Trip to Ausangate
Trip Start
Jul 05, 2008
1
7
28
Trip End
Aug 03, 2008
Cusco, Peru
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Everybody packed and out by 3.30am. Team B sets off for Lamay and team A to Ocangate. Unfortunately Team A's early start is to no avail. We reach the first blockade at the top of the mountain. After 2hours Oscar negotiates our crossing. All goes well until we reach the bottom of the valley were a a major barrier has been erected in one of the villages. It is decided that we should walk the remainder of the way. This unexpected trek takes us about 6 hours through some fabulous Andean scenery. Everybody has full rucksacks and it's hard going. Everybody does really well, especial Hew, the student leader for the day who does a great job keeping us all going. When we eventually arrive the whole village is there to greet us. It's all very moving and several of our girls are in tears. There are various performances by the children, speeches by the community President and the school Director (yes even here they call themselves directors!!) and food (rice and goat). By 7pm the festivities are over and we retire to the classroom which has been converted into a dormitory by simply laying out a number of sheep's fleeces on the floor. These turn out to be extremely comfortable and there is no need of our sleeping mats. There is no electricity in the village and as it get dark at 6pm there are going to be some early nights. The toilets are of the squat type and will take a little getting use to. All settled down for the night by 8pm.
Comments
What have you been doing on the project?
What a fantastic start to the trip, despite the problems getting there. I cannot wait to see some photos. How has everyone been coping with the altitude? Take care of yourselves.
slow internet!
Photos appeared just after I posted DOH!!! It looks amazing, the children remind me of the BriBri, hope they didn't beat GHS at football too!
Fabulous photos!
Dear all
Hope you are all well- photos are fantastic and we're just loving being able to see all that you are doing. Glad you arrived safe and sound! It sounds like the villagers made you feel really welcome-I imagine it was a very, very emotional experience. Hope you all got involved with the dancing!!!! Miss Mc no doubt had a fine time!
Take care of yourselves, looking forward to the next update, love to all Claire Mac xxx
Crittenden
Hi siobhan hope you are all right. just read about your six our walk how is your back and feet? Machu Picchu will be a walk in the park now! lol! Still horrible weather here and high school on strike! Not missing much. We all miss you lots! xxxxxx
Well done
Hi kathleen and every one else,the photographs are fantastic.I bet you are all exhausted but what an amazing journey.It is so wonderful being able to follow your experiences,Iam looking forward to seeing the next stage.Take care my bairn I love you god bless mutti xxx
The Slogg to Ausangate
Hi Guys,
The more i hear about your fantastic endevors in Peru the more it reminds me of my time in the army, what with sunrise starts, rucksacks full of rations, clothes and camping equipment and some hard tabbing (marching with packs) ahead brings it all back, I'm very envious and wish I was there with you!
Try and take in and enjoy every moment as your memories will soon fade away.
It's reasurring to know that grand educational titles like SCHOOL DIRECTOR are not just the reserve of Gosforth High School, however I'm sure OFSTED reports, exam results, PRAIES Code and Time Table issues are a little futher down the priority list in Peru?
The pictures of your time so far are fantastic, look forward to some more. Take care out there and LOOK AFTER YOUR FEET.
Best Wishes, Allan Carson
Message for Joe W
Hello son, Enjoying the photos and glad to see you have resisted the temptation to get one of those hats. Were you dancing by yourself or was that a very short peruvian? Missing you and take care.
Love Dad and Mum
JEALOUS!!!
Hello, looks like you are having an amazing time! I'm really enjoying the blog although it is making me a wee bit jealous! Look after yourselves xxxx
for phil
hope alls well phil, scenery looks amazin. hang onto those boots!! take plenty of photos at MP and write back!!
Kathleen....
Rob...can you pass this message on to Kath? Got your email... its sounds fantastic and reading through the blog its all pretty inspiring stuff. I cant believe you are really doing all of that. I'm dead proud of you and all the kids - its totally fantastic. Anyway have lots of fun and keep us updated of your adventures! Missing you tons and see you soon!!!!! xxxxxx
¿Qué tal vuestro español?
Hola a todos!
What a fantastic experience, how are you coping with those long walks? Tengo envidia! I am looking forward to seeing more pictures. How is your Spanish going? Take care. Besos. C. Marco
FAO KATHLEEN
Kath - thought this photo would amuse you... and maybe others ha ha! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO proud of you little pet, it sounds so fab and an amazing experience! Stay safe and look forward to seeing you very very soon! xxxxx
To Jenny from Him
Here is a poem wot I wrot.
Strikes on all sides...
Weather severe ...
Pittling down now ...
Wish you were here!
Dominic
Hope Machu Picchu was as exciting as it appears and you've taken plenty of photo's. Eaten a guinea pig yet? Joshua persuaded to have his hair 'trimmed', Naomi still in one piece and causing mayhem in Europe. Look after yourself, love Mum and Dad.
Happy Birthday Lewis
Hi Lewis, HAPPY BIRTHDAY hope your having a good one, its def one you wont forget. I have been looking at the pics on here and it looks fab so make sure you take plenty, cant believe you have been away for 2wks already god it has flown. Hows ya hair holding up I bet you cant wait to have a hot bath/shower haha, take care love Lou, Matty and Harry xx
Lewis
Hi Lewis, hope your keeping well and enjoying yourself. HAPPY BIRTHDAY we hope your having a good one your cards and stuff will be here for you getting back. see you soon love Aunty Julia and Uncle Steve xx
Message to Jenny
Keep it up Jenny. Its the chance of a life time. Love the photos. Hope you are taking plenty. Half way there. Love Auntie H
Hola mi tia
Hello Aunty Kath
just wanted to say we are so bloody proud of you. The pics are great, the experience i guess fantastic!!
Your one in a million, keep safe.
You`re a shining star!
love you lots
Chris. Rach and baby bump.
Him to Jenny
Grandma is counting the days till you return. Him thinks your trip is a great,a once-and-for all. So make the best of it. Meanwhile I've promised grandma that she can do Machu Picchu for her eightieth birthday. I've already started getting one or two things together for the trip e.g.
1. One packet of Kwells and accompanying sick bags
2. One parachute... 'cos she's not keen on heights
3. One motorised commode for her other problem
4. Sherpa Tensing to carry her bling ... or mebbe
her.
To Steph
Hi, hope you're all having a great time, it certainly sounds like it. Hope the Inca Trail was kind to your feet :] Everyone missing you so its great following the blog, looking forward to the next entry! See you in two weeks. Love from all of us! xxxxx