Minasnioc

As we were such a small group compared to the usual Dragoman groups of 20 we had been doing good time. So the plan for today changed from a 12km trek to a 16km trek, including a second pass meaning a warmer campsite for our second night, less walking the 3rd day and possible access to beer. Olly was sold at once.

We were woken up at 05:30 by "tent service" a warm drink to enjoy in the tent as we got ourselves ready. Breakfast was pancakes with a smilely face written in caramel! We firmally met our camping crew, the two mule drivers are Nelson and Walter the latter being Mr Wari's son. Mist decended as we had breakfast and the trek continued through it and we couldn't see much at our first pass. A steep downhill bought us into a local community where our Mule drivers came from. The locals were busy in their potato fields as it was harvest season. A uphill before lunch nearly finished us off as our reserves ran out.

Going up and around a few mountains we continued to the second pass, racing the rain we could see behind us. The view of snowy mountain tops and glaciers around sacred valley were breathtaking. The pisco came out again and we thanked Pacchamama before continuing to run from the rain down the valley. We started to hear loud music and cheering. In the village below we could see hundreds of people dancing, racing horses and playing football. It was the festival of the cross and day 2 of their celebrations! We reached camp just before the rain!

All washed up Mr Wari went on a beer run so we enjoyed beers and cards after supper. Exhausted we headed for bed just as the camp staff headed to the party!Read more