Mercedes Hotel
What a delightful hotel. I’m picking it was built in the very early 1900’s. Furnished in the era, makes it more authentic and attractive. The young receptionist was very helpful too but I suspect, working under a tyrant. There was one other group at breakfast this morning, a family of three from Lima.
We contemplated staying another day but due to the intransigence of the owner, decided to make tracks for Lake Titicaca, about 300k’s away. But thats two days away.
First, after packing up our stuff and putting a little oil and water in Poki’s engine, we checked out of the car park at around 10am. First stop, a big supermarket nearby. Jen said it was the best one she has visited in Peru. While she was shopping, I re-inflated the tyres out on the street.
At our destination, a small lake about 50k’s north east of Arequipa. Lake Las Salinas.
Getting out of the city was the usual chaotic nightmare. No traffic lights at intersections so the boldest prosper.
The road we have chosen to reach Puno, is the 34C. It’s posted as an Orange road, meaning secondary but we hoped it was sealed. Within 3k’s of the city limits, and refilling with diesel at s14.19/US gallon, the road turned into a dusty rocky track. Only 290k’s to go!!
The road climbed steadily. Starting out at 2100m we are now at 4362m or 14,312ft. That’s higher than Mt Cook, in the South Island, and it’s always covered in snow.
2pm and arriving at our camp for the night.
Cresting the summit of the road, there is the lake in the distance. It’s white, which means there is little water in it and salt has formed. There is a paved stone circle with thatched shade around two sides, means we can park on the paving and erect the caranex into the wind. And wind there is. It’s blowing a gale and erecting the caranex is no easy task. The effort in erecting it is exhausting at this altitude
It’s 2pm and Jen puts the kettle on and we brew a cup of Coca tea to help balance the side effects of the altitude. She’s just done some washing and the water, like the wind, is freezing.
Night time.
We’ve had dinner, lovely salmon, veggies, and fruit salad for desert. The washing has been bought in as it may freeze on the line tonight. It’s 8pm and we have the cooker on to keep the cabin warm. Outside the stars are magnificent. I’m tired. It’s not been a long drive, but intense concentration required to miss rocks and pot holes. Thankfully the wind has stopped so the Carnex won’t be flapping. Altitude plays havoc with sleep, though.
Sport.
Our cricketers are doing us proud. Defeating India also in the second of three tests, so taking the series.
The NZ Woman’s team however, lost to India straight after winning the World Cup!..:(
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I’m a huge fan (and Sarah’s pal; my hair and I will miss her). You are great adventurers, observers and writers.
I have terrible sleep problems and made the mistake of drinking coca tea at 3 PM and learned, after a sleepless night, that it is a stimulant like coffee, best consumed first thing in the morning. Brutal! I hope you had a more helpful elixir.
Your tales of the trials of getting to Machu Picchu had me pinching myself. My son and I hiked the Huayhuash Circuit in June, and we did not go to Machu Picchu, despite every single friend in Vancouver expecting the answer “yes”when I said I was going to Peru – – to Machu Picchu?
The driving conditions in Peru are entirely another story. You guys are courageous. Your withering tales of, Africa, the carnet et al, were beyond. And so very real. Thank you.
Hey Laura, thanks for taking time to write and share your experiences and advice..:) This sleeping thing is an issue!
I’m sure Sarah will miss your interaction too, but she’ll be back.
There’s always another time to visit Machu Picchu, it really is stunning. Maybe we’ll get to hear of your hiking experiences?
It’s inspiring to us to think that others are enjoying the journey too.
Best
Dennis & Jen.