Peru Preparations

We are getting closer to the time for our Inca Trail hike and have started final preparations.  

Getting there may be the most problematic.  I've talked to lots of people whose travel plans via air this year have been cancelled or who have been stranded mid-trip--unable to get to their final destination in time for their excursion.

On this trip, we will be flying from Chicago to Dallas to Lima.  Then boarding the next day on a Peruvian puddle jumper (or mountain hopper) to Cusco, where we will acclimate to the 11,152'  elevation for a few days. Once the hike starts, there will be little to do but put one foot in front of the other for about four days.  This will be Julia's first multi-day hike where she will be sleeping on the ground in a tent.  I've been dreaming about my Appalachian trail thru-hike twenty-five years ago.  I guess those are called flashbacks.

Peak elevation will be at Dead Woman's Pass (elevation 13,828').  Should be interesting.  Will take a break from the blog until I get back.

Yellow soy bean fields--close to harvest

The Sun is Shining

Devil's Lake State Park

After three days of rain and nearly six inches of water in the rain gauge, the sun is shining today.  The birds are singing.  And after years of being told "no,", Justin received state approval for a care budget/home care agency which will meet his increasing health and safety needs without being forced into a nursing home.  

It's a good day for a hike, and I'll be sleeping better tonight.

Late Summer Update

 

The highlight of the last few weeks was winning the local pickleball tournament.  Yeah, it's been a little slow in the travel and hiking department. 

Not that we haven't traveled.  Last week, we drove a couple of hours to the Appleton area to attend the funeral of Julia's stepfather, Bob.  Both of her parents have passed, and there is just one stepmother left.  Bob lived a very full life and to the age of 93, passing quietly in his own home surrounded by family.  You can't ask much more than that.   

We also had some Justin-related travel, which resulted in securing an apartment close to Justin's doctors and the hospital in Madison.  With one step forward, we immediately took a step back when the state balked at Justin's agency's care giving plan.  At this point, we are putting our faith in the agency's experience in getting similar plans eventually approved.  Otherwise, we make be starting from scratch again in that department.  We shall see.

Hiking has been limited to daily training hikes for the Inca Trail, which is coming up later this fall.  We are getting the miles in, but we will not be able to replicate the altitude.