Squixtography: Inca Trail Day 1

Our Hiking Tour group was – Alpaca Expeditions aka the Green Machine. We had 3 Guides – Nilton, Adolfo, and Romario. Chef – Walter who was absolutely amazing! Every meal was flavorful and fantastic. 21 Porters to carry everything and prepare the campsites each day. We had 14 hikers in our group and there was always a guide close by. Really the guides were quite attentive and intuitive to our needs. We frequently stopped for rest/photos and a brief history of the area and/or the plant life.

Inca Trail Day one: May 9 2022 Cusco to Ayapata about 14km hike, final elevation 10,800 feet (about a 2,000 foot climb). We started with a 4am pickup from our hostel. Then a quick stop for a nice breakfast and a chance to socialize with our group before we drove to the start of the Inca Trail.

Our Breakfast space:

Hubby found a furry friend to cuddle:

Once at the actual starting point there was an excited apprehension/tension in the air. Several groups embarking on an adventure with unknown trials ahead eager to start.

Ready to begin:

Getting everything together:

Starting off before photos:

First steps

First views:

We had to bring enough water to last until lunch. The dilemma was we had no idea how far, what terrain, and what the weather would be. We woefully under estimated our needs which made the first half of the day a lot harder. It was hot with little shade. Mostly up with a little down hill then up again. Altitude was a problem despite having spent the 4 days prior at higher altitudes I was still quite winded with exercise. We started at about 9,000 feet by lunch I was exhausted, dehydrated and experiencing extreme leg and hand cramps/spasms. I kept having to stop to stretch out my legs the lunch break only helped some. I ate a little and laid down in the grass stretching and catching my breath. Psyching myself up to do the next bit knowing it was all uphill but that my water bladder would be full.

The after lunch hike wasn't so bad but my muscle spasms worsened and by the time I was back in camp I just wanted to lay down.

The face of relief, accomplishment, exhaustion - One day down!

After a few minutes rest LOL

My thoughts – I survived. I had a lot of apprehension for day 2 which would be the longest hardest day with 16km to hike, 2 peaks to crest including our highest elevation – 13,800 feet. I couldn't sleep mostly because my leg cramps kept waking me up. They would only subside if I stood so at about midnight I took a night walk around the camp illuminated by the moon and stars. It was silent and magical. I felt rejuvenated and slept some until I woke up again with a head full of doubt and wrote the following in my journal -

Sleep sporadic, mostly comfortable some cramps too much on my mind. Wake up call is 4am, 2 am wide awake. Will I make it? Ne
ed to psych myself up. No Mountain is insurmountable. Went out moon is almost full, sky full of stars. Mountains surround us. Remember – I am capable, I am strong. The only way forward is through. There has been many metaphorical mountain I have surpassed and many more in the future. One step at a time. This is a physical representation of all I have overcome, all I will continue to overcome.

Death and sadness, loss, anger, pain, injury, restarting life, accepting love, pushing past self-imposed barriers these have been my mountains.

I won;t let fear, apprehension hold me back. The only way to grow is to try. There is no failure if you try, if you do, if you reach for your dream, a goal. Go for It – Conquer your Mountain! Eyes ahead, Head up, De the STRONG, DETERMINED, FOCUSED woman you are! Lastly- Remember to breathe. You got this!

Inca site #1