, he left us in front of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco_Cathedral">Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin</a> and told us to wait for a lady with a red flag. Ok. This is more odd than the first time he picked us up. About 20 minutes later, our tour group showed up, and we started exploring the cathedral, the oldest in South America and largest in Peru. It was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, I was only allowed to take pictures of the exterior. The gold, silver, and wood carvings beautifully adorned this Spanish style cathedral.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8KIOVB4YDeE3pvvrMHx7WW3kkUnHh6tt0zSxG-QqjZmGIaER1f9owNS0yBRuDC-nEK6ZairdsDXpl2Jo-OJPIf83eE3kqGg9DF-VzSzEj5WBI4t_gtEvOdKu_qtPqOw4mw8cvMAlow0/s1600/citytour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8KIOVB4YDeE3pvvrMHx7WW3kkUnHh6tt0zSxG-QqjZmGIaER1f9owNS0yBRuDC-nEK6ZairdsDXpl2Jo-OJPIf83eE3kqGg9DF-VzSzEj5WBI4t_gtEvOdKu_qtPqOw4mw8cvMAlow0/s640/citytour1.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx2XEG7GmD275T9qCCBXJeSW-5vbtDjv5ikx8yERVcOGTgkR3OjgadDrIDCdxpwljk-xuHjscSdS-mEjDEE6GpVTbC98Q8lS53j832lL3WjjmEl2QxDHdb_W9JrsZlIxU42sf9twynhc/s1600/citytour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfx2XEG7GmD275T9qCCBXJeSW-5vbtDjv5ikx8yERVcOGTgkR3OjgadDrIDCdxpwljk-xuHjscSdS-mEjDEE6GpVTbC98Q8lS53j832lL3WjjmEl2QxDHdb_W9JrsZlIxU42sf9twynhc/s640/citytour2.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our next stop was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qurikancha">Qurikancha</a>, a Spanish cathedral built on top of an Inca temple. When the Spanish conquered the Incas in the 1530s, they destroyed all temples and homes of important people to build cathedrals and homes in their place. Fortunately, some of the Inca temples remained here as part of the foundation for the priests homes. The <a href="http://bssa.geoscienceworld.org/content/44/2A/97">earthquake of 1950</a> destroyed many of the Spanish structures. Following the earthquake, the Peruvian government decided not to rebuild the Spanish construction but rebuild and preserve the Inca walls.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2A6UFVFVt7ZkunIkmxZiZX3RcyPEc5yUNR4ss6Jai6bOEDDrHlf529H0vPLcTW0p_6D8bpEOvcSdfMJQH-BAHTLj2VuNRTRVeKtKd687nalxoGWza7nEJWQuS-qAA1yoSb32zXvRTOM/s1600/citytour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2A6UFVFVt7ZkunIkmxZiZX3RcyPEc5yUNR4ss6Jai6bOEDDrHlf529H0vPLcTW0p_6D8bpEOvcSdfMJQH-BAHTLj2VuNRTRVeKtKd687nalxoGWza7nEJWQuS-qAA1yoSb32zXvRTOM/s640/citytour3.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxiL5IOjVD-53cve8Vjy7iAml4Eis0TKcmB_amapiYG9D80bicHFKWGlRN55ZbxfPc7AegUNBo32cJG-aZzAqN1zg457xq7-HJN6elY5Do5UYTx18q3b6iD06b8a0PjeGEBb4znsz1U/s1600/citytour4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKxiL5IOjVD-53cve8Vjy7iAml4Eis0TKcmB_amapiYG9D80bicHFKWGlRN55ZbxfPc7AegUNBo32cJG-aZzAqN1zg457xq7-HJN6elY5Do5UYTx18q3b6iD06b8a0PjeGEBb4znsz1U/s640/citytour4.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wjX6_ht_vygnfc8K7fEqALs1doiERvRNRTGyxE-RMOHFAuNqu8vqKE0LeW2LW3yWEqCN83m_XEIfAjxb3PWfobelVbFouHdy9Dq7RlCxuDA5HDUtjzGxdqMUj0MzEYM8O4kikVaAIiM/s1600/citytour5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wjX6_ht_vygnfc8K7fEqALs1doiERvRNRTGyxE-RMOHFAuNqu8vqKE0LeW2LW3yWEqCN83m_XEIfAjxb3PWfobelVbFouHdy9Dq7RlCxuDA5HDUtjzGxdqMUj0MzEYM8O4kikVaAIiM/s640/citytour5.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrcvH8l-rIHeD81orfvMV-cp_6cicdEv2lTCCJd_mhgpuaUri3NnD4ndrxeBOz8AuGsFdv1DlvUfNRjY2zTC85EoZi7G8EAi_Vpc-2RoA1sW0lES9XjkOTCzFEtpLRI575jHhOZxU8Zc/s1600/citytour6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrcvH8l-rIHeD81orfvMV-cp_6cicdEv2lTCCJd_mhgpuaUri3NnD4ndrxeBOz8AuGsFdv1DlvUfNRjY2zTC85EoZi7G8EAi_Vpc-2RoA1sW0lES9XjkOTCzFEtpLRI575jHhOZxU8Zc/s640/citytour6.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXyzalDQviinZz9UUQKMwKb5fQs7o3Q4I28BbLBAl23FlIr4OaHt2K5AQf4gSAOKT41C8HDYQwDZlQWzbbu_w8pFk1_OZI2kUpO66kx1zSG662-FMfTHTezK5X1dzaFNDPu8Olkukhbo/s1600/citytour7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLXyzalDQviinZz9UUQKMwKb5fQs7o3Q4I28BbLBAl23FlIr4OaHt2K5AQf4gSAOKT41C8HDYQwDZlQWzbbu_w8pFk1_OZI2kUpO66kx1zSG662-FMfTHTezK5X1dzaFNDPu8Olkukhbo/s640/citytour7.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ7-y6vFeDohe-bUDzEUOOGCduZyH_KVw9_g8pkZGUZEISmKL-HHnbkO9JdsIKsZfHT0mqEWQbvdBBucYjmxt8iroQ32hW_g8JvcG1ccpED8CGfIeKPr2P36iPBE9LaoHHD3A7xRTUp8/s1600/citytour8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ7-y6vFeDohe-bUDzEUOOGCduZyH_KVw9_g8pkZGUZEISmKL-HHnbkO9JdsIKsZfHT0mqEWQbvdBBucYjmxt8iroQ32hW_g8JvcG1ccpED8CGfIeKPr2P36iPBE9LaoHHD3A7xRTUp8/s640/citytour8.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLdKdM0SqyibFNkuQdaJfdLmLMv47e4mMgzMx9If0P98xC_H1GD50EBSf50ZfwkF6LaLEbja_XQLn27LO4sYcwhEhebJNai4YVTit6ylTNMSdgjjojGvneWjGHU9eV_VxhidDgZ3sAVQ/s1600/citytour9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLdKdM0SqyibFNkuQdaJfdLmLMv47e4mMgzMx9If0P98xC_H1GD50EBSf50ZfwkF6LaLEbja_XQLn27LO4sYcwhEhebJNai4YVTit6ylTNMSdgjjojGvneWjGHU9eV_VxhidDgZ3sAVQ/s640/citytour9.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM4urEphgU4CdZg0M36lzmfWOtqGVzNdAxgxqQ3xKLZfRHjkm-OVVF_k7miUujijeLNoTN8d38NKokjWgloHr5rEGwaZ4npfU_IdTutj5_rjRAl4_Gpaqw3afJ5yK3Kh66Izcdb2ZWts/s1600/citytour10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOM4urEphgU4CdZg0M36lzmfWOtqGVzNdAxgxqQ3xKLZfRHjkm-OVVF_k7miUujijeLNoTN8d38NKokjWgloHr5rEGwaZ4npfU_IdTutj5_rjRAl4_Gpaqw3afJ5yK3Kh66Izcdb2ZWts/s640/citytour10.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu6POrhtxnh2pTj4KyMkGoohkvI1Uh3iR6llvTUear8_ibLUFARKBxpz3JwUQ5MlJQYG70n7hcDXQeqFkvfhEbMUrIlAWUuy4-a-G5YF1tziRKH08lfarCTNcxOhH95gMSejF9r3qAis/s1600/citytour11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu6POrhtxnh2pTj4KyMkGoohkvI1Uh3iR6llvTUear8_ibLUFARKBxpz3JwUQ5MlJQYG70n7hcDXQeqFkvfhEbMUrIlAWUuy4-a-G5YF1tziRKH08lfarCTNcxOhH95gMSejF9r3qAis/s640/citytour11.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we finished touring Qurikancha, we loaded up the buses to check out three Inca sites: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saksaywaman">Saksaywaman</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambomachay">Tambomachay</a>, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q'inqu">Q'inqu</a>. At Saksaywaman, we saw the largest stone used in any Inca construction at ~130 tons. Saksaywaman was used as a ceremonial site by the Incas until the Spanish destroyed it to use the stones for construction in Cusco below. Later, an Inca rebellion was launched from Saksaywaman, but that was crushed by the Spanish. Today, visitors can see what is left and imagine it in its heyday, along with have a great view over Cusco and of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pukamuqu">Cristo Blanco</a>. It is still used for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inti_Raymi">Festival of the Sun</a> on June 21, the winter (for them) solstice. Tambomachay was a lodge and checkpoint for people hiking the Inca Trail from Cusco to Urubamba and Machu Picchu. Finally, Q'inqu was a natural cave that the Incas used to mummify their important people. As it has been throughout, I am always amazed at the Incas resourcefulness and unwillingness to change the landscape for their construction. This is probably a good reason the Inca construction has survived multiple major earthquakes, greater than 7 on the Richter Scale, while the Spanish buildings were destroyed and rebuilt.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUF-4Qrq6H5mtK0rF5hoI4Mhw8tE6pCptOa-dwjvu8p20ijo7PtXFk8khS5llAwyEYAXa7j_CuGaGS98z6ZKTDHqAk1lvj0025ho6CbfVY6nY2AnAF_E-6FRoHkY5f_sN02HJNYfJZU/s1600/citytour12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hUF-4Qrq6H5mtK0rF5hoI4Mhw8tE6pCptOa-dwjvu8p20ijo7PtXFk8khS5llAwyEYAXa7j_CuGaGS98z6ZKTDHqAk1lvj0025ho6CbfVY6nY2AnAF_E-6FRoHkY5f_sN02HJNYfJZU/s640/citytour12.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHI-c6pPKk1imr6lIY1jyGM2-sW2Elu6eJ8X72YZQX0T3ufLpJTNPNGJp_Iymk6IH7uF6p1reTDJFlcG6w8S_5M0CxDEI_U-IYhsAfSGiKNaWRyYZAAuVwzr0G9WaYpf7kDiP_3wb0Ro/s1600/citytour13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHI-c6pPKk1imr6lIY1jyGM2-sW2Elu6eJ8X72YZQX0T3ufLpJTNPNGJp_Iymk6IH7uF6p1reTDJFlcG6w8S_5M0CxDEI_U-IYhsAfSGiKNaWRyYZAAuVwzr0G9WaYpf7kDiP_3wb0Ro/s640/citytour13.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMy1dhcfVbKZmxfoMfJWtv94xE3z-NOQtyv6SEbEaUd94S7Cz14r5GPPgTK6q6SazY5rGvcCPqfXOsPmIMUqEOPZr4AKAHRXHhehXm3daL18vgpZFf08HPUXZByIo_7jeZRc4Cb37S68/s1600/citytour14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMy1dhcfVbKZmxfoMfJWtv94xE3z-NOQtyv6SEbEaUd94S7Cz14r5GPPgTK6q6SazY5rGvcCPqfXOsPmIMUqEOPZr4AKAHRXHhehXm3daL18vgpZFf08HPUXZByIo_7jeZRc4Cb37S68/s640/citytour14.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK3GF3TKX8AZwfp6SRkR4SyCORx1UjlWRuGYKHDMRmAohK1J6XQh2tGviRTip1tg9i3YOBvTIhnXm7IZOpBQWmLL8YbdG3_h3hyphenhyphenptsPV5vLsHl2DwPvUmBr9hFPhUxV3D8YnPrkXRvkY/s1600/citytour15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaK3GF3TKX8AZwfp6SRkR4SyCORx1UjlWRuGYKHDMRmAohK1J6XQh2tGviRTip1tg9i3YOBvTIhnXm7IZOpBQWmLL8YbdG3_h3hyphenhyphenptsPV5vLsHl2DwPvUmBr9hFPhUxV3D8YnPrkXRvkY/s640/citytour15.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqemfkZNjkZV6ceZkok9VscMh2umwoHFtx0D9NH6fF5dqEFp8JP6T4Z0VoJ5Czk9AUwAlueIMNE-PmuFmejrLAs3GQjZYWQjL31BPwvg6lwLLHZcvjpM9D1PkcJc-tKVbfa8dmHUycdo/s1600/citytour16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqemfkZNjkZV6ceZkok9VscMh2umwoHFtx0D9NH6fF5dqEFp8JP6T4Z0VoJ5Czk9AUwAlueIMNE-PmuFmejrLAs3GQjZYWQjL31BPwvg6lwLLHZcvjpM9D1PkcJc-tKVbfa8dmHUycdo/s640/citytour16.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicmO_YMEKZyNn1pURXJY-1mQtw3bEWUe_Iy3ag_H1ErHhECDZf9W90L_jf2UamFie5zsRH6h2661L-a6BF1mX4baus2iLtjNNN_lHdl5yFu6ShEVkuQsQe09CIAKLXPbfXG3g9ii9N98/s1600/citytour17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhicmO_YMEKZyNn1pURXJY-1mQtw3bEWUe_Iy3ag_H1ErHhECDZf9W90L_jf2UamFie5zsRH6h2661L-a6BF1mX4baus2iLtjNNN_lHdl5yFu6ShEVkuQsQe09CIAKLXPbfXG3g9ii9N98/s640/citytour17.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4fC6mm8Y1daX5smjCo-9jWDiQiKAe4V93QB_rfJv26NI_J5ZlPY9Br_2LTgYxDLmcZ08sg2tawBqKKhz4_rOpS0L5iXiQSOCfsIn0dmZLLdygh5bu5A3GVHFwwzqaXK0i8bIJLkhXcI/s1600/citytour18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4fC6mm8Y1daX5smjCo-9jWDiQiKAe4V93QB_rfJv26NI_J5ZlPY9Br_2LTgYxDLmcZ08sg2tawBqKKhz4_rOpS0L5iXiQSOCfsIn0dmZLLdygh5bu5A3GVHFwwzqaXK0i8bIJLkhXcI/s640/citytour18.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe62DttYXBgURtZ35DO7IzsQC-S87ATS9J5HOLfWdb2NiBR6pEvIaC1iOrty1U-sfydhghi_TfXQeylhhV9IRrfCK72_k7qBHTKMSYReZ_iWJOUwNYNMOnscacHAZXU4YzCMX9IbP6Rw/s1600/citytour19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe62DttYXBgURtZ35DO7IzsQC-S87ATS9J5HOLfWdb2NiBR6pEvIaC1iOrty1U-sfydhghi_TfXQeylhhV9IRrfCK72_k7qBHTKMSYReZ_iWJOUwNYNMOnscacHAZXU4YzCMX9IbP6Rw/s640/citytour19.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-hkmoWhNXVcyMQGcJ3jHW81wRHhf_vZIxKGta1l8DwNgOcwuhfIc3FyOXKGzy0EsTI-5EVwRwGtGwWCl_rTGGUghVqccWcd6zYKbVgFK3a4F4mhmlWKrOC1vUMg1n_bAl8K0ke038LQ/s1600/citytour20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-hkmoWhNXVcyMQGcJ3jHW81wRHhf_vZIxKGta1l8DwNgOcwuhfIc3FyOXKGzy0EsTI-5EVwRwGtGwWCl_rTGGUghVqccWcd6zYKbVgFK3a4F4mhmlWKrOC1vUMg1n_bAl8K0ke038LQ/s640/citytour20.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SRh5Q7lVhETxADOO0bdy1lrH1UuCMYCnynTId3fb8C_s074gomX72xwEYgF4hjLQiOM8UO8ljN4BxbM9gpfK7kLIfr2k8JHM1DOoy7ufBJNDoR6uJndNskVtZFPnNfSLMGt8KnsPzpU/s1600/citytour21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SRh5Q7lVhETxADOO0bdy1lrH1UuCMYCnynTId3fb8C_s074gomX72xwEYgF4hjLQiOM8UO8ljN4BxbM9gpfK7kLIfr2k8JHM1DOoy7ufBJNDoR6uJndNskVtZFPnNfSLMGt8KnsPzpU/s640/citytour21.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZnq7PLvDNqYy9O2eOePf1y5ETH-UJvmntTsMPQMFs1MCdq2XY2jwuUo1c8UWuweNErRowalBSrDp1K2jemAu5LITOPRoAqQMomOR6vIMjG9chlmwmqzeZopV3sfLAtpT6ffquSUmVM/s1600/citytour22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZnq7PLvDNqYy9O2eOePf1y5ETH-UJvmntTsMPQMFs1MCdq2XY2jwuUo1c8UWuweNErRowalBSrDp1K2jemAu5LITOPRoAqQMomOR6vIMjG9chlmwmqzeZopV3sfLAtpT6ffquSUmVM/s640/citytour22.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2WfItGJcG4VlmfrRzF3Yp9EyaJ3czbMM5py0JEBYgn7cNlVqdr0ayfANaCMe0yp0c3B4I7FFSmnRegKQ1dHfU7QEVqhNjqE_bUWacyH-wPNl-OGp_IPe0SQ8rEgcg34HFmCUW1m67CM/s1600/citytour23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2WfItGJcG4VlmfrRzF3Yp9EyaJ3czbMM5py0JEBYgn7cNlVqdr0ayfANaCMe0yp0c3B4I7FFSmnRegKQ1dHfU7QEVqhNjqE_bUWacyH-wPNl-OGp_IPe0SQ8rEgcg34HFmCUW1m67CM/s640/citytour23.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06WxVar8nwudHpOc-jr0IQa9oupkLjJwn289p_zYIQQ4mpyI40k2e4ZnWOfQalURuee6RUYtYUirCJ7eGYHLGMmZCdy7Ykrr6cGz1cNxVusNVprqAANIUGCf331IvvBnovOejuoVYhp8/s1600/citytour24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06WxVar8nwudHpOc-jr0IQa9oupkLjJwn289p_zYIQQ4mpyI40k2e4ZnWOfQalURuee6RUYtYUirCJ7eGYHLGMmZCdy7Ykrr6cGz1cNxVusNVprqAANIUGCf331IvvBnovOejuoVYhp8/s640/citytour24.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we returned to Cusco, we finished shopping for souvenirs and packing for the jungle. We chose to order room service when we could not find the recommended <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_pig">guinea pig</a> restaurant, so we could have a more relaxing evening. To our surprise, Raul, our waiter from our previous times at the restaurant, delivered our room service. It was fun visiting and sharing part of our journey with him. We have nothing but positive things to say about our stay at the Marriott in Cusco. Truly fantastic!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8fm8im8gQ9TYiLXg5s7S8jaN7bFZ0St8k_AlKsiycG8KV26SAcawHE08S1cq9Hte7KXH8iaOHov9poeKA7Oed1DO8gXIDt8_rqiPYzteaBHvCMFjA0wZu6JG6MrOIUIPCBBFIChjIqE/s1600/citytour25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8fm8im8gQ9TYiLXg5s7S8jaN7bFZ0St8k_AlKsiycG8KV26SAcawHE08S1cq9Hte7KXH8iaOHov9poeKA7Oed1DO8gXIDt8_rqiPYzteaBHvCMFjA0wZu6JG6MrOIUIPCBBFIChjIqE/s640/citytour25.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-54332583294734735492016-08-14T15:46:00.003-05:002016-08-14T17:54:42.363-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Inca Trail Day 4 (Winaywayna to Machu Picchu)<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_885573'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=885573&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_885573&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>A little before 3am, I awoke and began to wake Kari. We had a goal to break camp and be in line to enter as one of the first groups, obtaining a bench seat under the shelter while waiting for the doors to open at 5:30am. Everyone worked quickly to pack up and drink our hot drinks. Mariano packed us sack breakfasts to eat while waiting in line.</div>
<br />
<div>By golly, we made it! We got a seat and dropped our bags before going back to brush our teeth and use the bathroom. Super pumped! Especially as we saw groups arriving later standing or sitting in the dirt for the 1.5 hours of waiting.</div>
<br />
<div>Finally, the gate opened at 5:30am, and we approached the control. Christian signed us in, and we began our hour long hike to the sun gate, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inti_Punku">Intipunku</a>. It was still a little dark at the start, so we walked with our headlamps.</div>
<br />
<div>Before long, we caught the group in front of us, creating a long single file line weaving through the cloud forest on our way to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu">Machu Picchu</a>. During the Inca times, Machu Picchu was considered the most sacred place in all of the Inca empire and territory. People from all over the world made the pilgrimage at least once in their life. Now, we were following in their footsteps! Pretty cool!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmDSLPWv6Eyrj_WtlOIhsUCgvVDoSN2P1MQ5lvAi9NHBPi5pvosmZBHz17w9HJw14L6lU1XXWhfR4z5CFxgFOt1UTX5CAkrY49KOa_5cimZkjUjfQT2Q9y3ck8PnNbOrVe0-ihlVbwsY/s1600/incatrail77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmDSLPWv6Eyrj_WtlOIhsUCgvVDoSN2P1MQ5lvAi9NHBPi5pvosmZBHz17w9HJw14L6lU1XXWhfR4z5CFxgFOt1UTX5CAkrY49KOa_5cimZkjUjfQT2Q9y3ck8PnNbOrVe0-ihlVbwsY/s640/incatrail77.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-LY_dC586VY97B-luSb-VwyFpkLEbi7a1OBjE31P6H3tULHiFO2M2hnDNZ376j2RuFn97jVF4FJSmMiMuX4pY0qAg3HB1vDL4BYj_6fE-4j_r7a8uOmtdPIwJ3S4lycW-6piRl9OSxs/s1600/incatrail78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-LY_dC586VY97B-luSb-VwyFpkLEbi7a1OBjE31P6H3tULHiFO2M2hnDNZ376j2RuFn97jVF4FJSmMiMuX4pY0qAg3HB1vDL4BYj_6fE-4j_r7a8uOmtdPIwJ3S4lycW-6piRl9OSxs/s640/incatrail78.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we arrived at Intipunku, the sun gate, the clouds were so thick that we could not see anything in the valley below. We waited with the other groups until the sun rose to see it shine through the sun gate before hiking the remaining 20 minutes down to Machu Picchu. Along the way, Christian stopped us at a couple spots that were sacred to explain some of the history.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXtPT19OrRGRLHgDhpP4hg0Jf47AUQvSkj0yVQ3egHqgDroQNq2W4YTALQD2EgIjDXDubR_enVGkcSc_bfQfuaaCvum-OMsb6C69IwX-_ZSAYJ8ZpZx30y5hspTIWOpF19F3QO69Go60/s1600/incatrail79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXtPT19OrRGRLHgDhpP4hg0Jf47AUQvSkj0yVQ3egHqgDroQNq2W4YTALQD2EgIjDXDubR_enVGkcSc_bfQfuaaCvum-OMsb6C69IwX-_ZSAYJ8ZpZx30y5hspTIWOpF19F3QO69Go60/s640/incatrail79.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>When we arrived at Machu Picchu, the crowds were already growing. We took a few photos before checking most of our bags. I kept mine to carry water and snacks for the group. We also took some time to use the toilet services before heading back in to tour Machu Picchu. These were the best since we left Cusco by far!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm_HjDPhtNRq_BPfvCu10_2-Hr1n4tO9nRWlKCYphVvJi-5tFAu3kj9jAG4OBIiFtBYjhkT0kvvbQ9YSuzj3Aj8W_tdZQjHP1oHY094T9Szz3KEr36RuTVsIEr0KoKLKAmB25wWOVimM/s1600/incatrail80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghm_HjDPhtNRq_BPfvCu10_2-Hr1n4tO9nRWlKCYphVvJi-5tFAu3kj9jAG4OBIiFtBYjhkT0kvvbQ9YSuzj3Aj8W_tdZQjHP1oHY094T9Szz3KEr36RuTVsIEr0KoKLKAmB25wWOVimM/s640/incatrail80.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglry-sr6vlXlxAk899aEAwJAA-ZA726tpNTssuTyY5KI_tgzLzStvgllC4Vut704oCSqgDOSiY21jbGgdSJr_RZHHvoD_XlqWtXhWB5478GFvKiyAgiuz-d4wQ-fu_Tdgs61T2qGN0-h4/s1600/incatrail81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglry-sr6vlXlxAk899aEAwJAA-ZA726tpNTssuTyY5KI_tgzLzStvgllC4Vut704oCSqgDOSiY21jbGgdSJr_RZHHvoD_XlqWtXhWB5478GFvKiyAgiuz-d4wQ-fu_Tdgs61T2qGN0-h4/s640/incatrail81.