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Well 2 have become 3 (at least temporarily) as Franky joined us just over a week ago now and we are all back safe and well from our adventure on the Inca Trail.
Arriving in Cusco was a shock for both the drop in temperature, compared to what we are used to, and to stay at altitude where so much as an energetic stretch left us gasping for breath! But this is made up for by the stunning Andean skyline and architecture in the naval of the Inca empire.
Team Hiles was struck down by a fairly horrendous bug 2 days before our trek and I am just pleased Franky has known Rhian for long enough to forgive what she experienced in that shared room.... Not ideal preparation but all was well as we set off for our adventure.
Our luck didn´t end there as we had perfect weather for the whole trek and the experience, as well as the unbelieveable views, will stay with us forever. Unfortunately as will the memory of the glacier cold showers and bathroom facilities that would give Glastonbury day 4 a run for their money!
We have also developed a love for 2 things - namely walking poles (well we are virtually middle aged now) and Coca leaves. Starved of a good man to man sports chat for a while, and powered by the magic Inca leaves, I had a rather hyper rugby/cricket conversation on the way up to 4200 metre pass with an Aussie in our group. Rhian is delighted it is "out of your system" for a while.
It turns out 6000 miles is still not enough to escape medic chat for long though as there were 5 medics (out of 16) in our group but I cant deny it is is a great way to keep Rhian occupied with 1000m sheer drops on her side and near vertical steps after an 11 hour day of walking with the prospect of a bear sighting at any minute!
We are now in Urubamba (where Lucy Smith lived) to rest our weary legs and celebrate at an altitude where hangovers arent quite as severe as Cusco which Andy Baillie can vouch for I am sure!
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