Erin & Regan's South American Adventure
One million tiny steps AKA climbing "El Misti"
Hola,
We took a day of rest after Colca Canyon, then disaster struck in the form of a bad empanada which kept me (Regan) in bed for a full day. I won´t go into any details but it wasn´t pleasant.
After recovering sufficiently for another outing we booked a trip to "El Misti". US$50 per person, and we just knew the food was going to be a problem with Erin unable to eat wheat.
We gave them ample warning so that they could find alternate food; they assured us they had, but it was not to be.
A shot of "El Misti" from our hostel on the morning we left.
After an hour in the 4x4 (cuatro por cuatro) on a very bumpy road/trail we arrived at the base of the volcano. A height of 3500m (apparently the sign is incorrect).
Looking up the beast on our first rest stop.
Our 2nd rest stop.
Some shots of the terrain and native fauna.
After 5 hours of very slow walking (I could practically feel Erin seething) we arrived at our camp site at 4600m. A total climb on day one of 1100m.
Sunset over Arequipa (yes, it´s a 2 day trek!)
Our tent was a little on the old and partially had it side. It was also kinda tiny.
Day two began at 2am. It was very cold and still dark (oddly enough). Sunrise on day two.
This is a shot down on the landscape around the volcano. "El Misti" used to be covered in snow however some time ago it all fell off causing these large gouges in the ground. (Erin thinks that´s called a lahar or something).
The climb was much steeper. We walked just as slowly as on day one.
The lip of the crater was tantalizingly close, at this point we were still 60 minutes from the crater, and then another 40 to the peak.
Me at the lip of the crater, dead... tired.
The view from the top was worth the 14 hours it took to climb (if you ask Erin). Height 5800m. You can see a volcano in the distance, it is apparently the most active in Peru. Another shot shows another less active volcano nearby.
What took 9 hours to climb up on day two, took 40 minutes to slide back down.
From our campsite it took another hour and a bit to walk/slide back down to the 4x4. Another bumpy ride back, this time with music played at full noise.
p.s. The Peruvian method for climbing hills is to switchback from left to right taking the smallest steps possible. In this manner even if your legs are absolutely buggered you can keep climbing for several hours more... we know, we´ve done it... three times now (Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, and El Misti).
Duncan Bayne: Wow ...... absolutely fantastic! The view is absolutely astounding, & you must be feeling bloody fit by now. That said, Regan, are you having problems with your knee, hence the difficulty climbing? (11/17/06)
Juanita @ Allan: Like the photo of you havin a wee snooze Regan! - or were you unconscious? You are looking fitter tho' and a bit leaner. Can't see much evidence of a suntan so you must be using the sunscreen. You two sure look the part of 'intrepid adventurers" dressed in all your gear. Which "small hill" has Erin got planned for you to climb next? (11/17/06)
Duncan Bayne: Good to hear you're still in one piece :-) I imagine, liking soccer as much as you do that you'll always have something to talk about with the locals ... (11/20/06)
ross: haha! now those are some sexy looking outfits :) have to agree with the rest of them... thats a whole heap o walking. probly doing wonders for building up the strength in your knee (as long as you dont wreck it in the process). maybe you'll be able to play the godly game of soccer again when you get back ;) (11/28/06)
Regan: No trrouble with my knee while climbing, but, on the way down (when we slid down the scoria slope) I did hit a large rock with my bad leg/knee and for a second there I thought I had buggered it. In general being at altitude makes the biggest difference to your fitness. (11/20/06)