I am now in an Internet cafe at the town just below Machu Picchu, were I head in about 12 hours (up at 4 to go for sunrise!).
The trek has gone extremely well for me as I only had 1 headache from the high altitude which was gone rather quickly...Others however weren´t as lucky with 2 people missing the trip before we left after being taken to hospital, 3 other guys dropped out after the training climb, another women was escorted off the mountains and taken down by horse after really struggling.
All my training paid off, as I was ahead of the pack and often ahead of the guide (often being told I was running or being put on the reigns) and was the first one into camp each day. I have been called a number of things, including Speedy Gonzalez, Llama Boy and Action Man! A few of use even did an extra detour up a unknown mountain to 4561 metres for a bit of an extra challenge. I have really enjoyed the trek as I was barely affected by the altitude and it turned out I was the only one who had gone through the 22 week program properly (the guide Mark said no one ever has!)
The food has been very good on the trek with the cooks taking care of my personal diet....though I did end up becoming vegetarian for the past 5 days bar a bit of Guinea Pig I had for lunch!
I will upload some photos when I get back, but so far its been a great experience and was certainly a challenge for me and everybody on the trip. But tomorrow is the main day as we finally get to see Machu Pichu!
Please Support me on my trek to Machu Picchu in Peru for ShelterBox in April 2009. You can Sponsor me at http://www.RogersChallenge.co.uk
