Wake-up calls on RAGBRAI come early, as most of us rise with the sun and are eager to hit the road to beat the mid-day heat. Why they do this monstrous ride during the hottest week of the entire year is beyond me. Nevertheless, we enjoy and revel in it. After taking down the tent … More Saddle Sores, Sunburn & Other Pleasantries
Truth be told, though day 3 was – aside from the pre-historic sized wasps – a very pleasant hike, I was hesitant about day 4’s hike. We had another 2,000′ summit with 14 miles to cover in the dense, hot and humid jungle. The only consolation I had about the trek was that our previous … More Salkantay Hike Day 4: The Farm
We were all a bit chipper waking up, for we were given the luxury of sleeping in until 6AM. Now, before we go any further, it must be noted that I am a night owl. Most of my books, curriculums and illustrations are written/created/painted between the hours of 10PM and 3AM. For some reason, the … More Salkantay Hike Day 3: The Jungle
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop and look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’” – Eleanor Roosevelt The Summit I woke up. Much to my surprise, and a … More Salkantay Hike Day 2: The Summit
Low-landers, such as myself, are not made for thin air. Literally. The Peruvians who call the highlands their home have evolved to be able to live in such an unforgiving environment. They “have as much as 25 percent more blood that is more viscous and richer in red cells, a heart that is proportionately larger, and … More Salkantay Hike Day 1.3: The Fall
The Wild Rose 