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Words cannot really do Machu Picchu justice. It was much larger than any other Inca site we had seen and in remarkable condition. What is even more remarkable is that not only was it lost to the world for about 400 years, but it survived two major earthquakes in Peru while staying intact. Incredible!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp4UdHFSKeV0lT5KvNEkzHA4LwUFB4XOMb6ShNGN8zb8olrYm7vDPfp1fpoT2-DdMhTh2ghjhFVVGW89lTaBBqvbJslLWlvTaeOyEEaSW6alyexuSYJEz9-PDQUVr_bWwaiKafHQ6_Mw/s1600/incatrail82.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYp4UdHFSKeV0lT5KvNEkzHA4LwUFB4XOMb6ShNGN8zb8olrYm7vDPfp1fpoT2-DdMhTh2ghjhFVVGW89lTaBBqvbJslLWlvTaeOyEEaSW6alyexuSYJEz9-PDQUVr_bWwaiKafHQ6_Mw/s640/incatrail82.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHqYpbJ6Usokqtk23pbYyEUhuygKeWLdI_upseBO24xtBPM64pDLRbMQiAFQ3yMv8AFfr7PHeSgDzG5u7bMX42jGf-XZI8StusxlIZe1FegI8J7XyUWzbABpipMW_HX9hkmdV5DTzL7M/s1600/incatrail83.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHqYpbJ6Usokqtk23pbYyEUhuygKeWLdI_upseBO24xtBPM64pDLRbMQiAFQ3yMv8AFfr7PHeSgDzG5u7bMX42jGf-XZI8StusxlIZe1FegI8J7XyUWzbABpipMW_HX9hkmdV5DTzL7M/s640/incatrail83.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yZQhIe3Q5biFHCXtceDBkPyNrmAugcVtJy4fWuouGG7eLqe9wDDIFcsh3oQMqNdC8M3RmiXTTyu0owQOyTAOyiAIag57Sq43W4h_5NWNjKgTF4w1lNUpcXWx0ftzjw2CYWmypTZ4I3c/s1600/incatrail84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yZQhIe3Q5biFHCXtceDBkPyNrmAugcVtJy4fWuouGG7eLqe9wDDIFcsh3oQMqNdC8M3RmiXTTyu0owQOyTAOyiAIag57Sq43W4h_5NWNjKgTF4w1lNUpcXWx0ftzjw2CYWmypTZ4I3c/s640/incatrail84.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Even with the cloud cover, we were in awe of the beauty of Machu Picchu. Having Christian as a guide was a real blessing. He showed us around the Temple of the Sun, the king's house, and a few sacred areas while explaining how Machu Picchu was created, the purpose it served, and how it was discovered. You could really hear the passion in his voice as he taught us about the Inca people.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_SbGxj4IiyDBDcJYtGNkK5aB27xAhVgtpVYbTonM3wv_7YdVZFidJGcr7K6bpA8VDtLglbL1e9WCrhtIxENBRiOu2SEEo8Je79R8mELMe7OdZ6lu0gG0iF5F3ao8WVUK6w-rjD9EQ64/s1600/incatrail85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_SbGxj4IiyDBDcJYtGNkK5aB27xAhVgtpVYbTonM3wv_7YdVZFidJGcr7K6bpA8VDtLglbL1e9WCrhtIxENBRiOu2SEEo8Je79R8mELMe7OdZ6lu0gG0iF5F3ao8WVUK6w-rjD9EQ64/s640/incatrail85.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0SY8emS2hTP2_AYcYPxqa5vVrIAAfB-kLH-1sWhlBlIRor8eJwch_AF8JbXQZkEh8-iCf155oHNRsFrSpZZm32L2vELeX_jx9x3PjIVAvRvPnGO1knvivMDI4bfxkap93r8NuZz7lRY/s1600/incatrail86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0SY8emS2hTP2_AYcYPxqa5vVrIAAfB-kLH-1sWhlBlIRor8eJwch_AF8JbXQZkEh8-iCf155oHNRsFrSpZZm32L2vELeX_jx9x3PjIVAvRvPnGO1knvivMDI4bfxkap93r8NuZz7lRY/s640/incatrail86.jpg" width="427" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TEXxoDElGgLt8bHNL-hnJxshetpJBf8KWvqbIUZ9hD5OXkijVfCPPwTlbHFbs3G_x6clXLhUKl19-5pU20ltmqu6LY9w_H3N-80DzjF9kHAG0WHOL_x_ABIUr2dYfE205OZJUgUP5FA/s1600/incatrail87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TEXxoDElGgLt8bHNL-hnJxshetpJBf8KWvqbIUZ9hD5OXkijVfCPPwTlbHFbs3G_x6clXLhUKl19-5pU20ltmqu6LY9w_H3N-80DzjF9kHAG0WHOL_x_ABIUr2dYfE205OZJUgUP5FA/s640/incatrail87.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk9BDnYBGtZZXvoBhKUJo51PzPupBSaykB3GZlDHHX0XmCSqmhaikG9qADCtnDFeq6mwaepNHT4DmZOtTA_APwZ6mnMBvvFCCrDWdgL922G2jMN3IRS3LgkiQ5Z9wfipr16JH4LcVfSU/s1600/incatrail88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk9BDnYBGtZZXvoBhKUJo51PzPupBSaykB3GZlDHHX0XmCSqmhaikG9qADCtnDFeq6mwaepNHT4DmZOtTA_APwZ6mnMBvvFCCrDWdgL922G2jMN3IRS3LgkiQ5Z9wfipr16JH4LcVfSU/s640/incatrail88.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDFLyhqD-RckxzODiu1i-nhluyFqrXHnKDLuQdKxzAuLEblJfm5hTxJGmXKjWq95bhNGwbFA2rMWIcyNNzdu34Tt17C9O7zwqkpRY3z5iv0-s7hIj3eBuDtIVRPpDpAqXp9g_2ZXjTME/s1600/incatrail89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDFLyhqD-RckxzODiu1i-nhluyFqrXHnKDLuQdKxzAuLEblJfm5hTxJGmXKjWq95bhNGwbFA2rMWIcyNNzdu34Tt17C9O7zwqkpRY3z5iv0-s7hIj3eBuDtIVRPpDpAqXp9g_2ZXjTME/s640/incatrail89.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-7DN-gXO3fnjG6bZS7CQkGa947PDgALc_mrECfCbOY3fLnid5Aw2Ef7fHSOO5hPuKPQsveSdL1a52Snddu76-f5-3MLCxk7lh3cNPtEJLDIgwcN_79COzyp8p_rkpvqYOxig77lQOvA/s1600/incatrail91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-7DN-gXO3fnjG6bZS7CQkGa947PDgALc_mrECfCbOY3fLnid5Aw2Ef7fHSOO5hPuKPQsveSdL1a52Snddu76-f5-3MLCxk7lh3cNPtEJLDIgwcN_79COzyp8p_rkpvqYOxig77lQOvA/s640/incatrail91.jpg" width="640" height="481" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigK9HSH0Anq2ki0DJlQnRLkTO_bx3IYzPmkP_JJdb7_KlyVrfsFpVrFISueMBD8J_zEj8PidTKqamhx_6VewOiHwmJ0A0bw7lA91zOSBDECY06srfALuQNhMygWj2XEbbHE-7MH_c7Pg/s1600/incatrail90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigK9HSH0Anq2ki0DJlQnRLkTO_bx3IYzPmkP_JJdb7_KlyVrfsFpVrFISueMBD8J_zEj8PidTKqamhx_6VewOiHwmJ0A0bw7lA91zOSBDECY06srfALuQNhMygWj2XEbbHE-7MH_c7Pg/s640/incatrail90.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We toured Machu Picchu with Christian for about 2 hours as he guided us to the entrance of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huayna_Picchu">Huayna Picchu Mountain</a> for our hike up at 10am. Before he left us, he gave us our bus tickets to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machupicchu,_Peru">Aguas Calientes</a> and instruction on how to meet him for lunch. Then we just waited at the gate to Montaña Wayna Picchu until we were allowed to begin.</div>
<br />
<div>The rangers only allow 400 people to climb Wayna Picchu on a daily basis. We had heard stories of how dangerous it was, especially when wet, so we were all a little nervous. Our plan was to approach it like all other aspects of the Inca Trail and tackle it together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0a7-yaKm53XqRMmjXIezlnY65mrR_mSnWK0izxhhOfvaL3AM_DCZABl0UmSS7XiEOvMUzwSuMFxwfIY71PPvx08bHmoXUyYWuqnD7M9S9N6AoZ_2UPOvgmb6vE4vqECgD13KR5c3RWg/s1600/incatrail92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0a7-yaKm53XqRMmjXIezlnY65mrR_mSnWK0izxhhOfvaL3AM_DCZABl0UmSS7XiEOvMUzwSuMFxwfIY71PPvx08bHmoXUyYWuqnD7M9S9N6AoZ_2UPOvgmb6vE4vqECgD13KR5c3RWg/s640/incatrail92.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>For the first half or so of the climb, we were really questioning why people thought it was treacherous. It seemed like any other part of the Inca Trail. Then we hit it. The climb pitched steeply up, with some very narrow sections. We had to pause occasionally to let traffic come down as we were going up. Thankfully, there were some cables to use to help pull yourself up and small areas to stand out of the way of other hikers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzjQsAyuMiP9i1uRdMVP5SI87T28f-H1vHWg-OCuTom_-LfXf9u5jwGwUBFHe-hf5jyMaeBWYYNCFVgf4A45qtFd4l1kpm6y9JZqQMuHJBAjCt7cTQSshPxsty-tBAF4YsU80SWmAQhs/s1600/incatrail93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzjQsAyuMiP9i1uRdMVP5SI87T28f-H1vHWg-OCuTom_-LfXf9u5jwGwUBFHe-hf5jyMaeBWYYNCFVgf4A45qtFd4l1kpm6y9JZqQMuHJBAjCt7cTQSshPxsty-tBAF4YsU80SWmAQhs/s640/incatrail93.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItdPpZFQHQ0esqyORrEboMUug3P-cG_0t29v0hzvqUuNkSrIng0Gf44lgTESJ0SYtXzTyE6aRIkuNhRyfbq77yG-hoU2fmIxZEow7E3QQeDExIbL-WJSzVrmBpun3ppCAhmFbCAGQJjs/s1600/incatrail94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItdPpZFQHQ0esqyORrEboMUug3P-cG_0t29v0hzvqUuNkSrIng0Gf44lgTESJ0SYtXzTyE6aRIkuNhRyfbq77yG-hoU2fmIxZEow7E3QQeDExIbL-WJSzVrmBpun3ppCAhmFbCAGQJjs/s640/incatrail94.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4IseXheEIJPWORK7uAxopxMXOcUyN1SmpSubHZf_xv6J1zxoAiwJTFVawQpeDuSllEtQMnmvOEPZd6ybRR1E6lpTvuNd99JvBvURGp3MXnv7GlCIJprHwlw96_6g-uKhdgWpF2uSz6M/s1600/incatrail95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4IseXheEIJPWORK7uAxopxMXOcUyN1SmpSubHZf_xv6J1zxoAiwJTFVawQpeDuSllEtQMnmvOEPZd6ybRR1E6lpTvuNd99JvBvURGp3MXnv7GlCIJprHwlw96_6g-uKhdgWpF2uSz6M/s640/incatrail95.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftzn1gMpvenxq4w1t55BKXmA2W5wMTbjfCdCo6coLHncbRmwy9UodNj6PufNquI7dQh9heiPygAgfstDDQ7nzZaiappQSaYgnqPDqrfcC3hiHlLYf3yeAJTSxodUxorVYBqX8K9w7PiQ/s1600/incatrail96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftzn1gMpvenxq4w1t55BKXmA2W5wMTbjfCdCo6coLHncbRmwy9UodNj6PufNquI7dQh9heiPygAgfstDDQ7nzZaiappQSaYgnqPDqrfcC3hiHlLYf3yeAJTSxodUxorVYBqX8K9w7PiQ/s640/incatrail96.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>In about 45 minutes, we made it up the 250m of elevation gain and were at the top. The clouds occasionally parted, so we could see Machu Picchu and the valley below. It was really pretty; a spectacular view. As we continued to explore the top, we found a really small cave that I struggled to wedge myself through. I had to take off my backpack and camera to hand up to Kari, since this was the only way and the only way I was going to fit. Yikes! Yet another reminder that the Incas were not a large people!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiFNz5lADzv38Q5w3MC5AJDhnc6gButnNNNiK3e-EH-kW-2MrqiA0U5LvMAzipupWCfgIIfM3GxuSe1vld9-3v9K1MYLxKBf28W_F_bXN9nRhfan_gPMfx7kJBN3V9bPqnWfLbbbcVmk/s1600/incatrail97.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiFNz5lADzv38Q5w3MC5AJDhnc6gButnNNNiK3e-EH-kW-2MrqiA0U5LvMAzipupWCfgIIfM3GxuSe1vld9-3v9K1MYLxKBf28W_F_bXN9nRhfan_gPMfx7kJBN3V9bPqnWfLbbbcVmk/s640/incatrail97.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqaN_5P7yNVRyEtlP3CadfBSnKnvGLWkj7WFc_2HG7p9-caw6eW4doL2sX4TiYOKw-S9h9pti82v9Qpi8O9uNJFBGZfdC2FdI5AFWoiJ_eIBchdbS8h64-7xMBw9zj1PTaFH80Mut8Zk/s1600/incatrail98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqaN_5P7yNVRyEtlP3CadfBSnKnvGLWkj7WFc_2HG7p9-caw6eW4doL2sX4TiYOKw-S9h9pti82v9Qpi8O9uNJFBGZfdC2FdI5AFWoiJ_eIBchdbS8h64-7xMBw9zj1PTaFH80Mut8Zk/s640/incatrail98.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2E6wuTLXb9Ft9pVPdwXENWmsq1IgJwaH37MIA4pP7i06iLBlgdnhpB39Lcdsl3U7igzkOg3QkUEHn0DoXMr_mVPDC-3ab15jHMv0NjCHToJiKBfC4mXY-BZSelM3yW7SiXDbzCkS62U/s1600/incatrail99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2E6wuTLXb9Ft9pVPdwXENWmsq1IgJwaH37MIA4pP7i06iLBlgdnhpB39Lcdsl3U7igzkOg3QkUEHn0DoXMr_mVPDC-3ab15jHMv0NjCHToJiKBfC4mXY-BZSelM3yW7SiXDbzCkS62U/s640/incatrail99.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmIKDywduhd89Gitn1ahGmHHo8RQuWNgWgWVEbzNXHZTbMOrOXrnkcmGHKoK8WxyLbIVHw03DAWpsEn5FCLVsizydmmWqGYNdDk6sS5CEaZVJM7dQkBMlS6pk9b7K6RvgYqaw8Ow46fM/s1600/incatrail100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmIKDywduhd89Gitn1ahGmHHo8RQuWNgWgWVEbzNXHZTbMOrOXrnkcmGHKoK8WxyLbIVHw03DAWpsEn5FCLVsizydmmWqGYNdDk6sS5CEaZVJM7dQkBMlS6pk9b7K6RvgYqaw8Ow46fM/s640/incatrail100.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5-WM9bPA1HpJiWK9KEUhYBGyZ6x53XRwsRMMg2hFxyzCMX2UC4ZBZM6nm2AmTdCBBEDUhBSTyPdYmsVmLZ-P_Vinpksp-oxF-t2gOiQDApQJmw5cFM0zzVcsbsW-T6si5niTcN7eqa0/s1600/incatrail101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5-WM9bPA1HpJiWK9KEUhYBGyZ6x53XRwsRMMg2hFxyzCMX2UC4ZBZM6nm2AmTdCBBEDUhBSTyPdYmsVmLZ-P_Vinpksp-oxF-t2gOiQDApQJmw5cFM0zzVcsbsW-T6si5niTcN7eqa0/s640/incatrail101.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We hung out at the top for a bit taking photos, enjoying a snack, and the views, before heading down. Down was a little sketchy, compared to up. Thankfully, we all managed to make it down safely.</div>
<br />
<div>Back in Machu Picchu, we explored the remaining parts Christian mentioned but ran out of time to show us. In particular, we explored Tres Portadas and Tempulo de Condor, the Three Doorways and the Temple of the Condor, respectively. We posed as condors in the Temple of the Condor. At that time, the rain started to pick up from a slight drizzle to more of a down pour. We joined the mass exodus out of Machu Picchu, reclaimed our bags, stamped our passports, and got in line for the bus.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulk8auoJLWEPv4Sj6R4SYWHKgcdN0FGUNqMVp2jR30bSpUR4p6dU_R0BKsG0rT6AmWb3GBE2urqsaxchIddNhQTYsMBczMrN60kMnfqrvlYiXjiNRlbiKVmbJoZeJh-g8ENAWESWChlM/s1600/incatrail102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulk8auoJLWEPv4Sj6R4SYWHKgcdN0FGUNqMVp2jR30bSpUR4p6dU_R0BKsG0rT6AmWb3GBE2urqsaxchIddNhQTYsMBczMrN60kMnfqrvlYiXjiNRlbiKVmbJoZeJh-g8ENAWESWChlM/s640/incatrail102.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGh1C0R2xeGZ3W9V3dUkmI5eygG6L1DtaDtytEJxp6wt1fCgjztdtg-SFNTRqbRn6a2OpApJx61NX6ath36eoOlO2m51UQ9rkokZNKFvrgMVPrXGvpNh8sWCAQaPLcBqB35gdLzfo1zQ/s1600/incatrail103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFGh1C0R2xeGZ3W9V3dUkmI5eygG6L1DtaDtytEJxp6wt1fCgjztdtg-SFNTRqbRn6a2OpApJx61NX6ath36eoOlO2m51UQ9rkokZNKFvrgMVPrXGvpNh8sWCAQaPLcBqB35gdLzfo1zQ/s640/incatrail103.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After about 30 minutes of waiting in the rain, we finally boarded the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we met Christian for lunch at El Chasqui. Lunch was ok; we were more pumped about getting dry and warm.</div>
<br />
<div>When it was close to the time our train was boarding, we headed over to the train station, passing a beautiful statue of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachacuti">Pachacuti</a>, a puma, and a condor. The train ride was nice as we chatted with Hannah and Brenna for the 1.5 hour ride to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo">Ollantaytambo</a> to meet our transport back to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco">Cusco</a>.</div>
<br />
<div>We were dropped off at our hotel in Cusco, the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cuzmc-jw-marriott-el-convento-cusco/">JW Marriott El Convento Cusco</a>, and said our goodbyes. The first thing we did when we got in the room was shower. Boy, did that feel good!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-80770147067082991152016-08-14T15:46:00.001-05:002016-08-14T15:46:35.272-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Inca Trail Day 3 (Paqaymayu to Winaywayna)<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_885566'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=885566&stopid=6230515&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_885566&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>As was starting to become normal, we were awoken at 5am to one of our smiling porters greeting us with warm coca tea. This was definitely a friendly way to say, "Hey, it's time to get going, pack your stuff, and head to breakfast". At least, it was friendly! We quickly packed our bags and made our way to breakfast. Our chef surprised us with a cake, celebrating our journey thus far. It was a kind and delicious gesture. Our porters certainly took great care of us. Plus, our chef was a bit of a magician!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNcLm9lwrqtLSOHDvlM00ZIQ0hbF6fBToMyS_dTyU7Cw-7IN5jTfrMfpQYn4j0LaPC80g22zhPx80qOmfBUDSrcd2dqyGZMX9sVKZ0jqBmdQLBgH4B7Y8o63G3uWx6j_OniK1H5iGP08/s1600/incatrail33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNcLm9lwrqtLSOHDvlM00ZIQ0hbF6fBToMyS_dTyU7Cw-7IN5jTfrMfpQYn4j0LaPC80g22zhPx80qOmfBUDSrcd2dqyGZMX9sVKZ0jqBmdQLBgH4B7Y8o63G3uWx6j_OniK1H5iGP08/s640/incatrail33.jpg" width="640" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After breakfast, we grabbed our packs and began our hike. Today, we got to see five Inca archeological sites. Our first was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runkuraqay">Runkuraqay</a>. Unfortunately, between us and Runkurakay was about 150m of elevation gain. Ouch! Not a friendly way to start our hiking for the day!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tu8Ll530yScgh8vV7xjBxMeFVYRWeaIung1UFrM0Z7g8O0IAG0JeLUtNpj1pjbN2yDHH6mqxnouvzSJEb3D1PqwCQcUCoB7clU5iqCDyaxvZB0oeX3LA36Cq3GKFgOFM8Sp34dkAc-k/s1600/incatrail34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tu8Ll530yScgh8vV7xjBxMeFVYRWeaIung1UFrM0Z7g8O0IAG0JeLUtNpj1pjbN2yDHH6mqxnouvzSJEb3D1PqwCQcUCoB7clU5iqCDyaxvZB0oeX3LA36Cq3GKFgOFM8Sp34dkAc-k/s640/incatrail34.jpg" width="640" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4E5mzxy37RhPXWihFeJZjrYh0e0HepXqeqRqeab7OtCvqeVxkd9P871Exr8pPsbU5hPm9kScJMreDnkAOHAf3JG5n6sWCjk4dwSF9_cKv6jTuT84Q3e8PLLmIIzaereJZE_q7Xa3OD4/s1600/incatrail36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4E5mzxy37RhPXWihFeJZjrYh0e0HepXqeqRqeab7OtCvqeVxkd9P871Exr8pPsbU5hPm9kScJMreDnkAOHAf3JG5n6sWCjk4dwSF9_cKv6jTuT84Q3e8PLLmIIzaereJZE_q7Xa3OD4/s640/incatrail36.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>While we were hiking around Runkurakay, Christian explained the purpose of the structure and its use by the Inca people. This was more of an outpost for the big city over the pass, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayaqmarka">Sayaqmarka</a>, where soldiers would travel back and forth, looking over the valley below. Also in view was Abra de Warmi wañusca, or dead woman's pass; although, on this side, it more resembled a younger, more beautiful woman. We could also see some glaciers in the distance as we ascended.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO1529bKoUkowk5Q_RdWv7XEZVtTvrseF6f6L64gu7EsM6bjcUUf4mCttaA2ry5D1jw2E6IaLXR6883W2OlHEhO1Oss2upnr020XWGs4htLzTRxIp3EMfrmTPcJZMiuwtesSuKgZ3-3E/s1600/incatrail35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO1529bKoUkowk5Q_RdWv7XEZVtTvrseF6f6L64gu7EsM6bjcUUf4mCttaA2ry5D1jw2E6IaLXR6883W2OlHEhO1Oss2upnr020XWGs4htLzTRxIp3EMfrmTPcJZMiuwtesSuKgZ3-3E/s640/incatrail35.jpg" width="640" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWitcrk19KjXZO_BbxLTzNv8-ecKjlCEDoFQzOKKnH0Hc7qmFPwTQP89_btfOgVCSLB70lxy37B6R8UTAhEm8WuyPaTabrPMpWlPpwqAukggKyPoybBdK7fgOXobzuGgaZm30XWF4iTk/s1600/incatrail37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioWitcrk19KjXZO_BbxLTzNv8-ecKjlCEDoFQzOKKnH0Hc7qmFPwTQP89_btfOgVCSLB70lxy37B6R8UTAhEm8WuyPaTabrPMpWlPpwqAukggKyPoybBdK7fgOXobzuGgaZm30XWF4iTk/s640/incatrail37.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynG9j6_KM8b81_tiDws2n1bpcGn19BKsWqUyDXyBd9gq3PaAir50ryBk8gknShnvI_z0174XZ9YnS02Fux2QcM4hKKyIAx56kEGTKL_qEKA7WlQFfFVaGfyA8PM5M2WF5iwqrSOxevfY/s1600/incatrail38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynG9j6_KM8b81_tiDws2n1bpcGn19BKsWqUyDXyBd9gq3PaAir50ryBk8gknShnvI_z0174XZ9YnS02Fux2QcM4hKKyIAx56kEGTKL_qEKA7WlQFfFVaGfyA8PM5M2WF5iwqrSOxevfY/s640/incatrail38.