Day 1 - Pampa de Lenas

It felt invigorating to start moving today. The sun was intense for our 5 hour leisurely hike up to our first camp. While eager to game some elevation I found myself quite content to meander up the Vaccas Valley at a moderate pace while enjoying the air and scenery. It always seems to take me a day or so to get into the rhythm in a race or a climb and this trip is no expception. I trust by day 3 or 4 I will have my legs under me.

The predominant rocky backdrop of the Vaccas Valley hosts varieties of shades of green and brown and the sky is as blue as the shoreline at Carmel Beach.

Most of our gear is being carried up the mountain by mules. The mules are carrying the human equivalent of a light day pack and with ease they jam over rocks and scree.

We ascend only 1500 feet today and we'll sleep at 9400 feet. The focus of these next two days is to get up to base camp and in a position to start our ascent up the mountain.

It is a gorgeous calm evening tonight and I am going to hit the sack after I enjoy the stars for awile. Best to all of you at home.

I'll be back at you tomorrow.

xoxo

Terri