argh…..
argh…..
Craig and Lorraine arrived late last night from Santa Barbara and we all congregated once more at Celia’s home.
The plan for the day was the Taos area so we all jumped into two vehicles and headed out
passing Camel Rock on the way and stopping in Chimayo which was glorious.
There was a delightful Father there who was 96 years old and he said he had planted all the trees there and they grew but not him. I bought his biography which he signed after we talked
The entire place was peaceful and beautiful
Chimayo had a few options but we kept going
We stopped at Centinela Traditional Arts where I bought a beautiful wrap and a Chimayo style woven table runner
We took the High Road to Taos scenic byway and it was beautiful this time of year
Our friends followed along and we stopped in town for lunch together
I had the SW Spud, wow….
and then we were given half an hour to walk around before heading out.
In Taos was where I found the perfect shot of my nemesis
I wanted so much more time there but it was not to be… Glad I had opportunity though. The next stop was the Taos Pueblo
A Pueblo is a Reservation for First Nations people and I thought it was an attraction but it was an actual reserve turned into one with 15 families still living there. At first I was highly uncomfortable but then realized it was a living.
all throughout the village were little studios with art work, jewelry and food. This tableau was assisted by a lovely woman who’s middle name is Louise
I so enjoyed the talking to people part and picked up a few items along the way
a couple people today even knew where Bella Bella is and many wanted to know more about Heiltsuk People. I was proud to share about my home.
I resisted the smell of fry bread cooking all the way to the end and then had to indulge. It was just starting to rain as we left and headed for the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. When we arrived I picked up a rock and gave it to Colleen, telling her it was to save time as she has been gathering them along the way. We laughed and then walked along to start giggling as we saw all the good rocks under a Colleen Barrier
On the way back through town I caught a few things I had missed on the way through and we stopped at a Historical Marker.
We headed back to Celia’s and everyone ordered Chinese take-out. Colleen and I went to Walgreens so I could get some lip protection as mine had gotten lost today and I picked up some Hendricks Gin and tequila.
everyone was trying to make a plan for tomorrow but it is complicated by unstable weather possibilities. I feel bad for the Woodman’s as they have missed out on so much! Sure is nice to see them though. That’s it for now…..
Up at 3:30 am and off to ABQ again with Celia (bless her for driving us around), Colin and Wendy. Way fewer people so we were in early and got signed in for our ride. Found out we were to be with Pilot Pierre Brunner in the Hendricks Gin balloon, oh the irony. I do love my G&T and it is the only screen printed balloon with matching chase vehicle. It is also one of the larger ones. First we watched the few dawn patrol and then got excited as the bright moon shone over the filling balloons. This was a very good sign!
We were nearly the last group left waiting when Erik arrived to lead us to our vessel. All around us was the bustle and excitement of balloons filling and people being briefed. There were 14 in our group.
We signed a waiver, were briefed and then told to stand ready to climb in as quick as possible when he signaled. Just then Colleen showed up to take pictures! She and Mike are so awesome to have come so early and they weren’t even going up
Suddenly we got the sign to go and clambered in. Erik offered to take pics for me, yay!
I know Colin was not a fan of heights and it was good to see him conquering it as suddenly we were away!
it was exhilarating and awesome and emotional and like nothing else ever. I know it would not have been the same as a single balloon. It was the mass ascension that did it, watching in wonder as we moved up and down at Pierre’s skilled hand
And then too soon, it was time to look for a landing after about 45 minutes
As we came in on approach our chase crew was lost but others came to assist and the touch down was a feathers touch
This little girl wanted to know what it was like and Louise told her it was exciting and beautiful
We all loaded into the van, mumbling a bit as we had seen other groups get champagne. I realized my phone was missing and we stopped to look. Wendy found it under the seat, thank goodness! I would have lost all these pictures. Once back at the grounds we were given Champagne and OJ, and Pete gave a lovely tribute to the French for their innovations that allowed the first air travel in a smoke filled balloon and the tradition of having Champagne at the end of every flight. Any landing you walk away from is a good one. We had a lovely visit, took pictures, got our certificates and pins, etc
Next we went to the Flying Star for lunch
then on to the Sandia Peak Tramway
We met a pilot from Ohio and he gave us pins and we learned a lot!
After this the other four went to Tent Rocks and Celia and I went to the fabric store and then home. I have been blogging and the others just arrived with pizza, what a day!
Ok so I am more used to being alone than most, an old bachelor kind of mentality maybe… And here in Santa Fe, as much as I have loved it, I am not alone. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing annoying or wrong about anything. It is just out of my routine and when it boils down to it I believe I may have Asperger/OCD tendencies and this has been a long time out of my norm. I do ok alone as I most of the time can stand my own company but whether others know it or not i am always trying to be sure everyone is happy and sometimes my default when that is complicated is to go off on my own. This morning was nice and relaxed, Colin and Wendy had gone off on a train ride and we were putting around waiting for Mike and Colleen. They arrived and Mike and I set off for Home Depot to get supplies to make these cool earring holders Celia has. That was a lot of fun and amusing. We spotted a place called Jackelope and decided to come back later
. When we got back like proud hunters and gatherers it seemed to take a while to get going and I found myself wanting to jump in my car and just go. I hope I didn’t offend anyone but that is what I finally did. I needed to put the top down, blast the radio and go. That is one of the challenges, there has been a lack of music the last few days and no TV thus no news or anything. Very hard on this media junkie. Hey that reminds me, when we were at the field yesterday we ended up on Channel 4 Pinpoint a Weather broadcast!
Finally we all took off for downtown. I followed and then finally broke off and found a parking spot. I walked around the corner and there they were. We went into an art gallery and I was drawn to two specific artists, one turned out to be from the Tlingit First Nation whom I worked for it in Atlin! His work with glass is amazing and his work is even in the Smithsonian. Check out Preston Singletary
tony Abeyta was the artist whose work I would have bought had I been able to. This piece looked like music to me
this is worth checking out too http://www.martinspei.com
Next I stopped at The Native Market to see if I could find the lady I spoke to two days ago and she spotted me first and gave me a big Hi! I passed her a bag with two packs of smoked salmon and told her to share. She looked confused and then suddenly beamed with gratitude and as I started to leave she insisted on giving me one of the bracelets she was selling and picked the one tat was most authentic Navajo colours she said as she put it on me. Official trade beads!
