Arrival In Cuzco

I met the group last night. There are twelve of us. The majority of the group are Canadian, there are also a four Brits, a couple of Australians and one other American. Ara the man from the US is originally Armenian and now lives in California. I am the only one even approaching southern.

As often is the case, conversations with the southerner turned to grits . Opinions on their composition ranged from balls of fried fat to a fried animal. There was a common consensus the grits must be deep fried. I said that cheese grits were one of my favorite foods, and that they were a part of every Yelverton holiday. I was met with very puzzled looks.

This morning we took an early flight to Cuzco. The plane was surprising large with spacious seats. After my experience in Coast Rica I expected much less.

The trip was absolutely beautiful. There is a thick cloud cover over the coastal city Lima. When you near the central desert the mountains cut right through the clouds. The line is so straight and distinct it looks like giant white waves lapping at the brown desert mountains.

We flew over many beautiful mountain lakes that appear completely inaccessible. I could not see any roads leading to them nor buildings surrounding them. After about an hour over these very high mountains we took a very sharp banking descent into the valley containing Cuzco.

I will right more about the city when I return form my hike and have more time to look around.

We start the first leg of our trek tomorrow with a slow 6 hour bus ride up to a height of 3700 m. We will be stopping in several small towns along the way to make the altitude adjustment easier. The altitude is not bothering me yet, but it is definitely noticeable. I drank several cups of coca tea and took a nap and that seems to have helped.

I may be able to write tomorrow, but this will likely be the last you here from me for a few days.