Adventures in 2018

The Ausangate trek is a multi-day trek at high altitude ranging between 4500 to 5000m, we did a one day option taking in the lakes and first day scene. This is a walk I have been hankering to do since my aborted trip in 2010 after getting shin splints walking to Machu Picchu (a great walk see my 2010 blog )

How many people get to see Machu Picchu? I am one of those lucky individuals, and not only that, to have been there twice. For my first visit in 2010, it was the culmination of a trek across the Andes see my blog:  Machu Picchu (2010)   The second time round was just as special because this time I am with my daughter.

I had to get away from the city and those mountains with their dominance over Huaraz's skyline beckon my attention. Steph wasn't up to an elevated multi-day hike so we elected to pursue our own interests for the next few days. As it turns out she ended up almost as high as I did anyway. (For a different perspective, Steph's blog is an interesting read: Steph Over Seas )

During my last visit to Peru I heard about the magnificent hiking in Huaraz.  I put it in on that overflowing bucket list of places to visit. I did not imagine that I really would get back to Peru, but here I am. So it had to be that we came here when Steph requested that I be her travel buddy. Stephanie was reticent, but when she saw the photos on the internet, Huaraz was placed on her list as well.

Our specific purpose of our visit was to visit the UNESCO listed ruins of Chan Chan. I knew there was this pre-Incan civilisation in the process of restoration, but not much more and nothing else about Trujillo. It was on the list to research, but time slipped quickly by between decision and trip execution and well; we’ve arrived and so we are winging it on scant knowledge and a bed for the night.  No excuse really, Wikipedia and other resources will quickly show that Trujillo is steeped in history and culture.

My daughter Steph expressed the desire to visit Peru in an early celebration to her final year at university. None of her friends were available, and as I visited Peru in 2010 (see blog Peru 2010 )  perhaps I could be persuaded to revisit and act as her chaperone… Daddy… Now who am I to refuse such a pleading call for assistance from my progeny ? That was in February, and in June we’re off on a jet plane from Melbourne to Lima.