We wandered about town seeing many interesting sites
and inside St Francis Cathedral where I actually kneeled and prayed to keep the bitch away ( hey, it’s God, he knows me)
Next we wandered for lunch and ended up in the Bell Tower at La Fonda where I shared nachos like I had never had before
My meter was going to expire and I wanted to go to Jackelope so I left and they met me there
It was a funky place and at one point Celia and I were snuggled on a huge Chaise and I said, ‘we’re peopled out aren’t we?’ And she just agreed and we enjoyed sitting there
Colleen bought a gorgeous table out of 1500 year old wood and inlayed turquoise. I bought a rabbit in honour of my Jackelope terrors
this is the mother of all
I want this but resisted
We all met back at Celia’s for Green Chile Stew and Sangria to hear about the train ride and share a meal and our day before tucking in as tomorrow is Ascension Day!! Hmm only 13 Km today
The day began at 3:30 or even earlier as I was afraid to sleep I so didn’t sleep well. We quickly got ready, C & W arrived at 4 and we loaded into Celia’s vehicle to head for Albuquerque. The traffic was extremely light, much different than Newtons drive in 40 minutes later yesterday. We arrived with a closest to the gate parking space
the first couple hours were spent wandering as we waited for the dawn patrol and then mass ascension.
I found a sponsor booth: Pandora and bought a hot air balloon bead for my travel collection and then as dawn was approaching wandered into the field. That is truly the coolest thing about this festival, basically no boundaries. You are allowed to wander through the fields amongst the balloons and vehicles. As it got lighter I spotted a few balloons laid out ready and wandered over to see this on the side of the chase vehicle..
I hung around here and texted the others. C&W arrived and I was noticing that a couple guys had Roughriders gear on so I pulled up my BC Lions app and walked over flashing it and said Go
Lions Go. They laughed and came over to talk. One of the guys ended up talking to us for quite a while, even giving a tour of the balloon and how it works. I told him we were booked with Rainbow Ryder’s and he said they were likely to be our ride. I said I wanted to be In the Lions colored one and he said to ask for Eduardo Martinez.
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we watched as many test balloons were sent up but the wind was not conducive. First the dawn patrol was cancelled and then the mass ascension. It was a beautiful day though and many decide to inflate for show but stayed tethered
I will admit to being like a child as every which way I turned there was something happening
unfortunately the moments were short as the weather was not cooperating
as we wandered out we stopped by the chainsaw carvers and one was from B C !
the last booth was NASA and I asked if I could get a picture of Louise with the fully inflated astronaut suit. I was told you pose it your way and then I will
she is now an astronaut!
next we went to Plaza Café South and Mike and Colleen from Oregon met us there. What a grand reunion
. We all agreed to go for naps and relaxes and meet at Celia’s for dinner. I got the news that my new grand baby is a boy and took a call from my daughter about all the excitement. After a bit of a relax and a shower, the crew showed up and we had so much fun! We even had the neighbour, Adam come over to take pictures for us
he was so sweet I gave him some of the BBQ smoked salmon I had brought. Everyone said thanks to Arnie and Shannon for their part I the salmon feed!
we spent the next few hours reminiscing about Peru, discussing first impressions and generally laughing like school kids.
This is who I woke up to, my new friend Bailey
Celia and I spent much time visiting and readying for the day and then her friend Sherri came and got us to go for brunch.
my favourite side down here is Posole made with hominy which my Grandad used to soak and cook for me. While enjoying lunch we waited for Colin and Wendy to arrived from the fiesta grounds. A man came round selling his wares and he was very sweet and talented
C & W arrived and I went back with Sherri to retrieve my car. What a lovely lady, hope to see her again some day. When I returned we all posed with the burro in Burro Alley. This was where the men used to come down with fire wood to sell.
we wandered in and out of shops, I bought a skirt and met a long legged friend,
wandered to the portal venders in the palace of the governors
where I met several beautiful Navajo peoples who were fascinated by the idea of the Heiltsuk First Nation in the Great Bear Rainforest, one even took my card and wants to write me to find out more. Louise was quite the flirt today!
these are the three chocolates I bought at the chocolate smith
I found a beautiful bead for my collection at Bella
it’s just such a lovely town
next we split up so Colin and Wendy could get settled and meet us for dinner. We stopped at my gushing about it fave grocery store, TJ’s (Trader Joe’s) and the sign outside promised 50 pumpkin items, it was glorious and I found super deals
stopped at the pepper place on the way home, love the pumpkins
wasn’t long after we got back that Colin and Wendy arrived and we enjoyed appies of the salmon I brought from Bella Bella and I ran to give Audrey a shower. She sparkles again.
Dinner was fantastic as Celia made us a meal we’d had in Peru. Mike and Colleen are still many hours away so will be missing the mass ascension tomorrow but I am about to tuck in as I have to get ready to leave by 4 am
only put 14 Km on today but sure had a great time. Celia is smart and funny and kind and generous. What a great friend. Much like the ones at home who have texted and messaged me to let me know the cover on my bike ripped In the high winds (I think it may have been Buster , the local run about dog as he likes to chew at tarps and plastic) but bike is fine and they covered it up. So good to be looked after. I have had moments where I am overwhelmed with joy and … Well I’m just happy and that’s a good thing!
Woke up to another glorious autumn day and took my time getting ready to leave. There were puppies to greet me in the lobby and they were cute even after spilling and slurping up my water
I went first to the tourist info only to find out that the reason my cheap hotel was so expensive was that it was Cowboy Poetry Week!
I can’t believe the hotel didn’t tell me so I could have seen some of the activities last night instead of staying in. Oh well, headed to the historic downtown and parked, plugging the meter for an hour and 45. As I walked away I saw a neat pin in a jewelry store window and went in to ask how much. It was over my budget but had a great talk with the old guy in there who told me the best route to Santa Fe based on what I was driving and what I would like to see. He told me one route would be too much like home and not to stop in Española where the gangs and low-riders are. I wandered off down the Main Street of this beautiful town
I bought a ring, a wee pair of cowboy boots for my tree and a tiny hot pink dream catcher to hang from my mirror. At the end of the road was the train station and free museum that had been recommended
I like trains, I was a brakeman (first female trainman/yardman in the Kootenays) for CPRail 25 years ago so I have stopped in a few museums since then but this one blew me away. I stopped in the gift shop and bought a cool metal cup and then wandered my way in. Upon entry I stopped dead, gobsmacked.
I was so enamoured of the whole thing and the shop monkey as he called himself that I barely took any pictures but it is a must see. Old cars and miniatures as well. I had a great talk with him about their system of trains and real cabooses still in use. He told me the expression ‘so quiet you could hear a pin drop’ is about rail car coupling. From there I worked my way back up the street stopping in funky stores where I picked up a couple toques otherwise known as beanies here and a fun treat for my little buddy Freddie back home. As I forgot to bring a travel mug I stopped at Starbucks and picked up a cool one that says ‘Band of Outsiders’ on it that the lady said was calling my name and then the barista filled it for free with a new ‘Clover’ method. It was fascinating, like a reverse French press.
I realized suddenly that my meter was going to run out and quickly headed back. I got to the main intersection and cars were stopped in all directions. I asked a guy walking by and he said we could cross diagonally!
the next couple hours were full of beautiful scenery and part of it did feel familiar, similar to home and coincidentally called San Juan area
I was recommended to stop at Bodes General Store and it was an experience, hustling and bustling and full of all sorts of goods, old school style
it was in Abiquiu near the Ghost Ranch of Georgia O’Keefe fame. I bought a card with a shot of her on the back of a MC in 1944.