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Runkurakay marked the halfway point of elevation gain to our major pass of the day. After we left, we passed a couple small lakes on our way up to about 4000m. Nothing like hiking to 4000m to start our morning and really get the lungs burning. We took a nice little rest at the top, and we all scampered up to a high point to look over the valleys below. We were blessed with such beautiful weather. We had clear blue skies and the sun shining down over the valleys below. It was absolutely breathtaking!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_lIrk6Ad_Kglt32u90zgh57y-KwzOmVYDhlf3q6w5knCzt2wI5o5chNDXqj1BXLmzJx2jH4qY_H1iwYKm-MxtKfblaYvNA_MZA38hOzIYeIm75NF3PZjJeOktt0MLBxE8Ee1tQ7KgfI/s1600/incatrail39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_lIrk6Ad_Kglt32u90zgh57y-KwzOmVYDhlf3q6w5knCzt2wI5o5chNDXqj1BXLmzJx2jH4qY_H1iwYKm-MxtKfblaYvNA_MZA38hOzIYeIm75NF3PZjJeOktt0MLBxE8Ee1tQ7KgfI/s640/incatrail39.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxzUzUv-ETxJqp2sZW7y-hNFCPlUEA7SfLkOQelrlIePOvfrIl9llnc7VH6S-bgx66iZFyaKC7SA2_Jos2SZu96VHVWnuodHfJMuqHsi_EK6M7HjtQzEqsrAOSqeQ_Mojpgv0QA6sHNU/s1600/incatrail40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxzUzUv-ETxJqp2sZW7y-hNFCPlUEA7SfLkOQelrlIePOvfrIl9llnc7VH6S-bgx66iZFyaKC7SA2_Jos2SZu96VHVWnuodHfJMuqHsi_EK6M7HjtQzEqsrAOSqeQ_Mojpgv0QA6sHNU/s640/incatrail40.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S_tmpmho6z9Qm0SOCbcgbn3gWgr0DvnKSl4yj3KHSYBFKSoe8UdpW3CHOmb4ygMIEE7Qk8tbR0mQcQzdFDVQALyaq7yOKykBzGw9cHCX1htwKXxDyvtoS4oKtx3oSZclI3q2bEVER48/s1600/incatrail41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2S_tmpmho6z9Qm0SOCbcgbn3gWgr0DvnKSl4yj3KHSYBFKSoe8UdpW3CHOmb4ygMIEE7Qk8tbR0mQcQzdFDVQALyaq7yOKykBzGw9cHCX1htwKXxDyvtoS4oKtx3oSZclI3q2bEVER48/s640/incatrail41.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our time at the pass, we began our descent to our second Inca site of the day, Sayaqmarka. Where yesterday was the day of ascent, today was the day of descent. As quickly as we started our ascent in the morning, we began our descent. Descents were really rough on Brenna and Kari, so it was slow going down.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0VkUuqQSiccBszgwYTobJQZzuszBJ_Mme6k53-U4kDE664hrCRVBSKL8cJoolMvadkFLLs3RfDe_6xI5Tk76_AX8x495Y05Ny2Zr2OjWIDG5vOV5t7FoH7btMisbI122v8KbiiCg_4/s1600/incatrail42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0VkUuqQSiccBszgwYTobJQZzuszBJ_Mme6k53-U4kDE664hrCRVBSKL8cJoolMvadkFLLs3RfDe_6xI5Tk76_AX8x495Y05Ny2Zr2OjWIDG5vOV5t7FoH7btMisbI122v8KbiiCg_4/s640/incatrail42.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Much like our other Inca sites we explored, Sayaqmarka was absolutely beautiful and it overlooked <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qunchamarka">Concha Marka</a>. Sayaqmarka was one of the large Inca towns that overlooked several valleys. On our way down, Hannah was celebrating the finish of our ascending. Unfortunately, I burst her bubble in a less than nice way. I probably could have been better about it. We still had quite a bit more to climb throughout the day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8yD7rsXGROt7nbYNUA39ZOfT27Ehju40b3ydADqIAxq2dMb_5nj8Y7DmyCiP0-It7J6-CPYESt0FwsY7XJnytx34CW7kIgdb-epKE6bN8s8-g2T6oasoqktkauToUZhl0l_PrVBhOKc/s1600/incatrail43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8yD7rsXGROt7nbYNUA39ZOfT27Ehju40b3ydADqIAxq2dMb_5nj8Y7DmyCiP0-It7J6-CPYESt0FwsY7XJnytx34CW7kIgdb-epKE6bN8s8-g2T6oasoqktkauToUZhl0l_PrVBhOKc/s640/incatrail43.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcUL5t7ISqzHpvs7ngdx68ywrWld75Hs_UDdJZbF2Ih3BdJRx8pmYZ0yMRfPvwPEF1y2wXSEsTP7hfeYbSoOaXwKROf78uwTtrhQrcc9nMpZvDqoCu18Duh1moytBfyoy9M9SEFVwP6s/s1600/incatrail44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcUL5t7ISqzHpvs7ngdx68ywrWld75Hs_UDdJZbF2Ih3BdJRx8pmYZ0yMRfPvwPEF1y2wXSEsTP7hfeYbSoOaXwKROf78uwTtrhQrcc9nMpZvDqoCu18Duh1moytBfyoy9M9SEFVwP6s/s640/incatrail44.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgess1Q60fMhvVJT4gQt-SNwZ-wJSJzbBnRlqI6VF4AfoaSjDxx7P3FIeWMwuWhBlEjzkdCf8MttfSXazYdj5hx0ghVde1wYyYeShLojQt_e2EXe5cIaLzaySCKcFlih_mArGyutzwYC00/s1600/incatrail45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgess1Q60fMhvVJT4gQt-SNwZ-wJSJzbBnRlqI6VF4AfoaSjDxx7P3FIeWMwuWhBlEjzkdCf8MttfSXazYdj5hx0ghVde1wYyYeShLojQt_e2EXe5cIaLzaySCKcFlih_mArGyutzwYC00/s640/incatrail45.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8M50O036NVqzNEi7No_Eui6cZsX_PapdOJwRC0zge8Ds0LzeKnKV-sBJY2RgBLtdaWjkdQSOl_hAxg1V_NFJ9KEHiMz0n63glWdi0enG_YHYePBmPkQmWrkjHXVCxepYKfPHUkczrYE/s1600/incatrail46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8M50O036NVqzNEi7No_Eui6cZsX_PapdOJwRC0zge8Ds0LzeKnKV-sBJY2RgBLtdaWjkdQSOl_hAxg1V_NFJ9KEHiMz0n63glWdi0enG_YHYePBmPkQmWrkjHXVCxepYKfPHUkczrYE/s640/incatrail46.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpuHc8fOcfbRR8y812COmJGB9R3mASWSG299DOvaCcPomXESFwqrR5mveUCEIfjy1ra5zyT29_YK5FsQHBeJRWSAg2PDj9Hr7UwunjeKhg9GgTNV2Iw5b4PCm68VmHJjgxzjdoO5tOsk/s1600/incatrail47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpuHc8fOcfbRR8y812COmJGB9R3mASWSG299DOvaCcPomXESFwqrR5mveUCEIfjy1ra5zyT29_YK5FsQHBeJRWSAg2PDj9Hr7UwunjeKhg9GgTNV2Iw5b4PCm68VmHJjgxzjdoO5tOsk/s640/incatrail47.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFlwWjihLH-0rFatz9R3sqnNCn3EyaSXhX97qTCYVsJQIvM9FHOF0xbdlX-PGkl0L9OiGOcJz0GhZa4jTkXMXaEv5roxg2oxon0Yxs_-e053c0m2hXp0zV8B569Ty0vFCsBNJpkjPKh8/s1600/incatrail48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFlwWjihLH-0rFatz9R3sqnNCn3EyaSXhX97qTCYVsJQIvM9FHOF0xbdlX-PGkl0L9OiGOcJz0GhZa4jTkXMXaEv5roxg2oxon0Yxs_-e053c0m2hXp0zV8B569Ty0vFCsBNJpkjPKh8/s640/incatrail48.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our time in Sayaqmarka, we descended into the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_forest">cloud forest</a>. While it was beautiful, it was a little slippery as we went down. Not long after we left Sayaqmarka, the clouds rolled in. It was both cool and eerie. As we hiked up past Chaquicocha and higher into the cloud forest, the ability to see the valley became impossible. It was as if the world disappeared off the cliff. Sort of reminiscent of the scene in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_%282009_film%29">Up</a> when the house was beginning to descend into the clouded rock spires.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MLN4uVr1zASdbPUXECtI9voO64lNr9uJHoa1cPOaIcOjrNz4sB319w5JmxyY9L-5a13b2dqFJIJ4DWN5hGnBK4DvZQAJgsqReWmy77XrSfXB_sIPYqrPheoxtYoxNSb6GxDX8jn6P6Y/s1600/incatrail49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MLN4uVr1zASdbPUXECtI9voO64lNr9uJHoa1cPOaIcOjrNz4sB319w5JmxyY9L-5a13b2dqFJIJ4DWN5hGnBK4DvZQAJgsqReWmy77XrSfXB_sIPYqrPheoxtYoxNSb6GxDX8jn6P6Y/s640/incatrail49.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Along the way, we encountered the first Inca tunnel. Christian took video of us as we entered and walked through the tunnel. Pretty neat! Before we knew it, we were at our lunch site, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyupatamarca">Phuyupatamarka</a>. We were all pretty tired. The altitude was affecting me more than it had all trip. I was beat. Lunch was just what the doctor ordered, at least for me. Our chef, Mariano, made chicken with rice, soup, and vegetables. It was delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLKMOlIboAU4uwFdzEB3_mjxzCL2sbBYY2iC7Xs-cknKKVeIQAQr7gcZcX1jD978dXtZb3uXKAwIILKTQVllF5JqK_9tB7bdi9Khk6Msn7mIUF4gMtm7yIWVXu5wuZYOUNHbIG3bLeA/s1600/incatrail50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupLKMOlIboAU4uwFdzEB3_mjxzCL2sbBYY2iC7Xs-cknKKVeIQAQr7gcZcX1jD978dXtZb3uXKAwIILKTQVllF5JqK_9tB7bdi9Khk6Msn7mIUF4gMtm7yIWVXu5wuZYOUNHbIG3bLeA/s640/incatrail50.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After about an hour of food, rest, bathroom use, and recovery, we continued our journey down. Christian said that we had about 3500 stairs down to descend over 1000m to our camp site at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi%C3%B1ay_Wayna">Wiñaywayna</a>. Hannah was thrilled, but Kari and Brenna looked like they got hit by a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mack_Trucks">Mack Truck</a>! By now, we were far in front of most of the trekkers we were leap frogging with prior to lunch. Only a few people were ahead of us, making travel relatively easy to go at a pace we were comfortable with.</div>
<br />
<div>The only people we really saw were the teams of porters trying to make it to the next campsite ahead of their trekkers. We visited the archeological site of Phuyupatamarka, while seeing our second to last Inca site of the day, Intipata, and the top of Machu Picchu mountain. It almost did not seem real that we were that close. We could also see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machupicchu,_Peru">Aguas Calientes</a>, the hot springs town in the distance, our lunch spot following our time in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu">Machu Picchu</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvbdo59n6-oVRCcb_0cz500CUhuNihSqbuiKPjmBhUW9gUZYr8IGF9sy_cwglKSvI1VCo5_3mxcOVuqmQg4Dg6FcQ-xSupu6oUmXme15O10IoVXn2pFoLOSe_ewxKoKX34csU5wlj0Os/s1600/incatrail51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvbdo59n6-oVRCcb_0cz500CUhuNihSqbuiKPjmBhUW9gUZYr8IGF9sy_cwglKSvI1VCo5_3mxcOVuqmQg4Dg6FcQ-xSupu6oUmXme15O10IoVXn2pFoLOSe_ewxKoKX34csU5wlj0Os/s640/incatrail51.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJCWjNsxL8KSQgPWkryNtEw_58Zr1wfrxqfP1ActyO8R4MuVd7Y9y7SgFxGRCT1hOOX7-MVxN2c1DdakwJXoLHVrJe8g_Bd074QGW3sG19XIvqRe3a1KKzcYVOXDvgW2PbGGNCrtqdkU/s1600/incatrail52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJCWjNsxL8KSQgPWkryNtEw_58Zr1wfrxqfP1ActyO8R4MuVd7Y9y7SgFxGRCT1hOOX7-MVxN2c1DdakwJXoLHVrJe8g_Bd074QGW3sG19XIvqRe3a1KKzcYVOXDvgW2PbGGNCrtqdkU/s640/incatrail52.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl83RkuDT4a1KHlrCo4HBfs5rS98o4-DJ2OZWePE2EVnvqcqzgAxhLJIEQpTQ8bMaTwN2BO9nvzgWNDp4WrQoycK86zBjUrw4V2TO_7yn9-JFCJonq0d5FnEBnyQUWDlkWxnbPet78GM/s1600/incatrail53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl83RkuDT4a1KHlrCo4HBfs5rS98o4-DJ2OZWePE2EVnvqcqzgAxhLJIEQpTQ8bMaTwN2BO9nvzgWNDp4WrQoycK86zBjUrw4V2TO_7yn9-JFCJonq0d5FnEBnyQUWDlkWxnbPet78GM/s640/incatrail53.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMzXga0stnHnPLo8d6bO5VTy7nR0AAmzClOK1VPgwqBb2oucdAnl8_Quh7n43Utrw09SSFoZ2ZawF0rrYzX81b4Ht-bsl3r_ZXEi7MSnExO-Gf5S0ow3adRBY-2NiOZi9ze_fpGIapqE/s1600/incatrail54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMzXga0stnHnPLo8d6bO5VTy7nR0AAmzClOK1VPgwqBb2oucdAnl8_Quh7n43Utrw09SSFoZ2ZawF0rrYzX81b4Ht-bsl3r_ZXEi7MSnExO-Gf5S0ow3adRBY-2NiOZi9ze_fpGIapqE/s640/incatrail54.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj_avh3gYqtr6hn0heKHVlSoUydAwx-Rlrqe3FCKIbFrmoCwJG1RqjliVFWr450bECvQoDfPDmSB64EXQfE4q_oXMoYPXi2UgNhPtXQJlQWCDsL9LyFIPSrFJWzdOKOqpGcopYR5fm-U/s1600/incatrail55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj_avh3gYqtr6hn0heKHVlSoUydAwx-Rlrqe3FCKIbFrmoCwJG1RqjliVFWr450bECvQoDfPDmSB64EXQfE4q_oXMoYPXi2UgNhPtXQJlQWCDsL9LyFIPSrFJWzdOKOqpGcopYR5fm-U/s640/incatrail55.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglwunxMGk9XlwnN9rmCGENenJ92WUj2oUHkiD-e43RzpCfyrx82bdrz9vtak1PzkuVZYQYqGIoYMi6Qrt7a_yjo8v8Wj2d6VTWnpSZQMNjFGpH-ryPTMcRfTQt7XD-qPJH1Wdu9c15oc/s1600/incatrail56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglwunxMGk9XlwnN9rmCGENenJ92WUj2oUHkiD-e43RzpCfyrx82bdrz9vtak1PzkuVZYQYqGIoYMi6Qrt7a_yjo8v8Wj2d6VTWnpSZQMNjFGpH-ryPTMcRfTQt7XD-qPJH1Wdu9c15oc/s640/incatrail56.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4l_sKN4gJfc9M2Wl3nD6Q5mR75vRZMVkNEZxe6GowoOO-EjpT9NB5IDGV49p_vvOGxxPqKOnswZtC8_3dQcvjQyKYnB60HE6rf1zZ7yX6h5wcbvg3DokeBgTg3nuPkZ9pmHixLG1jEk/s1600/incatrail57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4l_sKN4gJfc9M2Wl3nD6Q5mR75vRZMVkNEZxe6GowoOO-EjpT9NB5IDGV49p_vvOGxxPqKOnswZtC8_3dQcvjQyKYnB60HE6rf1zZ7yX6h5wcbvg3DokeBgTg3nuPkZ9pmHixLG1jEk/s640/incatrail57.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As had been the case most of our hike, we made it to the checkpoint outside of Intipata faster than Christian told us. We were moving really well as a group, and he commented that we were his fastest group of the year. Pretty hard not to be, considering we were also his first. He did say that we were moving better than most people he will take on the Inca Trail. Pretty cool compliment!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts8da7w0HtmilbsmJOEKbAS4sVmBaxUZB534f0kxEh7Vpc5QhdS3Ee5Aa_QE4QuNzaclOHWGtbOWjyqGuRX9LEmzBfzlOYDjR5TRcgx7fL2P2xff6Ze7I2p6MnT91YAgJg4mRdRvugPE/s1600/incatrail58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjts8da7w0HtmilbsmJOEKbAS4sVmBaxUZB534f0kxEh7Vpc5QhdS3Ee5Aa_QE4QuNzaclOHWGtbOWjyqGuRX9LEmzBfzlOYDjR5TRcgx7fL2P2xff6Ze7I2p6MnT91YAgJg4mRdRvugPE/s640/incatrail58.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXdcjlWdIVfwFed2WZD2qDY2t1Enr8VZAL3vduuABj2IOPDViNrnElAjx7WLbjZKeipoN3itCZQeQpD-rb4LNyX1dcxrI2sBCNGjeQKbFj6Ibij-iR2nEfnPEXCHwcdrwrMzFcpUq2Sg/s1600/incatrail59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXdcjlWdIVfwFed2WZD2qDY2t1Enr8VZAL3vduuABj2IOPDViNrnElAjx7WLbjZKeipoN3itCZQeQpD-rb4LNyX1dcxrI2sBCNGjeQKbFj6Ibij-iR2nEfnPEXCHwcdrwrMzFcpUq2Sg/s640/incatrail59.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-e7nCLpFcX7DHnUsNLZw1C_2z0RpdqYtycdO7OwjDkT4kDiMVpHASkiPb9ppGu3BAEEvBZZLQez2gE21LAQ-MgA2vb29UB_CbK2mgFGI_sC7DwMhJSo-ab5vufAHqrBvvqdTmM9az4A/s1600/incatrail60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-e7nCLpFcX7DHnUsNLZw1C_2z0RpdqYtycdO7OwjDkT4kDiMVpHASkiPb9ppGu3BAEEvBZZLQez2gE21LAQ-MgA2vb29UB_CbK2mgFGI_sC7DwMhJSo-ab5vufAHqrBvvqdTmM9az4A/s640/incatrail60.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbLd6qANpbnZHzAuBBJNriGyjs_fzLUdM9heg-iDQo1YCh9qPG-piXIHMAuXq-oiC6jAZJ2TX1y1d6F8uJIj-rJEJGKu4ucaApIXUfqK46_Rn_zVjYCjG6WuxP4JvIt6-uY_qfE9s_r0/s1600/incatrail61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbLd6qANpbnZHzAuBBJNriGyjs_fzLUdM9heg-iDQo1YCh9qPG-piXIHMAuXq-oiC6jAZJ2TX1y1d6F8uJIj-rJEJGKu4ucaApIXUfqK46_Rn_zVjYCjG6WuxP4JvIt6-uY_qfE9s_r0/s640/incatrail61.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODWG_RPntOpnFjAIguORk28Hx2lVvpxtCGirNLUuOnvlZWwJ7vlxrdBslzXWwtyL9D7h8apz1lttNnUeVoLDtAEO6jBhpfLObmyDPT4HcZmKV7ZFH7axB_sHK-cMyx7mEues6QkmSNNI/s1600/incatrail62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODWG_RPntOpnFjAIguORk28Hx2lVvpxtCGirNLUuOnvlZWwJ7vlxrdBslzXWwtyL9D7h8apz1lttNnUeVoLDtAEO6jBhpfLObmyDPT4HcZmKV7ZFH7axB_sHK-cMyx7mEues6QkmSNNI/s640/incatrail62.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacnIkHo6XYrdBHFEBli4ad8fKAhi9BuZn-lZJOG3kk72HH1rjbD8cY76AxHHSHtYKZn27jq6xh_5TOT_m1qESEGRKS47aBMWkXo03mEUoJfWS3SAt3tGWbyW9wiEA39gGK_sxNOR4FZw/s1600/incatrail63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacnIkHo6XYrdBHFEBli4ad8fKAhi9BuZn-lZJOG3kk72HH1rjbD8cY76AxHHSHtYKZn27jq6xh_5TOT_m1qESEGRKS47aBMWkXo03mEUoJfWS3SAt3tGWbyW9wiEA39gGK_sxNOR4FZw/s640/incatrail63.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSooPMUXUlXnVjs8og2HUQXIBvutS-DkGE0dCRR31CLfyc3SF826JMQiUHzZyipRlh5cv5FHeBYsMLtXDKsPyB9eH6b9kE7RNhYxzKW8U9yfQTFTkbDNvI04gaUF5ykix4H7t9ky1yFU8/s1600/incatrail64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSooPMUXUlXnVjs8og2HUQXIBvutS-DkGE0dCRR31CLfyc3SF826JMQiUHzZyipRlh5cv5FHeBYsMLtXDKsPyB9eH6b9kE7RNhYxzKW8U9yfQTFTkbDNvI04gaUF5ykix4H7t9ky1yFU8/s640/incatrail64.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Jx1YxwBz_iSliwP2AIYTPu83XpH1BXrH1GFpd6CLJV93M_LkjlRxU4MflDkDv9nSFlhS0kzza8nesdORdYWMWc7Lz5dPbi_WRiHJQmDgO4lAZZj2wLlw9cJV1RqgZX_quMcZZSGeREg/s1600/incatrail65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Jx1YxwBz_iSliwP2AIYTPu83XpH1BXrH1GFpd6CLJV93M_LkjlRxU4MflDkDv9nSFlhS0kzza8nesdORdYWMWc7Lz5dPbi_WRiHJQmDgO4lAZZj2wLlw9cJV1RqgZX_quMcZZSGeREg/s640/incatrail65.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7hqbKp0Cttaip8c30Tk5GoLl7kJsnc3Eu-85UU79kYofuO4sCqnhkoNkb30LgEzlCZyFjV6jg09_cAHQi2DZQtFoV_Ydb-Ot0bJQhJLSFN16gWozCiWziVBRFJVlxOtA0x4Y6Oe0XuM/s1600/incatrail66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7hqbKp0Cttaip8c30Tk5GoLl7kJsnc3Eu-85UU79kYofuO4sCqnhkoNkb30LgEzlCZyFjV6jg09_cAHQi2DZQtFoV_Ydb-Ot0bJQhJLSFN16gWozCiWziVBRFJVlxOtA0x4Y6Oe0XuM/s640/incatrail66.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We hiked into Intipata, admiring the sheer size of the terraces as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys. We had a great view of the Urubamba River, the river we started our trek next to. Greeting us as Intipata was a group of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llama">llamas</a>. We posed next to a llama named Erika for some photos, and we took more photos to commemorate the trip. It was cool feeling we had almost accomplished our goal of hiking to Machu Picchu!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLDoFoisjNj2beEKdixkJtbaZBY456YV7dgYJtQbJtV477kxNg4Rbyfcgwe-GNGmIguwncsuzhOkorg2fi6KNDvf0SE3InSZLFa2rOTmwD12C0GASzAPkTZeuQPQsm5GwZy0_5FPMW9g/s1600/incatrail67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLDoFoisjNj2beEKdixkJtbaZBY456YV7dgYJtQbJtV477kxNg4Rbyfcgwe-GNGmIguwncsuzhOkorg2fi6KNDvf0SE3InSZLFa2rOTmwD12C0GASzAPkTZeuQPQsm5GwZy0_5FPMW9g/s640/incatrail67.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Q69x26il9CiDkwtHH84pkniQ9Q1CTpVRvSAmQq5f6-1HPDBGUmqYe8JyiYGKxOUXv3bY-8p8w-4bCfdAcEfBoLDZToVnbh22e4sDNdyxREoZyyLIVh4maNGHbCQPamyUrceAteQukTs/s1600/incatrail68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Q69x26il9CiDkwtHH84pkniQ9Q1CTpVRvSAmQq5f6-1HPDBGUmqYe8JyiYGKxOUXv3bY-8p8w-4bCfdAcEfBoLDZToVnbh22e4sDNdyxREoZyyLIVh4maNGHbCQPamyUrceAteQukTs/s640/incatrail68.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Once we were done admiring the beauty, we began our walk down to camp at Wiñaywayna. Our porters exuberantly greeted us as we arrived. Again, we were some of the first to make it. They were always happy to see us, especially since we did not need much from them. Some groups, we were told, require being carried, oxygen, etc., requiring the porters to do extra work or work later into the day to accommodate the trekkers. In camp, we dropped our bags and headed to Wiñaywayna, our last Inca archeological site of the day.</div>
<br />
