INCA TRAIL......We did it !!!!!!!!!!

Im sitting here now, beaming with pride, feeling on top of the world, rubbing aching joints but wearing a huge smile on my face as I can now yell to the world...

WE SURVIVED THE INCA TRAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lifetime ambition accomplished...the sense of achievement as you take a first glance of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate on Day 4 at 6.30 in the morning, is just priceless....

I think it was a unanimous feeling that we all deserved private use and view of Machu Picchu for our incredible efforts rather than those taking the train or bus to see this world heritage site...

Recollecting memories of the trail... www.sastravelperu.com/english/inkatrail.html

..the shock of realising Day 1 is actually an easy day as we try desperately to keep up with the fast walkers and acclimatise to high altitude..

...the constant banter with fellow trekkers as we continue to encourage and tease one another...

the patience of our team leaders...as we stop for photos...giggles....and a good ole gossip...and a quick dance with our poles...in the midst of outstanding views of the mountains...

the tears in our eyes as we reach 4200 metres, dead womans pass, alive, breathing, having just realised whats ahead of us...a steep and treacherous 3 hour descent ..in the rain....

..feeling incredibly grateful for our guides and porters ..as they run along with at least 20 kilos on their backs...and here we stand ... in admiration..with just walking sticks..panting...with aching muscles...

..truly impressed...as we sit for dinner...on stools...at a table...in our dining tent..in the middle of nowhere...being served a 3 course meal.... astounding....

Ive enclosed the link for all to gain an idea of the altitude and the hours of walking we did. It was amazing how we just got on with it, knowing our prize was soon to be collected.

What really helped was pacing ourselves, enjoying the view and each others company.

Till today, I still cant believe we have realised one of our dreams.....

Till today, I still feel the ruins are just extra special because of the enormous effort we put into it...

I feel anything is now possible....