I am amazed that the number one warning sign I have seen on this trip except ‘Keep Right’ is this one
so far I have seen much road kill, couple of freaky rabbits, a donkey, a Llama, chipmunks, horses and many, many cows.
I managed to find Celia’s place just after 5 and was there waiting when she arrived from work. What a happy reunion!
got settled, put Arnie’s wood fire smoked salmon in the fridge that I had managed to keep cold all the way here (thanks to Shannon for contributing hers too), took her dog Bailey to the dog park, and made a plan for tomorrow.
Celia took me out for New Mexican food and even ordered for me. It was delicious!
we had such a lovely time catching up and even getting to know each other better. She is a lawyer who works for the state drawing up bills to hopefully become laws. Well it’s way more complicated than that but in a nutshell. She is just so nice and so generous to have me in her home. After all, we only knew each other for two weeks in Peru.
The morning started with a bang when Colin kicked the bucket… Literally. Just as well as we were up, fed and out by 8ish. It was a beautiful drive that took us through country that had often rolling hills with sudden thrusts of rock
we arrived at a less than impressive muddy parking lot with a market surrounding a ‘monument’. It cost $5 to get in and was so worth it, lol Four Corners Monument allowed us to stand in all four states, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico at the same time
from here I split off from Colin and Wendy as they had already been to Mesa Verde. I travelled through another construction zone. This one was the first I had to stop at for a couple minutes. The rest I had gone through on the weekend or at night. As I had seen so many billboards I stopped at Ute Mountain Casino and donated a wee bit to the Nation. Next stop was the Mesa Verde visitors centre where a very nice man told me the route to take and be sure not to miss any of the S’s
I paid my $10 and started on the 23 mile drive in, stopping and looking along the way
the first big stop was at the museum and after wandering there where Louise once again met her family behind glass I took the hike down to the accessible dwelling. 
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next I just drove the loop checking various spots, these people literally carved out a life
most of the places I have been this trip were very natural, few fences except in extreme spots but MV is very… Disney like, all paved and guarded but also more family friendly
after several hours enjoying and learning I decided to head towards Durango
I look forward to checking it out tomorrow but for now I have paid too much for a Super 8 where it was ultimately explained to me that the owner does not wish to spend any money. My sheets are bleached almost through and the keycard doesn’t have a sleeve, just a sticky note.
the staff however are very sweet and apologetic and recommended a scrumptious affordable place for dinner
award winning food and local beer at Serious Texas BBQ.
Eek watching the news and there was a twister just south of me this week! I will only be out with eyes wide open…. Promise.
Today was a 510Km day and a bunch of footsteps too.
Lazy start to the day and then got a text that Colin and Wendy were on their way in my direction. They had stopped for breakfast at a place we had seen yesterday that served Ho-made Pies!
I said so long to my sweet little spot…
but not before leaving a tip on my pillow for the male housekeeper!
The Newtons were towing their sweet little trailer
others were towing Cadillacs!
It wasn’t long before we crossed into Arizona (state number 5) and the first stop was for the famous cookies at Jacobs Lake Inn where I also bought some very cool juniper seed beads and a handmade arrow
I followed them through some interesting scenery
a very long way until
we stopped for buffalo spotting and learned a fun fact later that they are dangerous on the roads as they are so dark and their eyes are not reflective.
finally we were in the park…
the lodge was spectacular
and it wasn’t just a hole in the ground after all
we went for a walk out to Angel Point, climbed crazy places and just had fun together
I think Wendy and I had our big girl panties on!
Wendy loved her Bloody Mary mix
we headed back the way we came, not as impressed as we may have been. Stopped for a picnic in the sun
we finally got out of the park and headed out towards Page. First stop had an incredible view and shopping. Wendy and I both bought necklaces from a lady there
next was a quick stop at Cliffdwellers and Lees Ferry
and the Navajo Bridge
unfortunately the interpretation centre was closed for maintenance but it sure is spectacular
we stopped in Gap for gas as hwy89 is closed and we had to go 20, and the winds buffeted the whole way. We reached Page just before dark and went straight to the Super 8. The woman said the rooms were normally over 160 but she would give to us for 120. We decided to share one as that was ridiculous. Called a cab to go for dinner and a sketchy beat up car with Buggy Taxi on the side and a 70+ driver showed up. No meter just $9 to the restaurant, even answered his cell on the way, although not sure how he heard over squeaky brakes..
food was okay even if order was wrong for Wendy and it was in a strip mall. Called a cab and it turns out there is only one and guess who showed up again, fresh smoke in car and all and only took over half an hour wait…. Seems he is the only game in town of 8000. Back to discuss the day tomorrow and put this 414 Km in the sun day to rest
Today began just relaxing and hanging in the Hotel until I felt the payroll back home had all gone well. It was a glorious day and I headed into Bryce to meet Colin and Wendy. On the way I stopped at the Quiltwalkers Memorial. It’s a cool story of guys who survived a blizzard walking on their quilts….
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I stopped at Ruby's to buy a postcard to send to myself and one of the teacher/friends back home and a shot glass for my collection then headed into the park. It cost $25 and included the shuttle from point to point lookout. I drove into where they last texted that they were and got a parking spot right away. I texted I was there but no answer. I wandered towards the view and spotted this sign. The second rule struck me as amusing in my car and I should have read to the end….
I took the time to soak in my first views of a place I have wanted to go since my then teenaged daughter raved about it. She has always said ‘Mom, the Grand Canyon is a hole in the ground, Bryce Canyon is amazing’. She was not wrong. It is breathtaking. And the legend behind it speaks to me….
I had been there about 20 minutes when I turned and there were Colin and Wendy! My text didn’t go through to him for another hour or so! We set off on a big walk/hike around the rim from Sunset Point to Bryce Point lookout, 2.2 miles.
I think this one looks like Garfield…
This one had a valuable lesson…
Clear cutting leads to this….
Our cars are parked straight across at the top…
We were getting hungry so grabbed the shuttle back to the parking lot. When we got to my car I couldn’t find my keys….
We laughed so hard in relief that it was there still and that I had been worried that I left Louise in the car and she might get stolen. I guess it looked like a bait car and no one went for it. Either that or they just shook their heads at the crazy trusting Canadian.
Took a shot and then headed for lunch..
I would have stayed here if I had known about it..
We stopped for a delicious, reasonably priced buffet at Ruby’s Inn, made plans for the rest of the day to drive altogether to Kanab to see the Little Hollywood Museum and Coral Pink Dunes and then they would return to their cabin in Bryce and I would continue on. Some shots from along the way….
I loved this place! So many cool sets but I mostly liked the ones from The Outlaw Josey Wales..
Funny that they both pretend dead in the same direction.