<div>The Inca site of Wiñaywayna was only a few minutes from camp. It was also the most beautiful site we saw thus far. It was set on a mountainside, overlooking the Urubamba River. Absolutely stunning! As we wandered around taking photos, we came to the reception area of the high class family of this city. In the reception area, Christian told us Inca stories and shared part of their religion with us, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakana">Inca Cross</a>. It was truly fascinating to hear the stories and learn more.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeGaZ_Cok4bn3gr58eqeY4YP6M3PXzA2YRSYDqxzhTJn5QMAGzVaEQLYzDYeORNbxqLwEYrTqYzkV6O9Z0NZteSaU9r2aUS67q0CPM6XjT9roz84HkA-8m-Z3J_qxmKnyL-tWaGEx-KY/s1600/incatrail69.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeGaZ_Cok4bn3gr58eqeY4YP6M3PXzA2YRSYDqxzhTJn5QMAGzVaEQLYzDYeORNbxqLwEYrTqYzkV6O9Z0NZteSaU9r2aUS67q0CPM6XjT9roz84HkA-8m-Z3J_qxmKnyL-tWaGEx-KY/s640/incatrail69.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP29QFdXLSDneolbJ8zdP0ZdfdQewlMDlqQ1ohJgr13pg0wKzlUhsz-m2u8qH2lEj_tkftoLAOOPcgmEn18IGt6wwK2YDJEi1Wu9-KIhkKIo6cB36IEZSB-u32RZlPLwcBfNkR0XYClHg/s1600/incatrail70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP29QFdXLSDneolbJ8zdP0ZdfdQewlMDlqQ1ohJgr13pg0wKzlUhsz-m2u8qH2lEj_tkftoLAOOPcgmEn18IGt6wwK2YDJEi1Wu9-KIhkKIo6cB36IEZSB-u32RZlPLwcBfNkR0XYClHg/s640/incatrail70.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocshGJCo_FXOW7krzFJOr4PCZCSaT6reTkIHzprvOrW2I1p1_p07sP33zTMGSyLUNgJWfOjEoEx60qvRMA08vtgj24kG6VaERIzZDlM2PV7rD7oEDRLlhDDzJTH4PWQ_JmMby_AstSGs/s1600/incatrail71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocshGJCo_FXOW7krzFJOr4PCZCSaT6reTkIHzprvOrW2I1p1_p07sP33zTMGSyLUNgJWfOjEoEx60qvRMA08vtgj24kG6VaERIzZDlM2PV7rD7oEDRLlhDDzJTH4PWQ_JmMby_AstSGs/s640/incatrail71.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeLElSgPXsrUa2DwgnGlOF1N5uLr8dtwQ-8NPGUHHKSp998j_YmL0NtdtOixy5YJo48SmMjHEKDKvBxnkupF3dFb21tLEbxXj_pZ_8IoirRmij8GokYBcCj0oml_u_pmztpJtvqXrPPo/s1600/incatrail72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeLElSgPXsrUa2DwgnGlOF1N5uLr8dtwQ-8NPGUHHKSp998j_YmL0NtdtOixy5YJo48SmMjHEKDKvBxnkupF3dFb21tLEbxXj_pZ_8IoirRmij8GokYBcCj0oml_u_pmztpJtvqXrPPo/s640/incatrail72.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHm_LHDwsGitrzHwGcb6C-t6XhG2IBhyphenhypheno6Fyc9VcWUjYqJiWKbgtZWbHTnuZYcb1cVefLk077WX2_ChIzCgYQlMcSp9-bCJFngeeBMM9y7ZSNIC9Jow47KkNZ_cueXBQGWmQKih4SgJ0/s1600/incatrail73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRHm_LHDwsGitrzHwGcb6C-t6XhG2IBhyphenhypheno6Fyc9VcWUjYqJiWKbgtZWbHTnuZYcb1cVefLk077WX2_ChIzCgYQlMcSp9-bCJFngeeBMM9y7ZSNIC9Jow47KkNZ_cueXBQGWmQKih4SgJ0/s640/incatrail73.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlLGdGnbDEWT4dh9KL0yfmr6ZicOfX2HLsD6z6zzWJ5rx8lnw09BagSNNXjlSKnt_8pwIV7-oqxJHDD8w-mh1S2d9eDX_6ajqdrAz029NCMvxh2aM8FZWYhBWGONxTHaixhSwGLokT8c/s1600/incatrail74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlLGdGnbDEWT4dh9KL0yfmr6ZicOfX2HLsD6z6zzWJ5rx8lnw09BagSNNXjlSKnt_8pwIV7-oqxJHDD8w-mh1S2d9eDX_6ajqdrAz029NCMvxh2aM8FZWYhBWGONxTHaixhSwGLokT8c/s640/incatrail74.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After Christian showed us the upper home of the city, he let us wander around for a while. Kari, Hannah, and I walked down to the lower homes and fountains. The city, surrounded by the mountains and waterfalls, was an incredible place.</div>
<br />
<div>When we got back to camp, we had tea time, well hot chocolate for me, with toasted corn. Since most of the other trekkers had not arrived yet, we all scurried up to take a shower. While absolutely freezing, it was very nice and rejuvenating to be clean! Not long after we were done showering, it was time for dinner. We had more soup, chicken, sausage, potato "chips", and rice. For dessert, we had fruit jello. An awesome last dinner for our trek.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD2Wb0FTbHxhlGaAXA68u_YxJYlJ_J69nhkdM9oq7R_eZ-bEnL3fF0KlM3B1l2tDEVVev3lEO1rde36RgCSgfnO2LrH7QsV9wrh7P7uZDKoF8KCofiBsgCIMJXkz6ObJ1RFAcsiR3KFQ/s1600/incatrail75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD2Wb0FTbHxhlGaAXA68u_YxJYlJ_J69nhkdM9oq7R_eZ-bEnL3fF0KlM3B1l2tDEVVev3lEO1rde36RgCSgfnO2LrH7QsV9wrh7P7uZDKoF8KCofiBsgCIMJXkz6ObJ1RFAcsiR3KFQ/s640/incatrail75.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After dinner, we spent some time with our porters, learning more about each other. For example, Andres has hiked the Inca trail around 300 times in the last 8 years! Incredible! This time of learning more about each other was more productive than my attempt to communicate prior to dinner, considering that I speak basically zero Spanish and they speak zero English. They were good sports with me as I fumbled through my attempts to communicate.</div>
<br />
<div>Following story time, we said our goodbyes to the porters, since we would not have time to say goodbye in the morning. It was a touching moment after our few days of bonding. Then we hit the sack, trying to get as much rest as possible before our 3am wake-up!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ1PwGP1OkDQqLHeRgkNGbqJAtnImPj9EDbiA_PdA0sufwrZzqqExMMVoopwNBhm2R-IxRaVMLOOuJ1UY-qOM5-epPyEVnmBpp8UM9zQSheOnvPiQalwHLfsS7MIiCrJBSmGaB435TYs/s1600/incatrail76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQ1PwGP1OkDQqLHeRgkNGbqJAtnImPj9EDbiA_PdA0sufwrZzqqExMMVoopwNBhm2R-IxRaVMLOOuJ1UY-qOM5-epPyEVnmBpp8UM9zQSheOnvPiQalwHLfsS7MIiCrJBSmGaB435TYs/s640/incatrail76.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-57143856524497553882016-08-14T14:10:00.002-05:002016-08-14T14:10:37.125-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Inca Trail Day 2 (Wayllabamba to Paqaymayu)<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_884729'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=884729&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_884729&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>We were awoken at 5am to our porters offering us <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea">coca tea</a> and to signal the start of our day. We quickly packed our gear, used the squat toilet, and brushed our teeth before breakfast. Breakfast was some porridge, fruit, bread, and omelets. Another massive meal to begin our big day. We also followed breakfast with more coca tea and made sure our bottles were filled before leaving Wayllabamba, the last community we will encounter on the Inca Trail.</div>
<br />
<div>Before we could completely leave town, we stopped at another checkpoint on the Inca Trail where Christian showed our paper work before we could proceed. Unfortunately, we could still not get our passports stamped, signifying our time on the Inca Trail. Christian was hoping, but he was told we could try at Machu Picchu. Oh well. We will have to wait another couple days.</div>
<br />
<div>Leaving town marked the beginning of our 1200m climb from Wayllabamba to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warmi_Wa%C3%B1usqa">Abra de Warmi wañusca (dead woman's pass)</a>. Yes, 1200m. For those of you that grew up in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States">America</a>, that translates to about 4000ft, almost straight up. Given that we spent the night at 3000m, the oxygen was getting pretty thin. Not only were we climbing 1200m, we were doing it almost entirely above 10,000ft. Holy cow! Today was going to be tough!</div>
<br />
<div>For awhile, we were hiking alone, as Christian was chatting with a local woman also hiking up the mountain. We decided to take breaks for 10 minutes every hour until Christian caught back up. That worked for a while, but eventually the altitude got the better of us and we started taking breaks more frequently. When we stopped, we would just admire the view and check how many meters we have climbed, managing to stay in good spirits throughout. We stopped at Tres Piedras for a longer break and use the toilets. It was wild to see the locals set up impromptu snack stands to sell treats, including drinks (gatorade, water, soda, and liquor) and snacks to people trekking the Inca Trail. We just ate our snacks and enjoyed a few minutes of reprieve.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-70dlkKdE711hBIwGGk5tuq1wBTuidxg4Pl4z4oxPMpv47L7xNZeoRYl5Jm8IPiS5rElpYIh4TMbPsZ1dAlABINnqY6wqYmP3SXJDT7OuEDUJLsRSupMhrbE4FnQfcbyJCI16Jd5Cz1Y/s1600/incatrail17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-70dlkKdE711hBIwGGk5tuq1wBTuidxg4Pl4z4oxPMpv47L7xNZeoRYl5Jm8IPiS5rElpYIh4TMbPsZ1dAlABINnqY6wqYmP3SXJDT7OuEDUJLsRSupMhrbE4FnQfcbyJCI16Jd5Cz1Y/s640/incatrail17.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWuMr-D7SX_YBL1RFu4e7Y5NB0eW3mez3RZDp42HXx6IxzOm_f2lTgJdcwyMrg77_HHInvTCsOZo2vgcvLA7lMejkXRqAYGHjyYWxkeJIkmN2Vw8HKElaSF0Keu90H0-VBwUs484GbI/s1600/incatrail18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWuMr-D7SX_YBL1RFu4e7Y5NB0eW3mez3RZDp42HXx6IxzOm_f2lTgJdcwyMrg77_HHInvTCsOZo2vgcvLA7lMejkXRqAYGHjyYWxkeJIkmN2Vw8HKElaSF0Keu90H0-VBwUs484GbI/s640/incatrail18.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMRFzrVsdhyphenhyphendsT3Z3WzaDi_J-4OYDvkXRAP_Hy89k4olyWyYpm1mynJWozCxZ_3TwNp5KGCxt4z97_K5XEhLTWgtEJDWZd9E_DMy5Or01_41BpYkZybm9cWjmeBeijqM72Xx3d2gagfM/s1600/incatrail19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMRFzrVsdhyphenhyphendsT3Z3WzaDi_J-4OYDvkXRAP_Hy89k4olyWyYpm1mynJWozCxZ_3TwNp5KGCxt4z97_K5XEhLTWgtEJDWZd9E_DMy5Or01_41BpYkZybm9cWjmeBeijqM72Xx3d2gagfM/s640/incatrail19.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhs_RapJ_fU_yFFxh3JcWrriyCdPPeij-JHRFkDEh6VvvaCkBM2XOTJRIFywsAojRUrUfCFulGB1b6Gqiir7a4jvjxnp8P7FV57dR69XpvmIF3RoKWmtYfi0nlBUZaBhZ54NHlzStXqw/s1600/incatrail20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhs_RapJ_fU_yFFxh3JcWrriyCdPPeij-JHRFkDEh6VvvaCkBM2XOTJRIFywsAojRUrUfCFulGB1b6Gqiir7a4jvjxnp8P7FV57dR69XpvmIF3RoKWmtYfi0nlBUZaBhZ54NHlzStXqw/s640/incatrail20.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_lRbJDt01_RON05lfUiSkptOISIp6-Km4BKH6JnhsmVm1TgXdwkStk64AMG6SNl72RfKF0DHeODlyn_EvbnhqL4kBJ0ThWIEnJTiYagVlw5INTzCOgZ7f1uBg40MgM4YcPgYpYR5aN8/s1600/incatrail21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_lRbJDt01_RON05lfUiSkptOISIp6-Km4BKH6JnhsmVm1TgXdwkStk64AMG6SNl72RfKF0DHeODlyn_EvbnhqL4kBJ0ThWIEnJTiYagVlw5INTzCOgZ7f1uBg40MgM4YcPgYpYR5aN8/s640/incatrail21.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We worked well as a group hiking up the trail to the next rest stop, Llulluchapampa. We had climbed about 800m at this point, so we only had about 400m to go. From this rest stop, we could see the pass we were climbing to, resembling the face of an old woman. On the left side of the pass was the nose and chin, the pass represented the neck, and on the right side was the old woman's breast. We all spent some time admiring the view, eating some snacks, using the restroom, and taking some time to rest. Christian mentioned we were three quarters of the way done, to which I told him he was a liar. We were only two thirds of the way up. He mentioned that they say that to keep the tourists happy. Sneaky guides!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNlOgFhhLsLm_Pp9OIzcFCF18KYdN4L3-dKyMQyOo2fwfDn3DZJJ8EjYocQkKG4kmakXWOjpcx7b3KDOGLKyaBUck8u-fQUNtpxYf-gVIWPOgL6bSZL3ACYHdbtEv6-PjpG9IhpUp1tg/s1600/incatrail22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNlOgFhhLsLm_Pp9OIzcFCF18KYdN4L3-dKyMQyOo2fwfDn3DZJJ8EjYocQkKG4kmakXWOjpcx7b3KDOGLKyaBUck8u-fQUNtpxYf-gVIWPOgL6bSZL3ACYHdbtEv6-PjpG9IhpUp1tg/s640/incatrail22.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR_0gNu7RhsPjuMTkNFq1FFAGO2VegrgH2slFv7C6Gdm69xF1MJUG-V6J29WZBy4PN-YC7ADn7dMzIeneu-iFlZZ29OSSE5yeBp3loUku0yGi-kWZZBhL0uR70gWxiHaP1JpgD0y3Vmw/s1600/incatrail23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR_0gNu7RhsPjuMTkNFq1FFAGO2VegrgH2slFv7C6Gdm69xF1MJUG-V6J29WZBy4PN-YC7ADn7dMzIeneu-iFlZZ29OSSE5yeBp3loUku0yGi-kWZZBhL0uR70gWxiHaP1JpgD0y3Vmw/s640/incatrail23.jpg" width="427" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY52t7sYRmO9TLAdI2DkSJfqwwZDZ6TBbJLZ5xJflJY5Jx5foEfwNdeMLxoV49u6vKg9S-1L7A6hr1uhU3TmIghNiUo32MLX4cvs_pnzRBD5xvXISrHFbqp0zCTVdqPuTiFPxPCTj2cBI/s1600/incatrail24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY52t7sYRmO9TLAdI2DkSJfqwwZDZ6TBbJLZ5xJflJY5Jx5foEfwNdeMLxoV49u6vKg9S-1L7A6hr1uhU3TmIghNiUo32MLX4cvs_pnzRBD5xvXISrHFbqp0zCTVdqPuTiFPxPCTj2cBI/s640/incatrail24.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOz66JgpKCra7hvojihLTXK-zj-MNxhTEfuqveOyFjOiaV_LsQlchOmNKg5-fV5Rn0Gf0jTyTct4Qx_k3lE2N3Zub6Wp0WvAVFQ3FR39-hrG3t4Igq3RjRIweIf8njLH57Wg_4BiKgVA/s1600/incatrail25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOz66JgpKCra7hvojihLTXK-zj-MNxhTEfuqveOyFjOiaV_LsQlchOmNKg5-fV5Rn0Gf0jTyTct4Qx_k3lE2N3Zub6Wp0WvAVFQ3FR39-hrG3t4Igq3RjRIweIf8njLH57Wg_4BiKgVA/s640/incatrail25.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our break, with our goal in sight, we continued on. Our legs were definitely starting to tire, but we were fueled by our goal. While we were slowed, we noticed that we were doing pretty well to keep up with the porters. This both encouraged us and made us think seriously about the pace we were setting. As it had been all morning, the views were fantastic!</div>
<br />
<div>Finally, we made it up! Standing in the pass at 4215m in Dead Woman's Pass. We posed for some pictures before climbing on top of the woman's breast to rest and enjoy the views. We had a nice snack and break, basking in our accomplishment as we watched more people make the final steps of their climb.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZjYR49jirEs8rSGVHAiC3NednA8SpYeEewrqOJ8LmiiLdS0NdzLrMFFMD_WH_5rlBbqbyWwaK5YwjHNg-AHt3Lv9KxGynMNFk6GcRSKfWmRgHFXnqoYzp4YcwR3al9YHXrm6EWsr9uw/s1600/incatrail26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZjYR49jirEs8rSGVHAiC3NednA8SpYeEewrqOJ8LmiiLdS0NdzLrMFFMD_WH_5rlBbqbyWwaK5YwjHNg-AHt3Lv9KxGynMNFk6GcRSKfWmRgHFXnqoYzp4YcwR3al9YHXrm6EWsr9uw/s640/incatrail26.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b0DGbGuximSkFgWV8IqCr2eOEqati8S0m21zz5ghjIGIJD4_Mcgdu5UgtmowEi3pmnG7znjbUqttKMsntQ9xGQBt6d8lXWYLeLcawwRzjDmNykCNud2_E0A-zizxDKhObBhOmjmjh_w/s1600/incatrail27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b0DGbGuximSkFgWV8IqCr2eOEqati8S0m21zz5ghjIGIJD4_Mcgdu5UgtmowEi3pmnG7znjbUqttKMsntQ9xGQBt6d8lXWYLeLcawwRzjDmNykCNud2_E0A-zizxDKhObBhOmjmjh_w/s640/incatrail27.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWKT_OMa8RoOJeohUOSR1yXvoT7wiA_6SPk6NVcJsS1say_ihWeQ3XqIKipkclpb4SRrcsHb5nloo_Lm9iumEeJuzONCH6aOZD3XACGi6Xmh5MY_t93ZNxgMwVQAJgTxyE2ytElBFhKs/s1600/incatrail28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWKT_OMa8RoOJeohUOSR1yXvoT7wiA_6SPk6NVcJsS1say_ihWeQ3XqIKipkclpb4SRrcsHb5nloo_Lm9iumEeJuzONCH6aOZD3XACGi6Xmh5MY_t93ZNxgMwVQAJgTxyE2ytElBFhKs/s640/incatrail28.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU561GbfCJ2eXtAbj4eM6qmZFAst4EH3qoia9bEgjVcOevlZ-TzDMbnNu34JibcnjXIPqyCeCjkOg8LWtmBJv3bnNGUwU-m2z-uWAKhOnyZUqlGOjaGhHRxNFToJJhldnxh1dmtMRWF0/s1600/incatrail29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU561GbfCJ2eXtAbj4eM6qmZFAst4EH3qoia9bEgjVcOevlZ-TzDMbnNu34JibcnjXIPqyCeCjkOg8LWtmBJv3bnNGUwU-m2z-uWAKhOnyZUqlGOjaGhHRxNFToJJhldnxh1dmtMRWF0/s640/incatrail29.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCSBfs6M7c6Y6p49vzqXzNIkcadnheAPIqyjvmInHeorOOD8xCFwh8gjT1R7NtDYlbsbk6bVm_EjaghAfsQeHmPnwyno32F3-2qOFEVDAISaaYovz2crnIrktFOQhGMmAR7ewFvmAHbw/s1600/incatrail30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCSBfs6M7c6Y6p49vzqXzNIkcadnheAPIqyjvmInHeorOOD8xCFwh8gjT1R7NtDYlbsbk6bVm_EjaghAfsQeHmPnwyno32F3-2qOFEVDAISaaYovz2crnIrktFOQhGMmAR7ewFvmAHbw/s640/incatrail30.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After about 30 minutes at the top, we began our descent to lunch and camp for the day. Unfortunately, going downhill was tougher for us than going up. We slowly navigated the steps, taking minimal breaks to try to get off the mountain as quickly as possible. Then a light rain joined us, making the rocks rather slippery. Brenna and Kari both fell on their bums, and all of slipped a little on the way down. Not great, but we eventually made it to lunch, which was also our camp for the night.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ol5d-t2aTs54DylHzZywWPGZtRIqIkYY-pTmTe528d4PCApDWxmsI7r-DWWYqoiQJPkvVSWW7XqKAOTlhXiLWbkrMDE54-yKjhfeRxZY_8F52UUYTQ80Mo-Yq8iIkaG0y9kEpW0RiZQ/s1600/incatrail31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ol5d-t2aTs54DylHzZywWPGZtRIqIkYY-pTmTe528d4PCApDWxmsI7r-DWWYqoiQJPkvVSWW7XqKAOTlhXiLWbkrMDE54-yKjhfeRxZY_8F52UUYTQ80Mo-Yq8iIkaG0y9kEpW0RiZQ/s640/incatrail31.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>When we arrived, we sat down to a delicious meal of lomo saltado and had some more tea and hot chocolate. The rain was starting to pick up as we settled into our tents.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsoX2_VA8Blm4QJBf_WpwSic1Cnr1B-itzKlgcW6Tvq7thA8skRnsiVtUwplshrUsRXrROuWdB8dqToAU5sOSNBIKfeLisfgdG9hCOEV7tiZD8gBPxG-EP3YOvwX5Jldoa9HjRkk9o8M/s1600/incatrail32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsoX2_VA8Blm4QJBf_WpwSic1Cnr1B-itzKlgcW6Tvq7thA8skRnsiVtUwplshrUsRXrROuWdB8dqToAU5sOSNBIKfeLisfgdG9hCOEV7tiZD8gBPxG-EP3YOvwX5Jldoa9HjRkk9o8M/s640/incatrail32.jpg" width="640" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Finally feeling the urge, I decided to give the squat toilet a real test run. Thankfully, I figured out a good position and successfully hit the target on my first try. Flying high on my success, I decided it might also be a good idea to take a shower. The water is from a mountain lake fed by glacial run-off. Translation: stupid cold! I turned it on and "attempted" to get in, but I decided it was better to just use a wash cloth to clean myself and only have the water on for short bursts.</div>
<br />
<div>Feeling somewhat refreshed and in cleaner clothes, I went back to join Kari for a short nap. Kari also went to take a shower. Definitely a luxury, despite how cold the water was, that we normally do not have.</div>
<br />
<div>It was definitely good we got to camp when we did. The sky opened up and dumped for a few hours. We felt really bad for the people still coming into camp in the rain, especially those that strolled in after dark. That had to be miserable. While watching all of that, we were enjoying our afternoon tea and hot chocolate with popcorn and cookies. This occurred about an hour and a half before dinner. Then came the soup. Delicious! Tonight, we had pasta and a delicious stuffed and breaded hot pepper. Since Kari's tummy was not feeling great, I got to eat her pepper. Man were those good! For dessert, we had chocolate pudding, plus more tea if you wanted. I passed on the tea, but I did get to finish Kari's pudding. Hooray for marrying someone that does not like chocolate! Throughout tea and dinner, Christian was giving us a history lesson and telling stories of the Inca people. It is all super fascinating! Like the previous night, we were in bed by 8pm, hoping to get some rest for the next day!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-4398483073646460612016-08-14T13:32:00.000-05:002016-08-14T13:32:08.982-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Inca Trail Day 1 (Piskacucho to Wayllabamba)<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_884526'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=884526&stopid=6219175&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_884526&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>Our alarms went off at 5am. Gotta love planning adventure trips! We quickly showered and finished packing and prepping our gear for the next few days. Both of us were a little nervous about what was in store for us!</div>
