Tuesday 22 December 2009
Highlights: High altitude hike, Children’s Charity night

Today was the day me and Andrew tested ourselves with a high altitude hike at 3,500 metres above sea level for 10 kms. We were both happy when Karen joined us for this hike. We met at the tour company at 8.30 am and it took about 1 hour 20 minutes to get to our starting point. The views during the hike were magnificent; sometimes it was hard to believe we were looking down at very high mountains.

During the hike we visited 2 different caves with drawings dating back 4,000 years. The first site was difficult to get to and when we returned to the trial we all needed to take a break. When you get out of breath at this height it takes a while to get it back.

We finished the hike at around 2 pm and welcomed the waiting drink at the finish. Overall the hike was great and importantly none of us had any altitude problems. I did however start to feel sore in my left knee from the downward parts of the hike. I think I’ll be able to complete the Inca Trial in 3 weeks time.

During the night we went to a pub/cafe for a Children’s Charity night which included dinner and a trivia quiz. I’m happy to report my team didn’t finish last due to the assistance of a couple of locals.

During the night I had the chance to chat to our latest arrival Cindy from Sydney how had complete the Peru trip just before joining us. There was a big raffle at the end of the night and Andrew managed to pull his own ticket out of the draw! He won a Christmas cake which we will all enjoy in a few days time.

Andrew later also won a dancing lesson which he gave away to someone who is staying in Sucre. Overall a great day and I think everyone enjoyed Sucre very much. Tomorrow we visit the silver mines in Potsi.