We headed back towards Bryce together as we had passed something interesting to see… And it really was!
It is worth googling Moqui Cave, this guy was gifted.
We next drove to the Coral Pink Dunes and the first thing I see is a sign about the animal that still freaks me out!
It was lovely to wander looking for animal tracks in the sand..
We split up here as I had a hunt ahead of me for a bed. The woman at the cave had said I would be lucky to get a room and both her and another guy said it would be expensive this time of year. She suggested stopping at McDonalds for free wifi and checking ahead to places down the highway. I spent a minute doing that to find nothing available remotely nearby or in budget. I remembered seeing a sign in town that didn’t have a No in front of vacancy. The parking lot was empty and eerie but as it happens they were full with a bus load, except two rooms the bus cancelled. $70 tax in, really cool retro hotel with pool and king bed. Smells great and I would live in a place like this.
What a nice change after last night, although it may be too hot in here for me!
Had breakfast and great chats with all the people in the lobby enjoying theirs. These included the sweet attendant, an older couple from Seattle, a bridge jumper (with parachute), and a nummy group of worker guys, maybe highways. I didn’t find out what they did as they were enamoured of Audrey and asked lots of questions, even took pictures. Seems Miatas aren’t as ubiquitous as I thought.
I had forgotten a belt and was tired of hiking up my drawers so I stopped at Target which also happened to have a Starbucks so I grabbed my one of the season….
And came out to be horrified by this …
Thanks to Dan Bennett charging my battery before the trip she started first turn, phew! Having survived that scare I went here….
It was fun scoping out the possibilities.
And then I was on the road again.
It took me 1 hour to outrun the rain and another 20 until I stopped to drop the top and take a picture facing back to Idaho…
And one towards Utah…
I spotted this earlier on, what?…
This is hard to read as I did a quick shot with a State Trooper on my tail…
It says Drowsy Drivers Next Exit. There were many warnings along the route for said DDs and then I realized Utah has many caffeine free, thus drowsy people!
Today was 756 Km of mostly watching the weather change and remembering that a year ago today was the long goodbye in Lima Peru. I love that by weeks end I will reunite with many of those friends but am sad so many couldn’t make it.
A few exciting moments of the day:
A police incident in Fillmore rest stop with a woman having her purse microscopically inspected on the sidewalk.
Saw two Alberta plated vehicles and we acknowledged with excited waves.
A plastic bag blew across the road and I didn’t realize for a couple hours that it was stuck to my front license plate (how uncool is that?)
The highest elevation I noted of the day was 7720 feet
I nearly had a heart attack when a Jackelope ‘ran’ across the road. No, seriously! Ok it was a jackrabbit but I have never seen a live one before and this was freaky. I was going 65 miles an hour and suddenly this thing streaked across the highway in a semi upright, kangaroo like way at super speed. My heart was pounding!
I was in text contact with Wendy and agreed to try to get into the same accommodations as them in Bryce Canyon but it was sold out. I was at a gas station in Panguitch, 20 minutes away when I got the news so decided to stay there and thus began a strange evening. The lady at the gas station was so nice and recommended the Knights Inn which is a Wyndham so points again. Also the State Trooper who sped past me just before the jackrabbit incident was staying here , so it must be ok…….. (Hmmm perhaps government budget)(or divorce)
Turned out to be a great deal for this area $50 all in but only a space heater as something is broken. The desk clerk was so sweet about it all. Smells a little sketchy, love the bathroom but glad I don’t want to take a bath…
I went down the street to the Flying M restaurant. It is everything old school, small town you can imagine and less. It was packed being the only place for several motels. 2 or 3 very busy servers, booths with cracked or peeled vinyl, big butt divots, carpet from the 70’s maybe earlier, loud, and friendly. It even had an old school salad bar! I chose pork chops as the least scary thing. They arrived too soon in my estimation and were pink inside. The mashed were powdered, etc, etc. I just couldn’t do it so I finished my beer and when she was able to come back just asked nicely if I could pay and slip away. She went to kitchen and came back saying cook was very embarrassed. I paid for my beer and tipped a dinner portion. She seemed moved by that but hey, smeg happens. So it was back across to the gas station for dinner. The lady and I had a good laugh when she asked how my room and dinner were and I blamed the whole adventure on her. Panguitch might not be much but the people are lovely. So back to my room for dinner….
And to top it off, I am blogging with Rocky Horror Picture Show on the Telly, how apt 🙂
Up and enjoyed continental breakfast. The manager was so nice and even set me up for Wyndham rewards which I seem to be accumulating rapidly. Gave me good advice on where to get gas and the route. Seem to be starting my days on Timex time, yesterday was 1:50 and today was 10:10. If you are too young to know what that means:
note the hand placement
It was once again a top down, beautiful day…. In Oregon. And then….
Not far into Idaho it became ……well …..cloudy and boring to the eyes, to be honest. Passing through Boise was just a highway through ugly although I suspect that highways should go through the uglier parts, it didn’t make me want to stop. Was still warm enough not to need sleeves or a roof although I was getting up there in altitude. It was hard not to turn North at the last opportunity to go to Cranbrook to see my babies and grand babies. It’s a good thing I like my own company, NPR and God rock as that is mostly what I had. Was fun when a vehicle would honk or wave as they passed as we had been on the same route together for a while.
I couldn’t resist stopping here:
Need I say more?
Funny thing is from there on the scenery got prettier although the horizon looked bleaker. I turned off towards Twin Falls as I had a desire to see Shoshone Falls. As I approached the Perrine Bridge there was a viewpoint and I quickly jumped out to take a shot of the Snake River. It was so green and lush around it.
It was starting to get dimmer as it was now 5 pm with the time change but I was determined to see the Falls. My directions I’d printed off Roadtripper seemed odd as they lead me through neighbourhoods of first small and then mansion sized yards and homes. I kept going though and suddenly there was a windy little narrow road and a toll booth with a very friendly retiree. He asked me all about my journey, seemed mildly surprised I hadn’t gotten rained on, charged me $3 and explained where to go to see it all.
What an incredible surprise! I only wish the sky had been blue for the photos. I started at the lake….
And then wound my way down to the Falls…
Imagine owning that real estate!
I was so grateful to have made the time to go when I did, especially as just as I was stopping to check rates at Best Western some sprinkles started so I put roof up as I would for the night anyway. The clerk told me it would be $90+ and then when I asked if she could recommend a less expensive not scary place she said the Motel 8 down the block and across the street. As I was pulling in the sky opened up. I ran inside as the thunder and lightening started.
Parked in front of me was a truck and trailer with Alaska Found on the back which I recognized from cat and mouse all day. We laughed and introduced ourselves as another couple came in who also recognized Audrey.
This hotel was only $53+ for me thanks to BCAA. I brought my stuff in and went foraging. The rain had already passed by.