<br />
<div>A few minutes after 6am, our ride to the start was at our hotel. We loaded our gear and headed off to pick our partners in this journey, Hannah and Brenna, not to mention our porters. Only about 1.5 hours of car time until we stopped for breakfast at Ollantaytambo in the little square we drove by the day before. Since we had driven this same road the day before at night, it was nice to see it in daylight and try to notice things we missed the first time around.</div>
<br />
<div>Finally, we made it to Ollantaytambo and got out at a little cafe on the square to use the restrooms and eat breakfast. It was quite delicious.</div>
<br />
<div>By the time we were finished, the van was fully loaded with our porters for the trek, and we set off to Piskacucho. To get there from Ollantaytambo, we had another 30-40 minutes on a dirt 1 lane road that supported two way traffic. Our van got a little close to other cars trying to squeeze past the other way. We passed through a few small towns as well.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we arrived at Piskacucho, the porters quickly got to work as we posed for a few pictures before heading to the control where we had to show our passports to gain entry to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Trail_to_Machu_Picchu">Inca Trail</a>. We only had to wait a few minutes before we could begin our crossing of the bridge and officially begin the Inca Trail. Of course we posed for more photos before we took off on our way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkG1Greqxogben7RC1IFQlg3zetjHsZGqtgV3BAgPFyRLO8HWECEAi7i2de-DXSWwLr1Yw_L9J5eGMoWowD1iqoTc23YcNWL9Y7VgTQzazU4b8Dz6HLA4lvRNRYijLv6ak-Q0S-beqEc/s1600/incatrail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpkG1Greqxogben7RC1IFQlg3zetjHsZGqtgV3BAgPFyRLO8HWECEAi7i2de-DXSWwLr1Yw_L9J5eGMoWowD1iqoTc23YcNWL9Y7VgTQzazU4b8Dz6HLA4lvRNRYijLv6ak-Q0S-beqEc/s640/incatrail1.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsOKgwlrw3Ol6kXDA3-uLAbiJSuIrgjS-1CkOsmQw2h3NxmhGZa1RetbRVBDKyMs0KHSoI23htG2CVeyzigPxc4ciqV8ie5-7UT7GTRiMJkKtUFe1KjWoVxAUiIcXhmif9Ku7-sUCWyo/s1600/incatrail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZsOKgwlrw3Ol6kXDA3-uLAbiJSuIrgjS-1CkOsmQw2h3NxmhGZa1RetbRVBDKyMs0KHSoI23htG2CVeyzigPxc4ciqV8ie5-7UT7GTRiMJkKtUFe1KjWoVxAUiIcXhmif9Ku7-sUCWyo/s640/incatrail2.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgdLh-6EzahKEVGmlovs2Ay0xu2336TyMn7S1I_ZdfjUHS5nq-QtbK-sCZJUhbvWkpy_IG9_8xR1QEkl6Z-XrLsVkrFgEPVlvc-H1DRxA9FIc2OdkaWPFiAtIHQHcv63u2EkWB2NhyBM/s1600/incatrail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgdLh-6EzahKEVGmlovs2Ay0xu2336TyMn7S1I_ZdfjUHS5nq-QtbK-sCZJUhbvWkpy_IG9_8xR1QEkl6Z-XrLsVkrFgEPVlvc-H1DRxA9FIc2OdkaWPFiAtIHQHcv63u2EkWB2NhyBM/s640/incatrail3.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lYnJqR5am2KxY06jXh8bfMfR34BzRyFAPNOHg3_jP6MGq4bMqqSiW-DiFjHfSovuwcvDZEsgEuBEXouWmfLbRz3dW9nqSJbivNlsazjnP0hwRT5uPcGt1MoyYYJ0HEHzmMIrTvv3_ho/s1600/incatrail4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lYnJqR5am2KxY06jXh8bfMfR34BzRyFAPNOHg3_jP6MGq4bMqqSiW-DiFjHfSovuwcvDZEsgEuBEXouWmfLbRz3dW9nqSJbivNlsazjnP0hwRT5uPcGt1MoyYYJ0HEHzmMIrTvv3_ho/s640/incatrail4.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmmiv-qnRObS7uKtMxwSuB-3Thn5DMI0gDC0ubQVURjy9F3-I4Svj_66dxh-1NTplpew8X8YkdvAGXsJWBeElmJ2IOmWJbirexetMnCcslEgllk-ECZOjLHoTmbDGpIgB3Pdm-__FdpQ/s1600/incatrail5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmmiv-qnRObS7uKtMxwSuB-3Thn5DMI0gDC0ubQVURjy9F3-I4Svj_66dxh-1NTplpew8X8YkdvAGXsJWBeElmJ2IOmWJbirexetMnCcslEgllk-ECZOjLHoTmbDGpIgB3Pdm-__FdpQ/s640/incatrail5.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>During this first part of our trek, we saw a lot of farms and along the side of the trail. The trail followed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urubamba_River">Urubamba River</a>, and the train tracks that led to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu">Machu Picchu</a>, as it snaked in the bottom of a valley between the mountains. The combination of farms, the river, high tension power lines and the train tracks was certainly not what I was expecting. Granted, we did not do much research. We just figured that we wanted to see Machu Picchu, and this was there more adventurous way to get there. Besides, it was always interesting when a horse, donkey, or cow came up the trail either in front of or behind you! Added excitement!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YrCBoiGfP-8v2kluT8GDR4CQft7e-04smUoI6UP4jhlaCEIPqb33BzsgqVlhNGF95kiaTUp8YXUjPRwA8zFob-No7RuXYSgFDoqiU9YxaCAEwHRn9RgNlo3eu1N_Ap2E9v31IOkyQME/s1600/incatrail15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YrCBoiGfP-8v2kluT8GDR4CQft7e-04smUoI6UP4jhlaCEIPqb33BzsgqVlhNGF95kiaTUp8YXUjPRwA8zFob-No7RuXYSgFDoqiU9YxaCAEwHRn9RgNlo3eu1N_Ap2E9v31IOkyQME/s640/incatrail15.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Our first real rest stop was in Miskay, a small village that seemed to cater to tourists. There was a snack stand on the trail that sold all sorts of snacks and beverages, including bottled water. We took it as an opportunity to nibble on some snacks in our pack, and Kari got to experience her first <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squat_toilet">squat toilet</a>. Upon her return, she mentioned that she was ready to go to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India">India</a>!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftIg9dRdjqzZ5bp5ZUSuk9sDYV3s6aNl-RNdQ5oFXWj_w7rhqfGdIA_w1oQvMcBXU-TErrOBm0Nyh78v2IZm4q2h8bP27pss6QyRHQbMT2pbTDchaJ0X39nHpzdBbsbcg_6eptx-NSyo/s1600/incatrail14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftIg9dRdjqzZ5bp5ZUSuk9sDYV3s6aNl-RNdQ5oFXWj_w7rhqfGdIA_w1oQvMcBXU-TErrOBm0Nyh78v2IZm4q2h8bP27pss6QyRHQbMT2pbTDchaJ0X39nHpzdBbsbcg_6eptx-NSyo/s640/incatrail14.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our quick break, we began climbing up out of the valley. Another lung opener for what was about to come. We also got to see our second Inca site of the hike at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patallaqta">Llaqtapata</a>. Our first was a small spot near the train tracks prior to Miskay.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rQwBe2IAXsEoODnPQbcm7qoUVrlMjiKJCiq3mKR4L8NYKM209cm4xBY7hx5Fwl0OryMj4J2OQkBh7p_Efmq_qoYknEfTOUddwRtoqcfb8ojYplufRPwIvKXmJQvbVvWsF-aSnKBN7jY/s1600/incatrail16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rQwBe2IAXsEoODnPQbcm7qoUVrlMjiKJCiq3mKR4L8NYKM209cm4xBY7hx5Fwl0OryMj4J2OQkBh7p_Efmq_qoYknEfTOUddwRtoqcfb8ojYplufRPwIvKXmJQvbVvWsF-aSnKBN7jY/s640/incatrail16.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>While we did not get to walk around, we had an awesome vantage point on a cliff up above. It was beautiful. There were some pre-Inca ruins on top of the cliff that we did get to explore. Our guide, Christian, mentioned that the higher class Incas used this spot to be able to look over the city. Not far away were two sacrificial spots. Both were relatively flat and away from the rest of the city.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQqdRduk_4lplc0Y_XhquuLDO8QPMfnUfAU0pG-v5GOnUenE6HnBcUsEkJgdWcEGO-D7cy6xLNddvGoPFuT6sU3eryRXKTpK15hvL-SM0T882GgzW-j3-Yn_BvezIF7nyODsRNlN7pnc/s1600/incatrail7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQqdRduk_4lplc0Y_XhquuLDO8QPMfnUfAU0pG-v5GOnUenE6HnBcUsEkJgdWcEGO-D7cy6xLNddvGoPFuT6sU3eryRXKTpK15hvL-SM0T882GgzW-j3-Yn_BvezIF7nyODsRNlN7pnc/s640/incatrail7.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKLfu72J-ZIfwV8noOv6crMuzphPYBavqbJrzL12qnQkv5o_pAZG202fiN63UzoI2UFPvkIjLNbqNFRjxrFvVC7wbuWzs_OeUGkH1i5rmlGd_Hx7BPc3pWgmJeTGArhscef-oJg2lcCs/s1600/incatrail8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKLfu72J-ZIfwV8noOv6crMuzphPYBavqbJrzL12qnQkv5o_pAZG202fiN63UzoI2UFPvkIjLNbqNFRjxrFvVC7wbuWzs_OeUGkH1i5rmlGd_Hx7BPc3pWgmJeTGArhscef-oJg2lcCs/s640/incatrail8.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Llaqtapata was the primary city for all the farmlands in the surrounding area. Christian mentioned that this city supported about 1000 Incas during its time. Pretty impressive!</div>
<br />
<div>Throughout the trek, Christian would point out various plants and provide a little history and/or information about them. One of the plants he pointed out was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia">prickly pear cactus</a>. Both because of the prevalence of it as well as the bacteria that grew on it that produce the deep red color when killed. Luckily, we passed a little girl near Hatuncancha, another village on the Inca Trail, and Christian paid her for one prickly pear. We were able to try the prickly pear and, boy, was it delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOKUk3rJYNLlNmzmByFfiDuhjKY0qbKMM6tt5hdM4naHKKh_y07_5FaiZwf2zBm1T6LXUzf_xucp7AYMoUR4rRTfJWMYcdi5-ZbgsrgHj942wqL_epa4OTlEjYPGR5fGG_N_emBG-p34/s1600/incatrail6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOKUk3rJYNLlNmzmByFfiDuhjKY0qbKMM6tt5hdM4naHKKh_y07_5FaiZwf2zBm1T6LXUzf_xucp7AYMoUR4rRTfJWMYcdi5-ZbgsrgHj942wqL_epa4OTlEjYPGR5fGG_N_emBG-p34/s640/incatrail6.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As we continued our journey, we were in awe of the beauty surrounding us. It was absolutely magnificent. We were also fortunate to have relatively cloudy skies with only a couple quick drizzles. It helped keep us cool without getting super wet. Probably the most entertaining part was a donkey jam we got ourselves in before lunch. We caught a family of farmers hauling their loads home on the backs of some horses and donkeys, plus a few dogs for good measure. When they stopped, we would pass only to be passed back by some. Eventually, we were completely surrounded! Wild!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliQ-0IbLfBczryMtfdnOv4a_tfRK-3o7a7oS-K83-5-YF0BShMgGzSSLTfFMX3ZGZWCh_eUIJ4YBqFTbYPAe8buwT1FKvaNkii4qOC88t9G37XlZgKGdypZ_ciH-R-F5z5a_hJ8Jw7K4/s1600/incatrail10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliQ-0IbLfBczryMtfdnOv4a_tfRK-3o7a7oS-K83-5-YF0BShMgGzSSLTfFMX3ZGZWCh_eUIJ4YBqFTbYPAe8buwT1FKvaNkii4qOC88t9G37XlZgKGdypZ_ciH-R-F5z5a_hJ8Jw7K4/s640/incatrail10.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqI18oxL7BNPr-KntfwYpuQChHMsSyEOBNA3OwFlsC_DupUVcdeZaA6llppvx2q4NehMspvC0Wsi8Oj00UT407JvzFsJq6A6U80YSP6R7myROwQXZZc2m0Bd3bXW7kxhk2kQajj0PHU0/s1600/incatrail11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqI18oxL7BNPr-KntfwYpuQChHMsSyEOBNA3OwFlsC_DupUVcdeZaA6llppvx2q4NehMspvC0Wsi8Oj00UT407JvzFsJq6A6U80YSP6R7myROwQXZZc2m0Bd3bXW7kxhk2kQajj0PHU0/s640/incatrail11.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We were all excited to walk into the lunch spot. Everything smelled delicious and we had some time to rest. Our chef, Mariano, made trout with rice, bread, and other goodies. Despite not really liking fish, it was not bad. We all ate up and finished lunch with some more <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_tea">coca tea</a> to help with the altitude.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji31kAXFmbXBr3QetbU-cV_d1GR0e0X3q1DEBlDelbu2pFoPKFiRsyKdLqa61-zWhtc8TohgtnnwS1IvvoZZgN7o5OzwauwWeSBuI311TllzUPTkvGBxr0_sdCfSmuStTnw2HM2merLcg/s1600/incatrail9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji31kAXFmbXBr3QetbU-cV_d1GR0e0X3q1DEBlDelbu2pFoPKFiRsyKdLqa61-zWhtc8TohgtnnwS1IvvoZZgN7o5OzwauwWeSBuI311TllzUPTkvGBxr0_sdCfSmuStTnw2HM2merLcg/s640/incatrail9.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following lunch, we had our final hour hike to camp for the night. It was nice to walk and enjoy the views. Peru is a very beautiful country. To our porters surprise, and I think ours too, we beat them to camp by about 20 minutes. We were laying and relaxing when Julio Caesar, one of the youngest porters, came strolling into camp, all smiles and congratulating us on a job well done. Really, the porters were the studs of the day. They start early, hike fast, carrying all the gear, and work until everything has been cleaned up from dinner. It is super impressive to watch them work.</div>
<br />
<div>Once camp was set up, we were able to relax for a bit until tea time and then dinner. It was nice to try to recuperate after our first day of hiking. One of the super fun things about this camp site was the little sheep behind our tents. It would occasionally make noise when we were inside the tents. Only mildly creepy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89YCmar4S7F7tXkw2rQD6rymyZEpJm14-b_GVQGZ8vgai57Y7HSdjwmkNy2VmNPh6IZ2wnV2v5aK5jOLtl0gmZXPThNr-XMr4Rbq7QJ1NgIodBfWRQKmmdVkSslehIGuNQNuk0vTY_Q/s1600/incatrail12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89YCmar4S7F7tXkw2rQD6rymyZEpJm14-b_GVQGZ8vgai57Y7HSdjwmkNy2VmNPh6IZ2wnV2v5aK5jOLtl0gmZXPThNr-XMr4Rbq7QJ1NgIodBfWRQKmmdVkSslehIGuNQNuk0vTY_Q/s640/incatrail12.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AK7kAEWFcz1NxmzfCQ7lsWMovgGF3268nN26y_vtcmLITsb9DxMli7du2ieOpb0iIW1YwGNwxNMpf_Rs-umeDHc0kGC1Rx6VTZjtK33RHURZkPUMCNXdZ0tp8uZleEOkWtj4NRKU5BI/s1600/incatrail13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AK7kAEWFcz1NxmzfCQ7lsWMovgGF3268nN26y_vtcmLITsb9DxMli7du2ieOpb0iIW1YwGNwxNMpf_Rs-umeDHc0kGC1Rx6VTZjtK33RHURZkPUMCNXdZ0tp8uZleEOkWtj4NRKU5BI/s640/incatrail13.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Dinner for the evening was chicken with rice, mixed veggies, and bread. We followed dinner with more tea and introductions with our porters. Our porters were Andres, Julio Caesar, Beltran, Juan, Ignacio, Mariano (chef), and Cosimé. Most came from the same area and are related to one another in some way. It was pretty neat sharing a little about ourselves and learning a little about them. Afterwards, we all went to bed early, tired from the day.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-3551296865535440802016-08-13T17:39:00.000-05:002016-08-13T17:39:43.961-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Sacred Valley Tour<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_884358'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=884358&stopid=6218521&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_884358&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<div>We started our morning rather early with a delicious breakfast in the hotel, prior to our ride picking us up for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Valley">Sacred Valley</a> tour.</div>
<br />
<div>A little after 8am, our ride came to get us. Unfortunately, we still did not speak much Spanish and he did not speak much English. He drove us around Cusco until he was given the name of the next persons hotel that he needed to pick up. Then we waited at the bus depot for our tour bus. Quite a confusing few minutes. On the bus, we met our guide, Herman, and began our journey. Herman gave us a fair amount of history while we drove through the countryside.</div>
<br />
<div>At the first small town, we stopped to check out the market and use the bathroom. Michael, the other guy in our pick-up car, and I chatted for a while about our families and how beautiful the area was.</div>
<br />
<div>Back in the bus, we continued on until a rest stop overlooking the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urubamba_River">Urubamba River</a>, the sacred river. It was beautiful. As a bonus, we got to watch some hummingbirds play in the flowers a cactus.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4U6wjS4tyUP55lSW4cxI-SKyF9AsIlKyFQ1vnWXxx-as_tWMzziuo0lH2rCbb5rZZtPrntI_euru2qsl7GPtZZgl2CaSkotRsenwEnXuS9CJFiqnmq7Y_opBWVSVGKOaveTglZJdd9s/s1600/sacredvalleytour1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4U6wjS4tyUP55lSW4cxI-SKyF9AsIlKyFQ1vnWXxx-as_tWMzziuo0lH2rCbb5rZZtPrntI_euru2qsl7GPtZZgl2CaSkotRsenwEnXuS9CJFiqnmq7Y_opBWVSVGKOaveTglZJdd9s/s640/sacredvalleytour1.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmWS7zs4RNWYXiCr8avhsItlokzyvesPGccdoO_94SlOLi2w15ELT_gdUvbJ6y5w1_3MT9675uL02mV-s6rwXmQyoNxTOR4Vq4ibUhIJkUqcGjgwDTlQT5qCZRKRFJ3O-4FXqosB9ZXY/s1600/sacredvalleytour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmWS7zs4RNWYXiCr8avhsItlokzyvesPGccdoO_94SlOLi2w15ELT_gdUvbJ6y5w1_3MT9675uL02mV-s6rwXmQyoNxTOR4Vq4ibUhIJkUqcGjgwDTlQT5qCZRKRFJ3O-4FXqosB9ZXY/s640/sacredvalleytour2.jpg" width="640" height="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtQZcEgneUmqlmyvlDAh6JgN7ZzI2GQnfXnrRa7zenXvaO13ldZPmSbYDcCm4K6-G2aodHWRom7D-KJYG0c0o752edNQkWrsXZhsdOVkwsDMto7kwc9pmDVbGuuiZ5BQHeG69kG9Iq98/s1600/sacredvalleytour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtQZcEgneUmqlmyvlDAh6JgN7ZzI2GQnfXnrRa7zenXvaO13ldZPmSbYDcCm4K6-G2aodHWRom7D-KJYG0c0o752edNQkWrsXZhsdOVkwsDMto7kwc9pmDVbGuuiZ5BQHeG69kG9Iq98/s640/sacredvalleytour3.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following the stop, we continued on into the town of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%ADsac">P'isaq</a>, crossing the "San Francisco" bridge, on our way to the Inca site at P'isaq.</div>
<br />