Twice I had seen billboards for Jakers bar and grill. I was determined to get merch for my son. As it happens, it was right down the street but they had no merch. They did have an incredible local sourced, homemade menu and Idaho Mules…. Mmmmm only slightly better than the wee honey scone served with dinner
I had a Billion Dollar Salad with shrimp and I think Americans must be disappointed when they come to Shearwater as what we pass for prawns were the shrimp I had.
Must share a conversation I overheard and then had a hard time ignoring at the next table:
Child: why is everyone against Obama?
Grandpa (?): cause he takes from the rich and gives to the poor.
Oh and apparently he got re-elected by the socialist Mexicans along the border!
Back to the room to plan the next couple days but still couldn’t figure a good connection with Colin and Wendy as we want to see different things. I hope they are ok with that, it’s hard to tell by texting. It’s all good though as I am enjoying my pace and stops.
Louise seems to be too….
So that was Sunday… 589 Km to get my favourite picture so far…
And I can finally say I’ve seen Bliss!
Up early to work on revising my Roadtripper plan, hook up Mom’s printer, load up, purchase plumbing supplies for my new home and get my front turn signal bulb changed before I was officially on the road!
Starting point. 286787. New Westminster
Mom took a starting shot of me and my travel buddy Louise, the Llama from Peru
On my way to the Peace Arch crossing I stopped at the Freeway Mazda dealership and for under $15 got them to fix my turn signal. They assured me that my 1992 Miata would be great for this trip as the older models were the best and gave me their number if I had any trouble on the road and needed advice. Great PR! Stopped across the lot to catch a drive by hugging with my ‘big Bro’ cousin Joe but he was off today, dang.
There was a surprising long wait at the Nexus line but still faster than the regular and when I got to the booth all he asked was if I had anything to declare and waved me through.
Waiting in the sun in the Nexus line
I crossed the line at 1:50 pm and first stop was Bellingham for another failed drive by hugging. Seems my Auntie Trisha was out but took opportunity while at her place to put the top up as the sky looked grim heading south. Wasn’t long before the sky cleared and when the traffic slowed down just north of Renton I pulled over to take it down again to honks and cheers of passers by.
I stopped for food and coffee in Cle Elum and had a fun chat with three ladies who had seen me on the highway and everyone seems to be amazed by my journey. Audrey is so popular! Picked up fried chicken and pumpkin beer for later, mmmmm. At the gas station I had no clue how much it would cost so I gave him a hundred bucks and it came to $26. We all had a good laugh inside and they were horrified at the 1.71/L in Bella Bella. The manager bemoaned the passing of the Canadian penny as well. When I left there I took the only visible freeway entrance and found myself heading back west! Good thing the next exit was only a mile back.
The most beautiful site of the day was undeniably the rows upon rows of windmills. This was followed closely by beautiful, Okanagan like Yakima which I came upon as the sun was beginning to set with Mt Adam and Mt Rainier in the background.
Number 1 on my intended list of attractions to see was Prosser Gravity Hill. The turn off for it was at Grandview and I stopped there at a convenience store to read my directions. It was 12 miles off the highway and it was full dark by now so I chose to keep going down the road.
I had a general idea of the direction I was to take but suddenly I saw a sign ‘Welcome to Oregon’ and thought I was again heading in a very wrong direction. I pulled over to find that yes first Oregon and then Idaho. I drove to the next big city and looked for a hotel. As I passed Pendleton Correctional Facility it occurred to me that hotels may be expensive or ratty here due to the visitors. As it happens the first place I spotted was a Travelodge and got a very nice room with fridge, microwave and coffee maker, breakfast and wifi included for only $69 care of my BCAA membership. Wasn’t expecting much but aside from the thin walls it’s lovely.
Louise tucked in early
Wendy texted that they are planning to wait for me in Moab but that it is Amazonian rain there at the moment. Having driven until 9:30 at night in short sleeves and no roof I am thinking of avoiding that area. Going to look at my route and let them know.
I really unwound and cleared my head today…. All around good for my soul.
Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
The day began at 4 am when I was drunk dialed. The sound of my cell phone rousting me from a deep sleep only 4 hours into dreamland started what would be a very full day. Once I was sure no one had died I surveyed the inside of my eyelids for another hour or so, caught some zzz for an hour more and finally got up and at it. I threw on a load of laundry and began to pack before rushing in to work. Just the bosses designate and myself were in. There was still much to be done to get me out of town. I worked until 11 completing what I had to, forced to leave some until I returned but all critical items were done. I was touched by the kind words of review from my temporary supervisor as well as her great hug, sending me on my way. Racing the whole 200 yards home I found my dear teacher friend Shannon waiting to help and drive me to the airport. She is truly a fabulous friend as she is going to water my plants, take out my garbage and even do the dishes I couldn’t get done as my kitchen renovation has not been completed.
At the airport I find the upper management crew from Shearwater heading out for meetings and we all sit and chat. At one point I am asked why I am doing this amazing journey alone and I take a beat before explaining that my travel companion was denied his time off request…. In their organization! There was an awkward moment before I laughed and said ” ironic we’re flying out together, eh?”.
Waiting at the airport was my dear Mom who shuttled me around to get my car insurance, a haircut, eyebrow threading, mani/pedi and food. Now that I was maintained I was good to go.
Maddi & Me. Everyone should love their hairdresser as much as I do!
This didn’t start out to be a solo journey and I have had mixed emotions about it. The plan began so long ago, fresh off our trip to Peru. The first plan solidified was booking and paying for the Ascension at Dawn. That set the day we need to be in Albuquerque for certain, up before dawn on October 7th! Since then my life has been a string of big changes and big events which probably lead to me heading out alone. My friends intended to travel along with me in their Miata but at some point it turned out they planned to leave two days earlier than we discussed. Another dear friend and I spent hours planning what we wanted to see and do along the way but ultimately was refused the additional week off he would need. A couple weeks ago I had decided not to go as financially and emotionally it would be too hard to do alone. I can’t honestly remember what made the difference but suddenly I began looking forward to it. I started making jokes that this Thelma didn’t need her Louise and I would find my Brad Pitt hitch hiker.
So tomorrow brings the real day one as I load up Audrey for the big adventure and run for the border.
My sweet 1992 Miata, Audrey
I awoke to the offer of breakfast and the sun breaking above the horizon out my plane window. I know that Peru is now in the past and that I am going to have to disturb the woman in the aisle seat soon to let me out for relief. I sleep off and on again until we land at LAX. It is a beautiful day and I am highly overdressed for the weather. Thankfully we learned the mantra from Nury, layers, layers, layers! I am getting odd looks in my Peruvian toque though.