<div>P'isaq was stunning! It was interesting to learn hot they charted the sun, moon, and stars to help them with their agriculture. Also, we learned that each terrace contains dirt from the Andes, dirt from the coast near Lima, and dirt from the jungle to help grow crops more effectively. As we wandered around P'isaq, we were in awe of the construction and at how the altitude was affecting us. At over 11000 ft, every step we climbed seemed to take the life out of us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHFoccb0_5GOCGbwR4Dmg1S1pR9OGdveAxr_Zxmi6Xb1J4fODA9XXnNboVQJW25MEwX0C35K7_1XUza2gGuAiVxDZbNYgbeWM1204l1hpqo1C9cppSMHhuaUOqxJTJKdvJRGwXwdwe_8/s1600/sacredvalleytour4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHFoccb0_5GOCGbwR4Dmg1S1pR9OGdveAxr_Zxmi6Xb1J4fODA9XXnNboVQJW25MEwX0C35K7_1XUza2gGuAiVxDZbNYgbeWM1204l1hpqo1C9cppSMHhuaUOqxJTJKdvJRGwXwdwe_8/s640/sacredvalleytour4.jpg" width="640" height="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WyQZLargRL3BY5Tvep0gZfo4uXftTcPY5cTQNK_jGj7oG3l6E2V8GaA-Kt_GAl7C5M4lpstx6Gs9w1nqfOPZBp5Yw6T6wbf_20ZH1wyhyZSE7OIXkiBpx958y4ZGUSHWgixbAsnNaYA/s1600/sacredvalleytour5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WyQZLargRL3BY5Tvep0gZfo4uXftTcPY5cTQNK_jGj7oG3l6E2V8GaA-Kt_GAl7C5M4lpstx6Gs9w1nqfOPZBp5Yw6T6wbf_20ZH1wyhyZSE7OIXkiBpx958y4ZGUSHWgixbAsnNaYA/s640/sacredvalleytour5.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVOqvHzVAsIxjTn61J2ebIxmbj9cCbqoRKj1d_o55QCnWEPTyEAonM3eQz5M1gdbXrbyzNVJPOpAdF50wYr7PWsdDe1RqrgsBDH61pSXoWjkMUITfobGTuCUhiBt9G7UY0YhAu-8cCk/s1600/sacredvalleytour7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQVOqvHzVAsIxjTn61J2ebIxmbj9cCbqoRKj1d_o55QCnWEPTyEAonM3eQz5M1gdbXrbyzNVJPOpAdF50wYr7PWsdDe1RqrgsBDH61pSXoWjkMUITfobGTuCUhiBt9G7UY0YhAu-8cCk/s640/sacredvalleytour7.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLAUUErIw-BbwxG2QxT-1ePbUWEasWdS-FrY0uUGayBmwlvtL6szIgPVk76tJnZkz20cxr1pNuQA4X9RnxJ7zIjTwmhfyWZ1J6crrx6znGHYFrHY7A4SaXzUV_rL9F_RppDc35T4tBYc/s1600/sacredvalleytour8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLAUUErIw-BbwxG2QxT-1ePbUWEasWdS-FrY0uUGayBmwlvtL6szIgPVk76tJnZkz20cxr1pNuQA4X9RnxJ7zIjTwmhfyWZ1J6crrx6znGHYFrHY7A4SaXzUV_rL9F_RppDc35T4tBYc/s640/sacredvalleytour8.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn6P9xsGSbXkz1ea_wwxhxwAJMEB7kSarFQf2Gj2qj1-aWRRutlRiwvt-Olushyphenhyphen4nRzkauZypB4Gc6oSm0hzq8F_uq_lHeafy9brKgiGMS53Z7r4bFaqntndvj6n8-UyCXJBGrW_q7j8/s1600/sacredvalleytour9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn6P9xsGSbXkz1ea_wwxhxwAJMEB7kSarFQf2Gj2qj1-aWRRutlRiwvt-Olushyphenhyphen4nRzkauZypB4Gc6oSm0hzq8F_uq_lHeafy9brKgiGMS53Z7r4bFaqntndvj6n8-UyCXJBGrW_q7j8/s640/sacredvalleytour9.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On the other side of the canyon from the main buildings at P'isaq were small caves. The Incas mummified their dead by removing the organs, cutting the tendons, folding into a fetal position, and covering in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minthostachys_mollis">muña oil</a>, as a preservative. The small caves were near the top of the mountain, close to heaven, and in a place <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andean_condor">condors</a> could help the spirits ascend to heaven. The craftsmanship of the Incas was something truly special to see in person.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdQbMtcOZKVewyRF__HC7Y6YAn65zfs_ZyDh-BrGZ6TpnggdhBl6Ty6hdO93m126Y79lZGH5KJMwhBa746_-7liQMkbgt4DF-PBoCHCiyXxkljI2agujRISt-7FEwK70JSsp1qkoHw-c/s1600/sacredvalleytour6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdQbMtcOZKVewyRF__HC7Y6YAn65zfs_ZyDh-BrGZ6TpnggdhBl6Ty6hdO93m126Y79lZGH5KJMwhBa746_-7liQMkbgt4DF-PBoCHCiyXxkljI2agujRISt-7FEwK70JSsp1qkoHw-c/s640/sacredvalleytour6.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our time at the archeological site in P'isaq, we loaded the bus and headed into town. P'isaq is known for its silver production. Kari, Michael, and I listened to the instruction of how silver jewelry is made and how to spot real silver. It was pretty neat to watch the masters at work and learn more about silver.</div>
<br />
<div>After a short time in the village, we were back on the bus, heading toward <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo">Ollantaytambo</a>, to get lunch. Kari, Michael, and I ate at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294321-d6437878-Reviews-Hacienda_Puka_Punku-Urubamba_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html">Hacienda Puka Punku</a>, sampling a variety of Peruvian dishes. We even got to try <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpaca">alpaca</a>, adding to our list of exotic critters we have eaten. Now, we need to find some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_pig">cuy, or guinea pig</a>, which is a local delicacy here in Peru.</div>
<br />
<div>When Herman and our bus driver came back, we continued on to the Inca site Ollantaytambo. The city of Ollantaytambo had narrow streets, reminiscent of the Inca streets, tight and narrow with gutters. We drove past the town square and parked with the rest of the buses. After a quick walk up a narrow alley, we were at the gates to the Inca site of Ollantaytambo. Herman walked us in and gave a brief history lesson of the place and surrounding community before walking us up the steps to the temple of the sun. As any true temple of the sun, it was as close to the top of the mountain as possible. Lungs burned as we ascended, hopefully a good warm-up to the Inca Trail. The temple of the sun had a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ollantaytambo#Temple_Hill">wall made of six huge slabs of interlocking granite</a>. Each slab weighed over 70 tons. I can only imagine how hard it would have been to drag the granite across the river, 2km away, and up the mountain, only to stand them together in a wall of interlocking pieces. Yowser!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA6X2tfDl24GM-g5GXQ4Ydma778luJybtfrz79J5lqNLqx8Dud5HLZGMMo4eAnoz-yOH4NH1UV44oNCRjMhAvUiGNjljOTVILLqtPa3JnKO0Th4qyALY6s1z7bGmcua0Viipgh95nY40/s1600/sacredvalleytour10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA6X2tfDl24GM-g5GXQ4Ydma778luJybtfrz79J5lqNLqx8Dud5HLZGMMo4eAnoz-yOH4NH1UV44oNCRjMhAvUiGNjljOTVILLqtPa3JnKO0Th4qyALY6s1z7bGmcua0Viipgh95nY40/s640/sacredvalleytour10.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2jRi7DgeSJv1Qe39sQR2cMJc6sNwQkNFTfCq3U9zhkSI7G8YBjDH5GlATfMROfY4TKMlprp6ZAIwsZYQotLeMTRsRRehNCPDH_fAR1lmY8DfAelh_KbfUo3mOVW2Y8O_0JufiUC0yU0/s1600/sacredvalleytour11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2jRi7DgeSJv1Qe39sQR2cMJc6sNwQkNFTfCq3U9zhkSI7G8YBjDH5GlATfMROfY4TKMlprp6ZAIwsZYQotLeMTRsRRehNCPDH_fAR1lmY8DfAelh_KbfUo3mOVW2Y8O_0JufiUC0yU0/s640/sacredvalleytour11.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc240_pIBH7SxjbqFcfxNxlXnVOQ8uL2o83D6IiFumAQZzsj8TOZ5eljPtQcytub3-VnXFSGOrzzZN8KQqzjEkHN8ZmdEM2mmYE98n_kBM5UraQ2ZZSbUrkWYM9N-_26w6po3778yMLTw/s1600/sacredvalleytour12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc240_pIBH7SxjbqFcfxNxlXnVOQ8uL2o83D6IiFumAQZzsj8TOZ5eljPtQcytub3-VnXFSGOrzzZN8KQqzjEkHN8ZmdEM2mmYE98n_kBM5UraQ2ZZSbUrkWYM9N-_26w6po3778yMLTw/s640/sacredvalleytour12.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GqCMuaoIXh9Lzm8zCvzVZl-SD-iDUG12McEv-K2GNtPBNNDzRaVlO2lU8O6s0gCwuFefiBnpyCoOOH3yEj5O49qjNtIv_vqan7jWUWob7J0IfNYq6bXuSQCKxdUeXqQTDMQ9RYllNBM/s1600/sacredvalleytour13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GqCMuaoIXh9Lzm8zCvzVZl-SD-iDUG12McEv-K2GNtPBNNDzRaVlO2lU8O6s0gCwuFefiBnpyCoOOH3yEj5O49qjNtIv_vqan7jWUWob7J0IfNYq6bXuSQCKxdUeXqQTDMQ9RYllNBM/s640/sacredvalleytour13.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDRNGOnmkZMOwClT7Nt17coC8nuNeFI3XQ38YMiKKI6bMBRNPrHexMnsDo3CnwEFa3akxiPRuEi5VUu1HloWDFE5mWMid_cgigTwHlguuRqRjiP3BVwpRDi3vwhqdQXcLW8n4aGBmLsM/s1600/sacredvalleytour14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDRNGOnmkZMOwClT7Nt17coC8nuNeFI3XQ38YMiKKI6bMBRNPrHexMnsDo3CnwEFa3akxiPRuEi5VUu1HloWDFE5mWMid_cgigTwHlguuRqRjiP3BVwpRDi3vwhqdQXcLW8n4aGBmLsM/s640/sacredvalleytour14.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our history lesson, Herman let us wander around for a bit before meeting to head back to the bus. Kari and I explored the ruins, as much as possible, before heading back down the mountain. At the bottom, we went to the temple of water to see the various fountains and pools of water. There were also two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llama">llamas</a> hanging out. I was pumped to take a picture of a llama without having to pay for it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TJNSwF8KqyHWgVlAPAyVfDpIXqkKV08AxLigAGBx6C76ycr1sf60L5cNoF4l2yakGFrCPyGgC5oImO6s3GkGmPgQ1qCmw6ZzynlSZgTAKNd6BjIcr4jLIhF2urs5BnG6u6fn9nyU6ZI/s1600/sacredvalleytour15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TJNSwF8KqyHWgVlAPAyVfDpIXqkKV08AxLigAGBx6C76ycr1sf60L5cNoF4l2yakGFrCPyGgC5oImO6s3GkGmPgQ1qCmw6ZzynlSZgTAKNd6BjIcr4jLIhF2urs5BnG6u6fn9nyU6ZI/s640/sacredvalleytour15.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz4NOYXhpiOKdid3TmG3Vwowaav-X17HvfOvwI9_LuGLdw1s9wnlLkUBqJZaNKqL6trCghqK9yUveIRiVUqsWlc4u43qHZzwUPwUvw0VsPt8sp5MpjZ0LxURz7PBNKyrvQ2QQEzDqM8o/s1600/sacredvalleytour16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz4NOYXhpiOKdid3TmG3Vwowaav-X17HvfOvwI9_LuGLdw1s9wnlLkUBqJZaNKqL6trCghqK9yUveIRiVUqsWlc4u43qHZzwUPwUvw0VsPt8sp5MpjZ0LxURz7PBNKyrvQ2QQEzDqM8o/s640/sacredvalleytour16.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNpIL9yFSUO6DD3kUA1YDbQXJ6keX6m-xPAA_wIPL0OvmfSboBt3PViksGWmMqam8_A_so7bAddP3lagTGMa4Qtlic034f5_a0KyUHGX1um81yvzWbcdaIN1a-I0pbitVvLQay8OvTos/s1600/sacredvalleytour17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNpIL9yFSUO6DD3kUA1YDbQXJ6keX6m-xPAA_wIPL0OvmfSboBt3PViksGWmMqam8_A_so7bAddP3lagTGMa4Qtlic034f5_a0KyUHGX1um81yvzWbcdaIN1a-I0pbitVvLQay8OvTos/s640/sacredvalleytour17.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Some of our group stayed in Ollantaytambo while the rest of us continued on to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinchero_District">Chinchero</a>, our final Inca site for the day. The road to Chinchero climbed up into the mountains. We were able to see our first glaciers in the distance. For some reason, I did not think that Peru has glaciers. What a silly thought! Peru is home to the third highest glacier in the elevation! Only Everest and a mountain in Argentina have a glacier at higher elevation. Also, on our way to Chinchero, we passed a plot of land that is in the process of becoming an <a href="http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/newairports/chinchero-cusco-international-airport">airport</a>. It appears that there might even be <a href="http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-chinchero-airport-to-have-direct-flight-to-miami-107824">direct flights from Miami</a>, which would open Cusco without requiring passage through Lima. Kind of neat to see how the country is trying to make the remote regions of the Andes more accessible.</div>
<br />
<div>At Chinchero, we wandered around the Inca site. The terraces here are believed to be more of an agricultural test lab for the Incas. Incas would try different soils at different angles to the sun to find the optimal growing conditions for something then share with all of the other locations. Pretty neat! We also saw how the Spaniards built directly on top of the Inca construction. Beneath the Spanish church was likely the home of the Inca upper class for this area.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVRVzGcfewo4FAECgffORIkRjfgeNH3gHJZtKKGAS_GP7Oy48zHrO8B01xrjrLhqwtK5nEyy2CFx1kf-3BOxKEyepk-Fy0UkqeZ8naaZiN_MsZubRWs8_hLgppdWTJb95u20Msa4EHvc/s1600/sacredvalleytour18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVRVzGcfewo4FAECgffORIkRjfgeNH3gHJZtKKGAS_GP7Oy48zHrO8B01xrjrLhqwtK5nEyy2CFx1kf-3BOxKEyepk-Fy0UkqeZ8naaZiN_MsZubRWs8_hLgppdWTJb95u20Msa4EHvc/s640/sacredvalleytour18.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zs7u4fv_d6W7gxsNH3YgNhN5VdbLlepD951hrx32trfNdxdNJe7tm6IoRygwwOFIAU3y3ceSo0A5nPvwyBFqN-F0xEGkMqRY1ty6qiDWBvhfuTBjk2MGDL0j0woDsCVdsPHSdIabmaM/s1600/sacredvalleytour19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zs7u4fv_d6W7gxsNH3YgNhN5VdbLlepD951hrx32trfNdxdNJe7tm6IoRygwwOFIAU3y3ceSo0A5nPvwyBFqN-F0xEGkMqRY1ty6qiDWBvhfuTBjk2MGDL0j0woDsCVdsPHSdIabmaM/s640/sacredvalleytour19.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUH2iJb1Hy7jS9xGPcdskUUdkim2OO8SJp05F1smh7a0THZ3UKefgC4SPlxSHc790PVY6AaaL2606544uSZHwS1FryzfNBO40MwjPOrZ6TNeMzPIFFhO7t9Iz5YUdt5iA7ojFUMGcqNn4/s1600/sacredvalleytour23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUH2iJb1Hy7jS9xGPcdskUUdkim2OO8SJp05F1smh7a0THZ3UKefgC4SPlxSHc790PVY6AaaL2606544uSZHwS1FryzfNBO40MwjPOrZ6TNeMzPIFFhO7t9Iz5YUdt5iA7ojFUMGcqNn4/s640/sacredvalleytour23.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>As the sun was beginning to set, we all headed back for the bus. Herman decided to take us to meet some ladies working with alpaca wool to show us the different dying techniques and agents, as well as how they worked with and cleaned the wool. The most surprising was how the Inca people get the color red, from a bacteria that grows on cactus and looks white until killed. It was really awesome to learn how more about their culture that they have been passing down for generations from the time of the Incas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1V49QXWQ7CT-KlpetCAGHXBLG530fPRgRC7kA8w4828St3EJfsIaMGg5KMIJzMG0rkCD3-2peRcuQ-mca81qbn3AOaWUeUAFWj9NJtzzNX_-nzf4iszmwVgeDfolUCXuMkc4POPg4fs/s1600/sacredvalleytour20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1V49QXWQ7CT-KlpetCAGHXBLG530fPRgRC7kA8w4828St3EJfsIaMGg5KMIJzMG0rkCD3-2peRcuQ-mca81qbn3AOaWUeUAFWj9NJtzzNX_-nzf4iszmwVgeDfolUCXuMkc4POPg4fs/s640/sacredvalleytour20.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFjwadUPyvdgrvibuBxZqiYYcgP2PRO2jmogxVCHyWMKbVGi-h21X5SjvZAIvQ0bfh4wP4vQw7MKxWqo4k4YjhvyS-y3zETnGt3FLsCNTk23HeXqRefQ5ROUn1HpO0p_iKy-SU0ffbRY/s1600/sacredvalleytour21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFjwadUPyvdgrvibuBxZqiYYcgP2PRO2jmogxVCHyWMKbVGi-h21X5SjvZAIvQ0bfh4wP4vQw7MKxWqo4k4YjhvyS-y3zETnGt3FLsCNTk23HeXqRefQ5ROUn1HpO0p_iKy-SU0ffbRY/s640/sacredvalleytour21.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVdokcywoDeS19iXssaP1lwmLv18V8QdI7BRnXNIAoR1Rrycyzy78AAevfpiKaNYuFXu2ARGNkQLrgMJ93gmgjnPtgtU87u7RACOCfSWySoANZSRIAbLtGJz9cIv6zgAvPgt7JTQLB5A/s1600/sacredvalleytour22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVdokcywoDeS19iXssaP1lwmLv18V8QdI7BRnXNIAoR1Rrycyzy78AAevfpiKaNYuFXu2ARGNkQLrgMJ93gmgjnPtgtU87u7RACOCfSWySoANZSRIAbLtGJz9cIv6zgAvPgt7JTQLB5A/s640/sacredvalleytour22.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following our pit stop, we headed back to Cusco to have a nice meal, again with Raul, and get ready for the beginning of our trek on the Inca Trail. Man oh man was 6am, our pick-up time, going to come early!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7zwWRl3B9eE0dTOzE8wjKOd_ccwAsvOvexxVNi6sZx36N83DPReijcEjZ9AN4yLWmSprMQDRLqlRJ4HWMgrUppUGdOqmuD3-xdGg580Gak3vYaXVLavk2S4Hf2G4Wnl1Nfo1t7kOOD4/s1600/cusco_marriott8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7zwWRl3B9eE0dTOzE8wjKOd_ccwAsvOvexxVNi6sZx36N83DPReijcEjZ9AN4yLWmSprMQDRLqlRJ4HWMgrUppUGdOqmuD3-xdGg580Gak3vYaXVLavk2S4Hf2G4Wnl1Nfo1t7kOOD4/s640/cusco_marriott8.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OmzSQ8Z-t24H32Fq1wnU9O7u4-Fkc3m0LaIVaOdCHl_uLJrGNl8ZphB0kVfqCeBFmfedQnjErCZXEiQPhrrjE7ZCFGuA1cmgIr24F9RrUo7bhltaLvurl3uKezRMeWaQj9xim56j4o4/s1600/cusco_marriott9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OmzSQ8Z-t24H32Fq1wnU9O7u4-Fkc3m0LaIVaOdCHl_uLJrGNl8ZphB0kVfqCeBFmfedQnjErCZXEiQPhrrjE7ZCFGuA1cmgIr24F9RrUo7bhltaLvurl3uKezRMeWaQj9xim56j4o4/s640/cusco_marriott9.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-89371616126568275632016-08-13T16:53:00.004-05:002016-08-13T16:59:35.658-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - First Day in Cusco<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End -->
</script>
<div>Our plane landed at 8am in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco">Cusco</a>. After landing, we quickly felt more and more like outsiders. We could not read any signs and could not speak the language. Plus, we did not have confirmed transport from the airport to our hotel. Yikes!</div>
<br />
<div>As we wandered through the airport, we were hounded by people trying to "help" us find our way. We, as politely as we could, said no gracias, and continued walking. We found baggage claim and a bathroom, trying to take care of necessities while waiting for our bags.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we had our bags, we walked to the taxi sign and asked for a ride to our hotel. Thankfully, the lady at the counter spoke English, and we were off. Our driver spoke a little English and tried to point out the sites on our 25 minute drive into Cusco, after giving some random Peruvian a ride downtown with us. We always find it interesting to see new places from a car or on foot, really helps us feel like we are exploring it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6P1LZoyAAKCBCFLaxmmGbne2VprDaLljwwET1yjy44-t7Fdd9OflBf1mkKJXWr3HsB4EAMtjNlRqKX-TZ4uP6e6-coYwjRCK-k5KqvZFzuTURzZJ59J8YFDAaC3xmI7lh7IcgVDCY8w/s1600/cusco_marriott1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6P1LZoyAAKCBCFLaxmmGbne2VprDaLljwwET1yjy44-t7Fdd9OflBf1mkKJXWr3HsB4EAMtjNlRqKX-TZ4uP6e6-coYwjRCK-k5KqvZFzuTURzZJ59J8YFDAaC3xmI7lh7IcgVDCY8w/s400/cusco_marriott1.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcrygU7XAd9esSQoGpzzni17slOJ-st3g_b51TG6GUqt0akY5kuaHPztfNz7UblYBOaqJwfGzmTBBrsj1925BusrM1FVs4Iby8lRK6knZUH_LbsZ1co3_NnI3Rc6dIAYEVQ4jI-uK5aE/s1600/cusco_marriott2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcrygU7XAd9esSQoGpzzni17slOJ-st3g_b51TG6GUqt0akY5kuaHPztfNz7UblYBOaqJwfGzmTBBrsj1925BusrM1FVs4Iby8lRK6knZUH_LbsZ1co3_NnI3Rc6dIAYEVQ4jI-uK5aE/s640/cusco_marriott2.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>At the hotel, the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cuzmc-jw-marriott-el-convento-cusco/">JW Marriott El Convento Cusco</a>, we tried to check-in. Since we were super early (~8:30am), our planned room was not ready yet. When I asked if there was somewhere we could stow our bags, they decided to upgrade us to a room with a terrace overlooking the courtyard. Gotta love <a href="http://www.marriott.com/marriott-rewards/member-benefits/platinum.mi">platinum status</a> with Marriott! Needless to say, the room was outstanding! We had an awesome bed, rainfall shower, a separate soaker tub, and an awesome little terrace!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo4LrOsvVkpQ84T9h8zhmcItvKGvJ1ut7NKDWVNDIiaDAFSXuT4c453855VBdTyETS0QkdQ3UCPXLOO7k10fuuUDG9WzMd90F08dtbY-VBCNlqfPlCVdPduF2fLzYFTgGCB43fqUPz4E/s1600/cusco_marriott7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo4LrOsvVkpQ84T9h8zhmcItvKGvJ1ut7NKDWVNDIiaDAFSXuT4c453855VBdTyETS0QkdQ3UCPXLOO7k10fuuUDG9WzMd90F08dtbY-VBCNlqfPlCVdPduF2fLzYFTgGCB43fqUPz4E/s640/cusco_marriott7.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We got settled and took a shower. It felt so great getting clean following almost a day of travel.</div>
<br />
<div>After our shower, we met Christian, our guide for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Trail_to_Machu_Picchu">Inca Trail</a>, for a short briefing on what to expect. It was nice to be able to ask someone questions about what we were about to experience who has done it many times.</div>
<br />
<div>Following our briefing, we walked back to the hotel to take a nap. The jet lag and lack of sleep was really affecting me. I know that if I had my hope of enjoying our time in Peru, I needed to get some rest.</div>
<br />
<div>The nap was awesome! For better or worse, we were awoken part way through for a "platinum thank you" snack. We got to try some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Kola">Inka Cola</a>, which tastes a lot like cream soda, and four small treats.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJoqW5e8KWaeTfhkr4J3J4GBgcKJCxwKKp4tJPulYrn7M4oWLBckJ6zwm5RZWOUq7JQEUaQWYWFQvZ2Kl0AosQZTdIly2cDxgRK0V6bwitNFhtRNF6pCRkI2owzGVyD4yw0bF3U346JE/s1600/cusco_marriott3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJoqW5e8KWaeTfhkr4J3J4GBgcKJCxwKKp4tJPulYrn7M4oWLBckJ6zwm5RZWOUq7JQEUaQWYWFQvZ2Kl0AosQZTdIly2cDxgRK0V6bwitNFhtRNF6pCRkI2owzGVyD4yw0bF3U346JE/s640/cusco_marriott3.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After our rest, we wandered around Cusco, seeing some of the sights and taking some pictures. The architecture is absolutely beautiful. Additionally, I am always amazed how people know what to do driving on the small narrow streets.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYhrftSsjNqOdKirLKE1M9woPu_PBPQNuQ66I_r9yxWFJEKltuJ4sHlK0sSJYGSKZhjYYJzkTa4G2IbxzlyIPWi-ag9rAJGygpxCLRi37JGkOcsaWbPoSGNruuBLmxrYsrAaZzzeyGUE/s1600/cusco1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYhrftSsjNqOdKirLKE1M9woPu_PBPQNuQ66I_r9yxWFJEKltuJ4sHlK0sSJYGSKZhjYYJzkTa4G2IbxzlyIPWi-ag9rAJGygpxCLRi37JGkOcsaWbPoSGNruuBLmxrYsrAaZzzeyGUE/s640/cusco1.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xmqR0f7ZppdD_dMFZtebYTNV5oTQOXqZJSOfA6yNH1jRTSVI10cS1kYdVy4EwHVJgiuTE0NsvJpnIlwqwkF1aoQpI2fd11vJh-r1KsoXbUmKylq4xSqx7j5sPY5pCXA7CpLLfqutgoE/s1600/cusco2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xmqR0f7ZppdD_dMFZtebYTNV5oTQOXqZJSOfA6yNH1jRTSVI10cS1kYdVy4EwHVJgiuTE0NsvJpnIlwqwkF1aoQpI2fd11vJh-r1KsoXbUmKylq4xSqx7j5sPY5pCXA7CpLLfqutgoE/s1600/cusco2.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk3XLhLMKghRV-uirwG_Vz3sjFw24MlShYa48-EKChyphenhyphenTVp6eFyfD3QA7F1-eEfIsCBgsty4xI_RQ0rHnhyphenhyphenCVGui1etI2iAjWjfrUfKD3wt8LNRe-qz0YbdFze0Xv4Sn6qt5VJvl5GMkA/s1600/cusco3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk3XLhLMKghRV-uirwG_Vz3sjFw24MlShYa48-EKChyphenhyphenTVp6eFyfD3QA7F1-eEfIsCBgsty4xI_RQ0rHnhyphenhyphenCVGui1etI2iAjWjfrUfKD3wt8LNRe-qz0YbdFze0Xv4Sn6qt5VJvl5GMkA/s1600/cusco3.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC5jT-slCfJTikzMnsoYNhSHunTWkXw_1vF162MDw3joOb1UAcw0igkCIMSVifIzCbp5pPUWHXY7YZOxgW5V9kaZGZ_HeoWbZhXFigav7eDHGyN2SxfxyP9xJq0xfw2kAjP24vCYAHgE/s1600/cusco4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC5jT-slCfJTikzMnsoYNhSHunTWkXw_1vF162MDw3joOb1UAcw0igkCIMSVifIzCbp5pPUWHXY7YZOxgW5V9kaZGZ_HeoWbZhXFigav7eDHGyN2SxfxyP9xJq0xfw2kAjP24vCYAHgE/s640/cusco4.jpg" width="640" height="503" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi5ZOprLdExhN-Sg9rE3SbY7WBvY8thR1h3HSI8j0p60MTQ3ojv7nZsFeZcsxoC1Pl2c7ZnhNJjFIGrNkEu1c_11tXm6Ap7EzAmXT1FOxcZFg_Ak2XD0fmTjORZRRmd5nVt5BmeKblhA/s1600/cusco5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi5ZOprLdExhN-Sg9rE3SbY7WBvY8thR1h3HSI8j0p60MTQ3ojv7nZsFeZcsxoC1Pl2c7ZnhNJjFIGrNkEu1c_11tXm6Ap7EzAmXT1FOxcZFg_Ak2XD0fmTjORZRRmd5nVt5BmeKblhA/s1600/cusco5.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8JjikSF3DQZfj5mUm76UPC3bJhydTWs0yfHzYIB5vH-sRsCIRrCNTbqec40AyR__s7Tl8ieOSn3lp9Ff1s-I0SMPhtmdXy7TfNrd0_lqBT2_csP0LOi7Be4TPDrDvXr38h7kMI8v6-Y/s1600/cusco6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8JjikSF3DQZfj5mUm76UPC3bJhydTWs0yfHzYIB5vH-sRsCIRrCNTbqec40AyR__s7Tl8ieOSn3lp9Ff1s-I0SMPhtmdXy7TfNrd0_lqBT2_csP0LOi7Be4TPDrDvXr38h7kMI8v6-Y/s1600/cusco6.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL4JvSBaO7BkSsyVx0cptqvYQiVpAln1yl5ySRXNsWh79ni1mOVOeu8dwbfzq7SlijwYbSaZCUZZ4D4c0pCSvJdBmosxpzOLPd-nEbFspjNp1YZ694Gc9Fj-Y_AwCH8k90BmXDHqEOFs/s1600/cusco7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL4JvSBaO7BkSsyVx0cptqvYQiVpAln1yl5ySRXNsWh79ni1mOVOeu8dwbfzq7SlijwYbSaZCUZZ4D4c0pCSvJdBmosxpzOLPd-nEbFspjNp1YZ694Gc9Fj-Y_AwCH8k90BmXDHqEOFs/s1600/cusco7.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5_p17mSZwUupYdTTcG5_Aa1vC4di8JwnKFHgME8iq4QVho02OF4zf_GvDyLjXX__qDo-bdIwHJduedwIC_moq7oRc6HCGKnw1-MtvglLRzvZDnMwzI8T__Gp0uxTdw8DD1j7If7UQDU/s1600/cusco8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5_p17mSZwUupYdTTcG5_Aa1vC4di8JwnKFHgME8iq4QVho02OF4zf_GvDyLjXX__qDo-bdIwHJduedwIC_moq7oRc6HCGKnw1-MtvglLRzvZDnMwzI8T__Gp0uxTdw8DD1j7If7UQDU/s1600/cusco8.jpg" width="640" height="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Back at the hotel, we joined the tour of the hotel. The JW Marriott is only three and a half years old and is built on top of an old <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Empire">Inca</a> palace and Spanish convent. The details and what was preserved are breathtaking. With it being a historic site, no heavy machinery was used in the construction of the hotel. Also, in the basement, the Marriott left some of the old architecture in tact, creating a mini-museum on pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish architecture. It was a really cool history lesson.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4OFIJ8DaPn-txMrEIk6CpBscL2sujnVDuWWRaDDg0ZyDH_e4LVGlJIxWfR8723amXjpt8eRUPgv8q_7G5AvaFy4WNCJY-kxdF4dIVoH1FvUMnQXrU-O8RvjXGviv8g6ERhUI_OA2BgY/s1600/cusco_marriott4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4OFIJ8DaPn-txMrEIk6CpBscL2sujnVDuWWRaDDg0ZyDH_e4LVGlJIxWfR8723amXjpt8eRUPgv8q_7G5AvaFy4WNCJY-kxdF4dIVoH1FvUMnQXrU-O8RvjXGviv8g6ERhUI_OA2BgY/s640/cusco_marriott4.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4gK4oMI-sBO08jjobCNkc7DJhn0pZouYkGOY0nfG7hyycqTal9_jvAsS4K4g8dZaKBRG2jXYDZA-dSbaOiUVwon6KXqsVFXdUWT5CtBLhVQNwkUCQAqo2yn4UFXdDPYeQCt_beHFMhU/s1600/cusco_marriott5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4gK4oMI-sBO08jjobCNkc7DJhn0pZouYkGOY0nfG7hyycqTal9_jvAsS4K4g8dZaKBRG2jXYDZA-dSbaOiUVwon6KXqsVFXdUWT5CtBLhVQNwkUCQAqo2yn4UFXdDPYeQCt_beHFMhU/s400/cusco_marriott5.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Following the tour, we had dinner at the restaurant within the Marriott. I had <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomo_saltado">lomo saltado</a> and Kari had sweet potato ravioli with prawns. Super delicious! Plus our waiter, Raul, was pretty fantastic!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDUPWQM4xQngGIo7GCkglAv3u6DrlMJBX8kZ_OTY6PwdhsAU4_59_f4azxOavKtjgtJNRzHJQDXZXdvYwjzPP-japOT4ih-4OOpn1IWlJbtiAJDctYB-YHnnHRDMLtRLNroskrryFm0s/s1600/cusco_marriott6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDUPWQM4xQngGIo7GCkglAv3u6DrlMJBX8kZ_OTY6PwdhsAU4_59_f4azxOavKtjgtJNRzHJQDXZXdvYwjzPP-japOT4ih-4OOpn1IWlJbtiAJDctYB-YHnnHRDMLtRLNroskrryFm0s/s400/cusco_marriott6.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>We closed the evening relaxing and preparing for our tour of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Valley">Sacred Valley</a>!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0Cusco, Peru-13.53195 -71.967462599999976-13.655454 -72.128824099999974 -13.408446 -71.806101099999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-54278210133629663382016-08-13T15:50:00.000-05:002016-08-13T15:50:01.203-05:00Peruvian Adventure 2016 - Travel to Peru<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End -->
</script>
<div id='travellerspoint-map822938_884347'><script src='http://www.travellerspoint.com/badges/badge_membermap.cfm?user=bstengel&tripid=884347&stopid=6218422&badgeid=travellerspoint-map822938_884347&height=300&width=450'></script></div>
<br />
<div>We awoke early Friday, March 4, morning to finish loading the last few things into our bags, take care of final household chores, and begin our journey to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O'Hare_International_Airport">Chicago O'Hare International Airport</a>. Typically, we just fly out of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison,_Wisconsin">Madison</a> from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dane_County_Regional_Airport">Dane County Regional Airport</a> due to time and convenience. The major reason we can justify it is that the cost is not overly different. For this trip, however, there was an almost $1000 cost difference to fly out of Madison vs Chicago, so we sucked it up and made the 2 hour drive to one of the busiest airports in the world.</div>
<br />
<div>We had relatively smooth sailing down I-90 and through security at O'Hare. Our only "snag" was that the $10/day parking lot I was expecting to use was under construction, causing us to bump to the $17/day choice. No biggie, just unplanned. On our way down and in O'Hare, we spent time reaching out to loved ones to say goodbye before we dropped off the grid for a few days. It was nice catching up while waiting for our flights.</div>
<br />
<div>Our flight from O'Hare to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartsfield%E2%80%93Jackson_Atlanta_International_Airport">Atlanta</a> was pretty straight forward. When we arrived in Atlanta, we had plenty of time to grab a snack, exchange some currency, and make the walk between terminals in preparation for our six and a half hour flight to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima">Lima</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgql2MowfTW4Tt1QEkshyphenhyphen9MKEoBD8vUlVQYUJcPmgVhslDYkN54kkBZY4VviNq7Y67sKV7Qgd8S_V2QqEm5nXsHQ3CdmUofNKjMGIw5cGIWSN9YRu3HDdHDXB_eN36sS_H7YvbgFicW6XA/s1600/flight_to_peru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgql2MowfTW4Tt1QEkshyphenhyphen9MKEoBD8vUlVQYUJcPmgVhslDYkN54kkBZY4VviNq7Y67sKV7Qgd8S_V2QqEm5nXsHQ3CdmUofNKjMGIw5cGIWSN9YRu3HDdHDXB_eN36sS_H7YvbgFicW6XA/s640/flight_to_peru.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>On the flight, Kari and I were able to finally cross one of our saved movies off our list: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maze_Runner:_The_Scorch_Trials">Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials</a>. It was pretty good, but I am not totally sure that it lived up to the hype we built for it. We were also served a pretty tasty meal and tried to catch some sleep, knowing we had a long night ahead of us. Kari took some muscle relaxers. Big mistake.</div>
<br />
<div> In <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Ch%C3%A1vez_International_Airport">Lima</a>, we went through immigration, grabbed our bags, and made it through customs in under an hour. Considering we were sleep deprived and it was after midnight, I call that a success. We also managed to get checked in and drop our bags with our Peruvian airline, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avianca">Avianca</a>, and walk back through security. At the time, they had not announced which gate we were going to fly out of, so we found some benches in a corner and tried to get some sleep. As much as I struggle to sleep on planes, I struggle even more to sleep in airports. It was definitely a case of futility for me, especially when the loudspeaker would have some announcement every few minutes. It was 3am! Come on, now! The worst was when they started cycling through the same two ad nauseam every couple minutes.</div>
<br />
<div>Finally, it was our time to board. If you fly through Lima and expect some kind of orderly boarding process with announcements, you can forget about it. We did the thing I dislike doing, hover around the gate, until the magical moment when they made one announcement to say the "A" group could board the bus to the plane. We were in the "D" group, but as I continued to watch people from all groups shove their way forward, I figured we should follow suit.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5rzUpsA5nJisy2a4t391IP-hOD4TUfQrcxQFg1TebuO89txW1Db7MQVkXyFkymAXqF_nOR7d91Bl6V_AIpCK4lcf-_XdZu4Q2mTzLwyuRWEGPz9SWPGWZU3S1C8azyWOvwZLETJoqjI/s1600/bus_to_plane_in_lima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5rzUpsA5nJisy2a4t391IP-hOD4TUfQrcxQFg1TebuO89txW1Db7MQVkXyFkymAXqF_nOR7d91Bl6V_AIpCK4lcf-_XdZu4Q2mTzLwyuRWEGPz9SWPGWZU3S1C8azyWOvwZLETJoqjI/s1600/bus_to_plane_in_lima.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>Similar to the boarding process for the bus, the boarding process for the plane was just as much a free for all. They open the bus doors and people start walking towards the steps at either the front or back of the plane. Your call at which you pick. We chose the back, since I thought our seats in row 16 must be at least halfway back.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Td-xsZrlyZIbrq3xBZoy_kqihEDHK64gFOEfbjUmd96h2t1wJRfENem38g-bTrn3qEL6OWU-rAzdzfn7RlWbD1c1KxDc67wUWRItNJkgCj9VicClX25wGUVK-Uso4Z63ZeRlUn8tn4c/s1600/walking_onto_plane_in_lima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Td-xsZrlyZIbrq3xBZoy_kqihEDHK64gFOEfbjUmd96h2t1wJRfENem38g-bTrn3qEL6OWU-rAzdzfn7RlWbD1c1KxDc67wUWRItNJkgCj9VicClX25wGUVK-Uso4Z63ZeRlUn8tn4c/s1600/walking_onto_plane_in_lima.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>The flight from Lima to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alejandro_Velasco_Astete_International_Airport">Cusco</a> was pretty short, only about an hour. The view of the peaks of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andes">Andes</a> above the cloud line was stunning. I was hoping I might be able to see more, but the cloud cover and my being on the aisle certainly did not help.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we landed in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cusco">Cusco</a>, we grabbed our bags and found a taxi to take us to our hotel. Concluding a long travel period and beginning our <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru">Peru</a> exploration!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our Peruvian Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-45608346982215608572016-05-15T06:36:00.004-05:002016-08-13T15:52:27.477-05:002015 Year in Review<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End </script>
<div>While I was writing our recap of the Peruvian Adventure, I realized that I had not written anything about what we did in 2015. As we were still getting used to living in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison,_Wisconsin">Madison</a> area and I was accumulating enough vacation days to actually go anywhere, we did not plan a large trip.</div>
<br />
<div>We started off experiencing our first winter in Madison. While we have lived in Wisconsin for quite a while, our time was predominately spent in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee">Milwaukee</a>. It might surprise to realize that Milwaukee and Madison have slightly different climates. With <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Michigan">Lake Michigan</a>, Milwaukee remains more temperate, not getting quite as cold or as hot as Madison. That being sad, the active culture we found in Milwaukee only seemed to be intensified in Madison, even in the winter. People are hitting one of the handful of ski hills in the area, cross country skiing in the various parks and golf courses, and ice skating, fishing, playing hockey on the frozen lakes and ponds. We decided to try cross country skiing for the first time, and we had a blast! The only thing we would have hoped for was a little more snow to be able to try again.</div>
<br />
<div>One of the perks of my work travel is the ability to tack on extra time in the location I'm in or add-on a small trip using where I am as a launchpad, paying the difference in my personal travel and business travel costs. In June, I was able to visit our little niece Hattie in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento,_California">Sacramento</a>. We had a blast playing over a couple days. She is growing so big and magically becoming a little person. The only thing that would have made that trip better was if Kari would have been able to join.</div>
<br />
<div>In August, we joined Kari's family for a week on the beach in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topsail_Island">Topsail Island</a>. This was my first time joining Kari's family for a vacation, and we had a blast! We swam, ran on the beach, went kayaking in the ocean, and a lot of time reading. The relaxation was needed during the midst of a pretty intense few weeks of work travel.</div>
<br />
<div>Our Fall was a whirlwind of activity with Kari cheering on the athletes competing in <a href="http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/wisconsin.aspx">Ironman Wisconsin</a>, loads of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclo-cross">cyclocross racing</a>, catching a play at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Players_Theatre">American Players Theatre</a>, and Kari's 10-year high school reunion. We also decided to have Kari join me in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle">Seattle</a> for a weekend getaway. While she was there, we went to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMP_Museum">EMP Museum</a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Aquarium">Seattle Aquarium</a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_Place_Market">Pike Place Market</a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Needle">Space Needle</a>, and much more. It was an absolute blast sharing this with her!</div>
<br />
<div>Earlier in the year, I convinced my family to celebrate Christmas in a small cabin in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tahoe">Lake Tahoe</a>. The idea was to see what Christmas was like in the mountains and be close to Chelsea, Rob, and Hattie so that we could have a large family Christmas. Other than a slight medical issue for my mom, it worked pretty well. We got to play with Hattie in the snow, and I got to go downhill skiing for the first time. I figured the best place to ski for the first time was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squaw_Valley_Ski_Resort">Squaw Valley</a>. What better place to try than the host site of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_Winter_Olympics">1960 Winter Olympics</a>?! Kari was a little terrified of being my teacher, since Rob backed out of that role last minute. Oh well. She did a great job! We managed to make it down several greens and even a blue with her tutelage.</div>
<br />
<div>What a year! Even though we did not go anywhere super exotic, we had a pretty incredible year. It seems that they just get better and better!