The timing through the airport was plenty as we worked our way through one line-up or inspection to another. This is not a very convenient airport for us as where we arrive is a 4 terminal walk over to the one we depart from. Fortunately it was just the reverse of our trip down with the exception that we had to clear our bags through customs and then put them on a conveyor towards our next plane. I am glad we didn’t have to carry them all the way though as the trip has taken it’s toll on my wheeled bag and it is more like dragging than towing now. My experience all along the way with security and customs was very enjoyable. We had laughs and chats and giggles, even one odd conversation about Mammograms. (no the technology at the airport is not that invasive)
By the time Carol-Ann got to the gate there were 10 people ahead of her on the stand-by list for the over sold plane. I know she is very anxious to get home to her kids and grandbaby as the tension is a bit palpable. Colin and Wendy were willing to wait for a later flight if necessary and so was I so I told the agent at the gate that if CA could not get on i was giving my seat to her. It was strange to me that we were not seated at the same time as I booked us as travelling companions and paid on my card at the time. Apparently it was a glitch with Alaskas booking system. I believe CA thinks it is because I booked us through Skyscanner but in any case when the final boarding call came we were both on the plane and in fact side by side…… hmmmmm.
It was good to be on the last leg. Now that we had left our friends and South America behind, I just wanted to be home. A cheese and fruit plate accompanied by a Chardonnay helped.
Arrival in Vancouver to blowing rain and forecasts of a big storm was no surprise. Clearing customs here was easy and I was the second t arrive at the baggage carousel. As I was waiting to pull the others bags off, CA came over gave me a quick hug and was gone. I and the others were sad not to have gotten our good-bye picture together. We got to meet Ruths daughter which was lovely. My Mom agreed happily to drive Colin and Wendy to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal in order to get to Nanaimo where they were being picked up. (As it happens there’s was the last boat before storm cancellations). We took our last selfie together in the tour and with teary eyes said good-bye. I love these two very much and look forward to more journeys in the future.
I babbled away to my Mom on the drive, stopping to buy major salad ingredients and a bottle of wine. Once home I showed her all my treasures and made sure everything was safe. There were some leakages due to the altitude changes but nothing major. My lamp and beautiful piece of pottery art filled with Pisco made it safely, although the packages of Quinua and Kiwicha are sucked tight but at least didn’t break. Quinua has become such a popular export in Peru it is driving the local prices up and locals cannot all afford the super food that keeps them healthy and fed.
A shower and a salad later and I am sitting with the fire on and the storm brewing outside busy downloading photos onto my laptop. As I go to sync my iPhone I realize it is upgrading to IOS7 and then it glitches and I am unable to get any pictures or videos off it! Now it wants to be restored but I will lose everything. In the morning I will go online and make an appointment at the Apple store as I do not have a phone either…
Home is good but I hope to hold on for as long as possible to the experience that was my G Tour group and the welcoming and beautiful Peru.
In the mean time I am so tired I am falling asleep at the keyboard. Soon I will let the memories roll around, reread the blog, and add photos and any addition memories.
MB in New Westminster, BC
09.29.13
It seems that most of us were unable to sleep well as the whole crowd was there for breakfast together. Seems like we had barely settled in when it was time for Craig and Lorraine to leave. There was much hugging and taking of pictures together. Once they were gone we took Ruthie up on her generous offer to let us check out and put our gear in her and Chris’s room as they were staying another night to visit with friends. They had a very nice room! It seems the couples saw much nicer spaces than Carol-Ann and I did along the way.
Around 10, a bunch of us walked with the intention of finding the Indian market Nury had told us about. We ended up on the other side of the highway at the Mercado which was a locals food market, surrounded by hardware etc. It was not where we intended to be but interesting. Got turned around and found the area where much shopping was done and we all met to walk back as far as out street where some separated off.
Colin and Wendy, Carol-Ann and I had to meet back at the hotel for pick up at 12:30 for cooking class. Next it was time to say good-bye to ‘The Brits” as they would not be about when we returned from our cooking class in the afternoon. I got all teared up again. I was working on the previous days blog when I heard Wendy getting my attention to see who was there. It was Poppy! He had come to get Nury’s suitcase. We had a good hug. It was a short time later that I turned to see Nury standing there drinking her coffee from the Starbucks cup I had brought from Vancouver and used throughout the journey. I passed it on to her the night before and had written her name on it. It was endearing to see her using it. It is not getting easier for me to say adios.
The guide, Ronald picked us up in a van with a driver and there were already two on board, Paul and Amanda from Scotland. Ronald said we had the best driver in Peru and then asked him what his name was. We took a very scenic route which led us right back to the market we had been at that morning. He gave us a great tour, explaining all the ingredients usually used in Ceviche. We saw a Peruvian hairless dog, they are so odd, all skin and a Mohawk. The most fun was going to the Fish market. On the way we stopped to see a Friar jump off a cliff into the water outside the El Salto del Fraile restaurant. The reenactment is based on an old tale of unrequited love. I videoed the leap and then we all pulled nearer to the restaurant so the Friar could bring his basket round to collect tips. He was much older than I expected.
The Fish Market was lovely. Small but quite the variety. The man giving us the tour was very knowledgeable and seemed amused by the fact that I knew most of what I was saying. He was surprised when I understood he and our guide talking in Spanish. I was surprised to see a tray of Abalone there. This was a favourite of mine when I was young. I have not had it since the late 70’s and the entire industry of harvesting them has been closed since 1990 due to depletion. If only I had known before our last day that I could have had some! We were given silver sides (small herring like fish) to feed to Pelicans! Unlike any other bird I have seen the females are the yellow headed prettier ones. Not far from there was The Siren, the restaurant where we were to learn our next Peruvian Cooking skill. Everything was set and we didn’t take long to make our plates of Ceviche and Pisco Sours. I admit, ceviche is not my favourite. I have had so many odd textures that I am just craving a good old crunchy salad.
After an opportunity to scope out the beach, we were driven back to the hotel in time to once again hug Nigel and Linda and Colin helped them out to their taxi. It would seem an undercurrent of sad would continue to taint the day.
Colin, Wendy, Carol-Ann and I wandered to the pre-Incan pyramid in the middle of the city. It is made of mud bricks standing on end. We got there just as the last tour was begun and it was in English. Once again, such good fortune. It really was quite fascinating. It seems that we have seen such variety in the archaeological sites we have seen.
On the way back we stopped at The Christmas Store around the corner where a 30-50% sale was on. It appeared to be less Christmas, more very cool designer store. I found a cut glass lamp that I knew I had to have and Wendy offered her extra duffel bag so I could get it home. The few remaining (5 Canucks and 4 Yanks) hung around in the hotel lobby. I sat at the bar chatting with Daniel and JuanJose (JJ) and feeling resistant to leaving. Our two vans arrived and we all piled in with bags all mixed up. Our driver was nice and funny and got us there safely.
Once we all checked our bags in we were standing at the agreed upon spot when I realized Carol-Ann was still at the counter. As it happened they did not have a seat for her for the second leg of the journey. As there was nothing to do at that moment we all went for dinner together. It was cheeseburger special night and most of us ordered that. It took a very long time to arrive, had an odd texture and took even longer to pay for. I stood with Mike and Colleen as they waited for their change and finally just gave them the money and waited for it from the server. The saying good-bye to Jim and Lynda, Mike and Colleen were the last of that days emotional hits. I like that we are saying see you again rather than good-bye though.