</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-63778473421133479262014-05-27T19:02:00.001-05:002014-05-27T19:02:34.106-05:00African Adventure 2014 - Final Thoughts<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End -->
</script>
<div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa">Africa</a> was an amazingly beautiful place. Our trip there was both everything and nothing like we expected. The big cities, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town">Cape Town</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannesburg">Johannesburg</a>, were surprisingly westernized. In Cape Town, we were continually amazed at both the beauty of the area and how "normal" life seemed. Out in the bush and more rural areas, Africa was every bit as wild as we expected. Kari, imagining a scene more like the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serengeti">Serengeti</a>, and Ben, knowing it was more densely <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushveld">scrub</a> like, had very different ideas of what our safari experience was going to be like. In the end, the bush was a different world than either of our imaginations.</div>
<br />
<div>Even though there were some similarities to America and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_world">Western World</a>, there were also many differences. First off, the general pace of life is much slower. The biggest and easiest example occurred when ordering food. A meal at a restaurant, not a fast food joint, was minimum an hour commitment, no matter what was ordered. A simple order of two burgers and fries would take well over an hour from the time we were seated to the time we had paid the bill and were leaving. It was incredible! Another difference with meal time was the requirement to ask for the bill, despite the waiter knowing we were done ordering anything. Without explicitly asking for the bill, it may never arrive until closing time.</div>
<br />
<div>Language was another big change. Though English, that is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_English">British English</a>, was at least one of the official languages everywhere we went, every country and village had a different complement of languages. For instance, South Africa has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_South_Africa">11 official languages</a> with English and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrikaans">Afrikaans</a> being some of the most widely spoken. Outside of the major cities, many different languages, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_language">Zulu</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swazi_language">Swazi</a>, were spoken, with each village having a different dialect or, often times, a completely different language. Most people we met on our travels knew 4-6 different languages. Thankfully, rudimentary English was one of them. It was challenging enough to communicate with other tourists from around the world.</div>
<br />
<div>Speaking of culture, mostly unknowingly, we were exposed to lots of different cultures. Like many big cities, there were street performers, dancing and playing drums, in Cape Town. Several of the lodges had dancers come in for performances in the evening. We also tried to talk with everyone we had contact with, our drivers and guides especially, to learn more about them and their culture. One of the most memorable experiences was the drive from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelspruit">Nelspruit</a> to <a href="http://www.chapungulodge.co.za/">Chapungu</a>, swinging through the <a href="http://www.shangana.co.za/ShanganaMarulaMarket.aspx">Marula Market</a> on the way. Our driver, Jason, shared a lot about his culture and the happenings in the region as we drove through several towns and cities. On the drive, we got more of a taste of how people live in this part of the world. Our drive also seemed to occur during the end of the school day, as many kids in their uniforms were walking home from school as we passed. Another memorable cultural experience was our walk in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namibia">Namibian</a> village. We were able to have a more personal experience of their daily lives as they showed us around. The most surprising thing was the ubiquitousness of satellite dishes attached to mud-walled dwellings. We kept thinking we have a more permanently constructed structure and we do not have a satellite dish. Wild! While Ben was only vaguely interested in the cultural aspect, Kari was super excited to see this and hoped we could see more.</div>
<br />
<div>Onto the specifics of each location and our trip:</div>
<div><u>Cape Town</u></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.primi-royal.com/?m=1">Primi Royal</a> is a very nice bed and breakfast with 10 total rooms a couple blocks from the beach in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camps_Bay">Camps Bay</a>. We would be interested in staying here again or looking for something closer to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_%26_Alfred_Waterfront">V & A Waterfront</a>.
<li>Camps Bay is a beautiful beach near Cape Town, consisting of primarily restaurants and relaxing by the beach.
<li><a href="http://www.hussargrill.co.za/">Hussar Grill</a> is an awesome steak restaurant, that we highly recommend.
<li><a href="http://www.codfather.co.za/">The Codfather</a> is for the seafood lover, very fancy, that we recommend but is not essential for us when we return.
<li>We would like to go <a href="http://www.sharkdivingunlimited.com/">shark diving</a> in winter, take a ferry to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robben_Island">Robben Island</a>, learn to surf in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muizenberg">Muizenberg</a>, and climb <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Mountain">Table Mountain</a>.
</ul>
<div><u><a href="http://www.chapungulodge.co.za/">Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp</a> in <a href="http://thornybush.krugerpark.co.za/">Thornybush Game Reserve</a></u></div>
<ul>
<li>It was our absolute, favorite accommodation on this trip, possibly ever.
<li>It has awesome rooms/tents, great food, great service, incredible staff, and loads of personal attention.
<li>Four nights was a good amount of time.
<li>It has 8 tents for a maximum of 16 total people, so it is a very intimate setting.
<li>The rangers and trackers are great but the enjoyment of game drives is a bit group dependent.
<li>The jeeps work together to find the animals.
<li>We would absolutely love to go back.
</ul>
<div><u><a href="http://www.chobesafarilodge.com/index.php">Chobe Safari Lodge</a></u></div>
<ul>
<li>It is a beautiful location and set up.
<li>It is more geared towards large tour groups with hundreds of rooms/guests.
<li>Meals were predominately buffet style; food was not impressive.
<li>It was a cool opportunity to go to a Namibian village.
<li>There are loads of monkey pests.
<li>There was a lack of personal attention.
<li>It was a cool experience, but we are not interested in returning.
</ul>
<div><u><a href="http://www.africansunhotels.com/stay-with-us/victoria-falls/the-victoria-falls-hotel/">Victoria Falls Hotel</a></u></div>
<ul>
<li>It is a very fancy accommodation; beautiful and luxurious.
<li>It has decent personal attention despite its large size.
<li>The showers were too small for Ben.
<li>It has great views and proximity to Victoria Falls.
<li>It offered unique activities.
<ul>
<li>Elephant-backed safari was a little depressing; not likely to do again.
<li>Lion encounter was very educational and interesting. We really enjoyed the experience.
</ul>
<li>The food was super expensive.
<li>There were lots of aggressive peddlers on the streets; can be intimidating.
<li>The Falls were beautiful and a fun experience.
<li>Once was likely enough and we are unlikely to return.
</ul>
<div><u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannesburg">Johannesburg</a></u></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.africanrockhotels.com/">African Rock Hotel</a>
<ul>
<li>It is very beautiful, but it is not really close to anything; a bit isolated.
<li>More than what we need for a night waiting to catch a plane in the morning.
</ul>
<li>Though we will most likely avoid Johannesburg, there are a couple hotels by the airport that we could walk to instead of needing a transfer.
</ul>
<div><u>Transfers</u></div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.ilios.co.za/">Ilios Travel</a> was an excellent group in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa">South Africa</a>. We always seemed to have friendly, informative drivers, that were happy to share about the area.
<li><a href="http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/">Wild Horizons</a> was a good group in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>.
<li><a href="http://www.hoedspruit.co.za/transport.html">Schoeman Tours</a> was also good in South Africa.
</ul>
<div><u>Flights</u></div>
<ul>
<li>Never again will we take the multi-layover flight from the US to Africa.
<li>Non-stop from here on out through either <a href="http://www.atlanta-airport.com/">ATL</a>, <a href="http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html">JFK</a>, or <a href="http://www.metwashairports.com/dulles/dulles.htm">IAD</a>.
</ul>
<div><u>Travel Agent</u></div>
<ul>
<li>We booked our trip with <a href="mailto:ramona@go2africa.com">Ramona</a> at <a href="http://www.go2africa.com/">Go2Africa</a>. She was super helpful and put together a fabulous trip!
</ul>
<div>When we return to Africa, we would love to go back to South Africa, particularly Cape Town and Thornybush. Outside of that, we would be interested in seeing other parts of the country, including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Elizabeth">Port Elizabeth</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_Route">Garden Route</a>. We are also interested in seeing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durban">Durban</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_people">Zulu people</a>, as well as other parts of Africa like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya">Kenya</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanzania">Tanzania</a>. Ben is now open to renting a car for portions of the trip, though transfers were incredibly simple. South Africa was an absolutely beautiful place, that we cannot wait to return to!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/African-Adventure-2014/">Click here for photos from our African Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-60366759667022289802014-05-26T22:06:00.001-05:002016-08-13T14:37:21.497-05:00African Adventure 2014 - Journey Home<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End -->
</script>
<div>Once the van was ready, we jumped for our transfer to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls_Airport">Victoria Falls International Airport</a>. It was fairly uneventful, and we arrived, ready to check-in for our flight. Victoria Falls International Airport was probably the third largest airport we encountered while in Africa, only <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Town_International_Airport">Cape Town</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._R._Tambo_International_Airport">Johannesburg</a> were larger. Granted, this does not say much, considering the international section only had two "gates". Another interesting aspect of this airport, at least our <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_">British Airways</a> flight, was a handwritten boarding pass. Amazing! Also, security seemed tougher here, similar to Cape Town, but weaker than Johannesburg.</div>
<br />
<div>While we were waiting to check-in and drop off our luggage, we ran into Christine and Debbie. They were on the earlier flight with <a href="https://www.flysaa.com/us/en/">South African Airways</a>. Once through security, we hung out with them waiting for our flights. About half of the waiting area cleared out when their flight left, providing us the ability to stretch out a bit and sit down.</div>
<br />
<div>The flight was very uneventful, and we were soon in Johannesburg. We worked our way through immigration, collected our luggage and walked through customs. Then it was time to check-in for our international flights home. One flight down and three flights to go. Hooray!</div>
<br />
<div>Something unique, at least as far as we are concerned was the baggage trolleys in OR Tambo International Airport being able to go up the escalators. Fully loaded with our luggage, it easily handled the escalator, saving Ben's strength for a little while. Check-in was a breeze and soon we were through security and immigration.</div>
<br />
<div>Once inside our terminal, we found some food. Kari had some shrimp and pasta, which was ok. Ben had a rather disgusting piece of steak. The service was really poor as well. Oh well. It was something to satisfy hunger pangs a bit.</div>
<br />
<div>After our meal, we went looking for the last of the souvenirs. By golly, we did it again. We ran into Christine and Debbie. This was probably our last chance to run into them as they were on a direct flight to New York and we had a multi-stop journey to get home. We said our goodbyes and headed off to finish our time in the OR Tambo International Airport before our flight to <a href="http://www.heathrowairport.com/">Heathrow</a>.</div>
<br />
<div>The flight to Heathrow was uneventful. Ben tried to sleep as soon as we boarded; however, that did not seem to be in the cards, as they kept the cabin lights on to serve mysterious chicken and beverages for a while. Realizing sleep was a bit futile at the moment, Ben decided to watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escape_Plan_(film)">Escape Plan</a>. It was a pretty good movie. Unfortunately, by the time the lights were turned off, Ben was too awake to fall back asleep. Oh well. Kari also struggled to sleep on this flight. As we were getting close to Heathrow, they served English breakfast and Ben started watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Phillips_(film)">Captain Phillips</a>, based on a real life story of a shipping captain attacked by pirates off the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horn_of_Africa">Horn of Africa</a>. Very good movie.</div>
<br />
<div>When we landed in Heathrow, we tried to figure out where we needed to go. Thankfully, we had 3 hours, since this journey through was not as easy or fast as the last journey through Heathrow. This time we actually never needed to pass through immigration, somehow avoiding the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom">UK</a> and remaining in international space.</div>
<br />
<div>Entering the UK might have been faster to connect between the different terminals. We found the <a href="http://www.usairways.com/default.aspx?redir=https://www.google.com/">US Airways</a> ticket counter to get our boarding passes for the rest of the journey and make sure our luggage was linked. For some reason, Ben must have looked a bit off, as he was selected for random screening. What made it a little comical was that Ben, the white guy, was getting searched by three brown guys. Usually we hear of the reverse. Ben cooperated and was quickly allowed to wait at the gate. Unfortunately, the security agents forgot to put a sticker or mark on his boarding pass, so every future checkpoint we encountered, Ben was stopped and questioned about being searched again. This was starting to get a little annoying when trying to board the plane, but they apologized for the inconvenience and let us on our merry little way.</div>
<br />
<div>With the goal of trying to stay awake to reset our clocks, we watched several movies together on the flight from Heathrow to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte,_North_Carolina">Charlotte</a>. Our selected titles included <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_(2013_film)">Epic</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Internship">The Internship</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delivery_Man_(film)">Delivery Man</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Date_Night">Date Night</a>. This helped kill the time until we landed. Just prior to boarding, we were informed that we would have to collect our luggage in Charlotte to go through customs before handing it back off to catch the flight to <a href="http://www.indianapolisairport.com/">Indy</a>. What seemed like an appropriate length layover of 1 hour, now seemed to be way too short.</div>
<br />
<div>Once we landed, we were able to clear immigration rather quickly. Then it was the waiting game for our bags to show up to go through customs. This seemed to take forever. Customs was a breeze, and we made it to the baggage re-check with about 40 minutes before our flight was scheduled to depart. We were told this would be plenty of time to get the bags on the plane and we raced off to security to try to make sure we did not miss the plane. We were really glad that Charlotte was a fairly small airport. Security is more standardized in the US, even though it is more strict, it is fairly predictable. This was something new for us overseas. Every country, sometimes every airport within a country, does things a little differently. In the US, it is probably overkill, but at least it is the same at every commercial airport nationwide. We made it to our gate right as it was scheduled to board, but they were running a little behind, giving us a few minutes to let family know we were back in the US. This flight was probably one of the smallest, if not the smallest, planes we had been on this whole trip. We were in the last row, unable to recline, and we decided to watch another movie, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story">Toy Story</a>, on the flight to Indy.</div>
<br />
<div>In Indy, we slowly made it to the baggage claim, totally beat from the last 40 hours of travel, only to discover our bags had not joined us. Ben was wondering if it was too good for it to be true for everything to clear Charlotte without a hitch. We already knew that there was a later flight out of Charlotte coming to Indy, so we checked baggage services with US Airways to make sure they were on the later flight. They were and should arrive in Indy around 9pm. We were informed that they would deliver them later this evening, so we went to find a taxi to head to Ben's parents' house. Knowing we needed food and to stay awake for a while, we ordered some Pizza King pizza and breadsticks and watched a movie. By 10:30pm, with no word from US Airways, we decided to get some sleep and deal with it in the morning. At 11pm, US Airways called to let us know they had our bags and wanted to see if we would like them tonight. We did, so Ben let Kari sleep while he waited for the bags downstairs. About an hour and a half later at 12:30am, the bags finally arrived. Ben just dropped them in the house and went up to fall asleep. What a long end to the already long two days of travel!</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/Peruvian-Adventure-2016/">Click here for photos from our African Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247286125057718663.post-6353872735045162502014-05-26T21:32:00.001-05:002014-05-26T21:32:31.599-05:00African Adventure 2014 - Victoria Falls Hotel Day 3<script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">
<!-- Begin
var message="These photos are copyrighted by Stengel Photography, LLC. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.";
if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer'){
function NOclickIE(e) {
if (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
return true;
}
document.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
document.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
window.onmousedown=NOclickIE;
window.onmouseup=NOclickIE;
}
else {
function NOclickNN(e){
if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){
if (e.which==2||e.which==3){
alert(message);
return false;
}}}
if (document.layers){
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
document.onmousedown=NOclickNN; }
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false")
}
// End -->
</script>
<div>With the desire to soak up every moment of our remaining time in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimbabwe">Zimbabwe</a>, we woke up at 5:30am, hoping to catch the sunrise over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls_Bridge">Victoria Falls Bridge</a>. While Ben showered, Kari hurriedly got dressed and ready to go watch the sunrise. Though not as beautiful as the day before, it was still a lovely sunrise. The moon had also not completely sat and was hovering just above the <a href="http://www.victoria-falls-hotels.net/victoria-falls-hotel_Zimbabwe.php">Victoria Falls Hotel</a>. Very lovely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sTDTbg9OrqfC7XD2RMlriQaAJhBnwjC9s7MjEr9TIlNkI6XKoQGwB1k5k3nW60TcYus0nCjeFouHRJlCQPSgAOZB2GzjwNg549MT7goSMRPeihJv3Z3BG6Z-BJXI23SMs6jXzaRxsB8/s1600/vicfalls25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sTDTbg9OrqfC7XD2RMlriQaAJhBnwjC9s7MjEr9TIlNkI6XKoQGwB1k5k3nW60TcYus0nCjeFouHRJlCQPSgAOZB2GzjwNg549MT7goSMRPeihJv3Z3BG6Z-BJXI23SMs6jXzaRxsB8/s640/vicfalls25.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_yNdI_BUk6TTAHuUlQL0t-niaMihRxsz8CBrEEVPJIW0OLY8sR5atd70iaqGDOhzeR1yZoUItVmsql8haIUJn9-z-9DkzMswDE5YHVLtw3WIy-o-jP7FiIPGDKz2b8ifmAi6GcbTMcg/s1600/vicfalls26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_yNdI_BUk6TTAHuUlQL0t-niaMihRxsz8CBrEEVPJIW0OLY8sR5atd70iaqGDOhzeR1yZoUItVmsql8haIUJn9-z-9DkzMswDE5YHVLtw3WIy-o-jP7FiIPGDKz2b8ifmAi6GcbTMcg/s640/vicfalls26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>After the sun was rather high in the sky, we headed back to the room so Kari could shower and Ben could begin packing. Ben was able to get most of the souvenirs in his pack, leaving Kari's available for any potentially additional ones we might find.</div>
<br />
<div>Breakfast was served buffet style in the Jungle Junction; the location of the previous night's buffet dinner. Who did we run into at breakfast? You guessed it! Christine and Debbie! For having only met at <a href="http://www.chapungulodge.co.za/">Chapungu</a> a few days prior, it seemed like we were going everywhere together. The buffet was quite delicious. Ben had a ham & cheese omelet, some bacon, some fruit and a couple croissants. Kari had a bunch of fruit and a sampling of eggs and bacon.</div>
<br />
<div>After breakfast, we wandered around the grounds and decided to have one last go at picking out souvenirs at the market. Hoping to avoid the street dealers, we raced off, zigging and zagging our way to the market. Once there, we found a few more items to complete what we were looking for. With little time remaining before our transfer, we raced back to the hotel to finish packing.</div>
<br />
<div>With many people trying to catch transfers to the airport at the same time for the few flights out of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls_Airport">Victoria Falls International Airport</a> daily, it seemed like check-out took forever. Thankfully, we were not in a rush.</div>
<br />
<div>After check-out, all we had to do was sit and wait for our transfer. As luck would have it, our transfer was one of the later ones, freeing up some space on the couch to relax for a bit.</div>
<br />
<div><a href="http://photos.stengelphotography.com/HomepageGalleries/African-Adventure-2014/">Click here for photos from our African Adventure!</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00130895950747170516noreply@blogger.com0