We finally got our gate number and settled in to wait to board. I ended up with a window seat and an empty seat beside me which was nice. This plane had the fancy screen in the seat back and even included a USB port for charging. We were fed two meals, several beverage services and again a blanket, pillow, sleep mask, ear plugs and headphones were left on our seats. I guess I just pass for a local now as there isn’t even hesitation about speaking Spanish to me. I was also given Spanish Customs forms. I did manage to sleep a little. I have been thinking a lot about all that has occurred in the last couple weeks including the news early on that I will have another Grand baby come May next year. Also news that my cousin, Dale is in hospital for serious heart issues. Dale has been an inspiration to travel and I hope he gets well and maybe we can adventure together yet. Time to let go and let God and get some rest. Saying so long has taken a toll.
MB in the skies… adios Peru
09.28.13
I awoke with a sadness, perhaps even at heart the feeling attached to the word tattooed on my left forearm… saudades. The knowledge that this was our last day fully together as a group in this wonderful country hung like a rain cloud in an otherwise clear day. We gathered and loaded the bus to head for Juliaca where the airport was. As always it seems there were festivities in the square. I had once again tried to use my debit card to withdraw cash, this time at a Scotia Bank, and it worked. We all took the time to write messages to Nury on a big envelope into which we placed our tips for her time this past two weeks. This in itself was sadly dignifying that the end was nigh. We had our driver from the way up and he safely got us through the wild streets to the airport. From here we went through the Peruvian hand search of our checked bags looking for aerosols, and then hung about chatting and drinking Inka Cola (well,I tried it finally and it tastes like cream soda). The flight was uneventful, although I did finally get a window seat and it was spectacular scenery. This was when I was particularly melancholic.
Once back in Lima we made our way to the Hotel again and all (except Ruth who wanted to rest before her trip to the Nasca Lines tomorrow) decided to go for an early dinner before saying goodbye to Nury. She took us to a café where we took over the upper floor at one long table. After ordering our Happy Hour drinks and food we sat around chatting and I took the opportunity to present Nury with a very wee speech as I was too emotional and her envelope. She and I sat across the table from each other and had a great talk. I do so enjoy her and she was calling me her other Mommy. We had amazing food, I am bringing home the shells that were attached to the delicious scallops in my Tacu-Tacu. I admit the first meal we had of it at the gas station in the middle of no where was my favourite. It was hard for us to leave the dinner table as we knew both Celia and Dave would be gone when we awoke in the morning due to early flights home.
Nury gave us three options: To go wander and shop, to go back to the hotel and relax or to go to her home! Of course we almost all took option three. Nigel and Linda decided to go back to the Hotel. It was such an incredible surprise to be invited to her family home that I don’t think we were really aware at the moment what a treat we were in for. She haled several cabs for us, negotiating the price and sent us on our way to meet a gas station. It was fun and exciting and a wee daring to not even take an address or her cell with us and just trust the no English speaking driver to get us there. He had a picture of his two beautiful young children on the dash and I managed to find out they were 4 and 9 months old. When our car arrived at the station first and we were the third to leave we were a little nervous at first whether we were at the right place but everyone soon followed. We wandered off after Nury to a local market/liquor store. It was fun shopping for Pisco and entertaining the locals as this was definitely not a tourista area. After stocking up we followed her through a lovely neighbourhood complete with parking and no rebar sticking out of the roofs. Clearly these people pay taxes.
Nury’s Mommy was such a gracious host. It is so clear where her daughter got the infectious hearty laugh and big smile. She had seats and snacks for all and showed us the ceramic art she does. It was so beautiful and a shame that she didn’t have any to sell. We were mostly sitting around, still stunned about where we were I think when her (step)Poppy arrived. He had been out drinking with his friends and his expression when he opened the door was priceless! He was so kind and happy that we were there. They were both teachers, he a mathematician and she Geography and History. When they saw my tattoo Mommy said I had Peru in my heart and on my skin now. At one point as we were all getting nicely buzzed off cervesa and local sweet wines Poppy disappeared and came back out with an urn from pre-Incan times to show us. he placed it in Craigs hands who as it happens is an archaeologist. We were in awe as three times the treasures were brought out to show and be held. These pieces would be black market if sold but over the years they were gifts to the family and they will never let them out of Peru or their guardianship. We were all so aware of the preciousness of this moment and the trust this beautiful family had in this group of strangers. They not only welcomed us into their home but shared what they prize most, the 100o year old artifacts and their lovely daughter.
At last we had to leave and Nury shepherded her flock via taxi cabs back to the hotel. Once there it was if no one wanted to leave as it signified the beginning of the end. Nury and I had a teary moment together and then she was gone. Craig was so kind to give be a big comforting squeeze and a chuck on the chin. It was sweet and comforting.
When everyone disbursed I sat in Celias room and chatted for an hour or so before she had to leave.
I fell asleep well satisfied that this world is a wonderful loving place.
MB in Lima
09.27.13
What a day! Up and ready to roll by 7:40 am. I feel so much better it´s a miracle. I did start off feeling as I had when suffering from pneumonia but I am sure that was the altitude combined with the lack of oxygen due to the stuffed up head and chest. I had purchased postcards for everyone last night. The idea is to each put our contact info on them so everyone has them all. I gave them out at breakfast to get the job done as our time together is lessening. Nury informed us that the demonstrations have escalated in Cusco and it was good we left when we did, also that Peru Rail will be walking out in solidarity tomorrow. So glad we got to Machu Picchu when we did!
We headed outside to find that our rides to the dock were two seater Tuk-Tuks, man powered bicycles with us in seats on the front. It was thrilling and so funny as we raced through the streets. It was reminicent of The Amazing Race. I took several videos including one of a near collision in front of Celia and I. All too soon the ride was over and we arrived at the wharf to meet our guide, Percy. (He said his English name was because his father watched too much TV).
We boarded our speed boat with another small group and totalled 33 in all. It was a beautiful morning on Lake Titicaca and we were informed it had gotten down to -2 celius in Puno last night.
Percy was a fountain of facts all day. Here are a few I made note of:
°Titi = Puma, Caca = Grey. This is said titicawcaw, if not it means Puma poop and the locals will laugh at you
°If you need to drink 1 litre of water a day normally then you need 3 at this altitude. (it is the first time I have had dry lips all trip)
°The lake is 165 Km long and 60 Km across at its widest
°Trout was introduced from Canada in the 50s and is now a main staple in the area.
°Jacques Yves Cousteau (my hero when I was a pre-teen) was here for several expeditions. He brought his sub and found giant frogs living 15-20 meters under the water and they never rise to the surface. These are sacred animals. He also found ruins in the lake which led to rumours of Atlantis but is more likely due to the changing lake levels over the years.
°Puno population: 6% in tourism industry, 5% smugglers of clothing, food and technology from Bolivia, 2% miners, 2% alpaca farmers
°Juliaca population: 80% smugglers, that is why it is so run down, no taxes are paid.
While on our way to Taquile I climbed onto the roof with a few others to enjoy the beautiful crossing. While sitting there I had an opportunity to have a nice chat with Craig. We were talking about the bond in this group of ours and that he and I were opposites as he saw me able to make friends in 5 minutes while it took him a agoiod deal longer. I am just grateful to have made these friends from four countries. Our trip today was actually very special, it is the second time only the G Adventures has done this itinerary. We were able to visit Taquile Island (named after the Spaniard who originally owned it) via the back door so to speak. Normalloy we would have been brought to the main town centre and had to climb over 500 steps to find ourselves among hundreds of tourists. Our small froup was lead up a hill to a small farm community where we were welcomed into the courtyard with a polite handshake by the lovely 4 year old Laura and her 21 year old Mother, with her little sister Luna peeking at us.
We had been told much about this island. It is solar powered (40% have satellite dishes), the original inhabitants were only allowed to marry on island until that became a genetic problem and now a man can take an off island woman for a wife with no problem but for a woman to take an off island man, he must be able to knit. In this community the women weave and the men knit. In order to win a womans hand a man must knit a perfect hat, it must be so tightly knit that it holds water. The locals marry very young only with the blessing of the Shaman and there is no divorce. Life expectancy is around 75. There are no police, it is community justice involving lashings in public. The island was originally a penal colony, now owned by the islanders. The rules of society there are: 1- Don´t be lazy, 2- Don´t steal, 3- No dogs, 4- Don´t be a liar.
These beautiful people showed us their skills at weaving and knitting, did a traditional dance where the men acutally wear their wives hair like extensions, served us a delicious tea of coca leaves and mint and then opened up their small market of wares. The toques and mits and scarves were just beautiful and I picked up a special one for my friends daughter after trying it on Laura to be sure it would fit.
After this we wandered over the hill and down to a gorgeous sand beach. Many of us kicked off our shoes and waded in. It was cool but not too cold. We had so much fun just playing on the beach and one of the other group, a guy from Germany, stripped to his bikini briefs and went for a swim. He brazenly changed right there on the beach to much amusement. Nury had us take a picture together as she was all bundled up in a toque and scarf and gloves and I was in bare feet and a tank top. When we were done writing in the sand, posing for a group shot, etc we headed back to the boat.
From there we landed at Santa Maria for a very special feast, again a new thing for G. It was a family home of a Shaman and 13 (I think) families had together prepared a feast for us. There was a blessing and offering to Pacha Mama – Earth Mother. A man (Craig) and a woman from the group were brought up to be part of the ceremony and then the food was unearthed from the fire pit or Pacha Manka – Earth Pot. We were served a feast of chicken soup, trout, chicken, sweet potato, banana, lima beans and potatoes. This meal is traditionally used only for special ceremonies such as marriages and new years. These are foods and rituals from Inca times.
Back on to the boat and off to the floating islands of Uros which means shy as the Incans thought the people were hiding in the reeds due to shyness not fear. The island we landed on was called Titino which means Pumas. Here they worship Mama Cota (Sp) – Mother Lake. The Presidencia of the community, Deano, welcomed us and together with our guide as interpreter showed us how the islands are made. It really is amazing. These people have a life expectancey of only 50-55 years as their life is more sedentary. They are living on a living, floating raft that is smaller than a soccer field. The choice to live this way is mostly to honour their past but I cant help but wonder how long it will continue as the children move away. They were very generous and good hosts. Most of us paid 5 Sols to be taken for a ride on the reed raft being propelled by pole by the Presidencia Capitano Deano.
I can´t explain how we all felt leaving there. It was a powerful experience. We were treated to a Peruvian Libre (Pisco and Sprite) on the rest of the journey back to the wharf. a bus was waiting for us to make our way back to the hotel where we had a couple hours until we headed out for a dinner show at Balcones de Puno. The food was fabulous, as was the company and the entertainment and we were all in tears when Ruth got up and made a teary speech about us all helping her to have a wonderful trip she never thought she could do.
Celia and Nury and I wandered back together and here I am.
Tomorrow is our day to fly back to Lima and then people will begin leaving. It is hard to know we are going to lose the joy of our group as it feels as though we have all been together for a very long time with all that we have experienced.
MB in Puno
09.26.13
I shall not go into much detail about how rotten I felt this morning. I arrived in the lobby ready to leave with a bandana tied over my nose and mouth so to somewhat limit the spread of germs. Everyone was so sweet digging into their personal stores to share decongestants and lozenges. We hauled our luggage down the block and waited for the bus. When it finally arrived our gear was quickly stowed, seats were settled and we were on the way to Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Cusco and Puno are also the Peruvian version of states or provinces. I sat in the front single seat and had a comfortable view of the road and a bit of fresh air from an open window. We travelled through beautiful countryside which Nury said was the most beautiful highway stretch in South America.We made a couple stops along the way including at the highest point of 4335 meters. Puno is at 3830 and for perspective, Whistler Blackcomb top elevation is 2240.
There was so much to see and I saw much between naps. It was tough to see dogs hit by vehicles, one still alive Squished in our lane. We also came across a recent rollover of a tanker truck in a corner in a railroad track.
Julianca is the city before Puno which we fly out of to head back to Lima. It is heavily under construction, very disorganized and I an glad we had a good driver!
I was thinking on the drive that everyone here seems to work constantly. No matter how early we were on the road we saw people at work. Last night in Cusco there was a protest on the church steps in the square. It was hospital workers who are terribly underpaid and have not been treated well by the government. It was peaceful but adamant.
The first view of Lake Titicaca was exciting As it has previously just been an answer in Trivial Pursuit. It is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. It is bordered by Peru and Bolivia.
We arrived and unloaded at our hotel, Casona Plaza. It is nice with a pleasant lobby area and many helpful staff. We are on the 4th floor and are grateful for the elevator in this one as the elevation makes everything laborious.
The whole group went out for dinner where I was served a tea the locals use when they have a cold with Pisco in it. I wandered with the others to the market to get water for tomorrow. It seems that is all we do, seek water. I also purchased 12 postcards which I am going to hand out and have everyone pass them around and write email etc on for our group souvenirs. We are already talking about a reunion next year at hotair balloon fest in New Mexico. We have all noticed how happy our group is together compared to the others we see.
There was also talk of a bunch coming up to do Lake Louise and Banff. I also suggested the Road to the Sun in Montana.
After dinner some went shopping but I am going to tuck myself in as we have a full day on the Lake tomorrow. It is cold here this evening and the wind is eerie. I wish to awake feeling better. Buenos Noches! My friends
MB in Puno
09.25.13
triumphgal 