Girls on Top - Women with Altitude

Ah, the joys of travelling!!

Sep 7

Written by: Beck
Friday, September 07, 2007

After too many sunrises and sunsets for one day on the 2nd, we amade it Beunos Aires without a hiccup. Was an interesting 6 hours spent in transit though after confusions as to whether we were actually allowed OUT of the airport or not!! We eventually escaped though after a few dodgy taxi fare quotes, some misunderstanding about how long it would take us to reach the city and a lack of time before our next flight, we ended up paying a re-entry fee to simply sit in an outdoor area of a cafe that was attached to the airport, but past customs!! they were expensive stamps in teh passport, but it was fresh air none the less. And our first group navigation exercise!! Ah, teh joys of travelling!!

A brief stop in a gorgeous and luxurious hotel for our first night of sleep in what felt like ages adn a long bus ride later we are in Huaraz. And the acclimatising has seriously begun! Our first day (at 3000m) here inolved a little shopping, general exploring and a bit of general lazing. This place is beautiful - there are amazing views from our rooftop of the surrounding mountains, there is bright colour everywhere you look, the most amazing dress, pisco sours, a serious lack of O H & S laws and endearing but random piles of rubble bring charm.

A day hike to nearby (well, kind of) Lake Churrup was our first taste of fresh air and crazy heights. It was amazing to get out there, just the seven of us girls and Zac our guide, with just our packs, the sun, the cold and the view. Time disappears and you are just left with your thoughts, great company and a little laboured breathing! Managed to escape serious headaches, nausea and all other serious nasties that altitude can deliever with its endless views - so far so good. I think it was the perfect introduction to our trek and this journey in general as it was a challenge we all managed amazingly and really enjoyed. I am learning quickly to make happy the chatter in my head as I walk - any thought of doubt seems to breed and quickly gangs up on you, siding with your quicken heart rate and pressured lungs.

But how easy I forget - today was a different kind of challenge. Enjoyment is probably not the first word that spings to mind post first ever mountain biking experience (at an altitude of 4000 metres might I add!) One stack, a few near misses, and a near (accidental) 25m "jump" off the side of the road, and a few hundred metres walking while the others waited for me at the bottom of the short cut (that requires previous experience and skill) left me feeling challenged, perhaps slow and relieved when we finally reached home. A shower later and I felt normal again though not before much frustration. Not sure that Ill be rushing into any mountain biking expeditions soon but very proud I made it!!

Tomorrow we head off to our first camp, a four hour drive away before our real journey begins the following day. Am pumped for it to begin and feel excited (though a little nervous) about being completely removed from civilisation and all the comforts that go with it.

Will be in touch in two weeks - a new and improved (well fitter anyway), challenged, stinky and exhausted me.
Lots of Love
Beck xxx

P.S Thanks for the message fam - loved it! Was there in spirit. Much Love to Grandma. And love to Nan - youll be scooting around on that new hip by the time I get back!! And Pip - no more playing footy in the dark... its dangerous! Stop trying to outdo me in the stack stakes!

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6 comments so far...

Re: Ah, the joys of travelling!!

Howdy Becka!
Doing good babe!
I can't believe all the stuff with the bike riding. I've never even seen you on one before. It must have been years since you've ridden one. I suppose you can't forget though because it's just like riding a bike... Badoom tss.
You must be on your 'real journey' now so I hope it's all going well. Missing you in St K!! Bought a harmonica holder to so i can blow the lonely away. I'll speak to ya soon though! X X X
P.S. I think you spell 'the' 'teh' more than 'the'.

By Pip on Monday, September 10, 2007

Re: News from home

It's Friday the 14th and I'm really starting to feel the lack of contact with you. Love reading the itinerary and thinking about what you are doing. Can't wait to hear all about the amazing time you must have had by the time you read this. No big family events yet. Jack's birthday tomorrow - hard to believe she is 16. Nan came home from hospital and seems to be even more mobile than last time. She moved to K & G's new place yesterday and will be there until Saturday 22nd. New unit looks fantastic and K & G very happy. Kath has had the week off to unpack and settle in. Feeling much better over the last 7-8 days. Much more energy which is fantastic. Can't wait to talk to you. Love you. Mum xx

By Mum on Friday, September 14, 2007

Re: Ah, the joys of travelling!!

Hola Muchacha de Bentleigh, All I can say is OUCH! That fall off the bike must have really hurt. There always has to be one in every bunch to fall over and embarrass themselves... Really!! Only kidding! Your story made a great blog entry! You’re only a few days away from the finish line now! Congratulations Beck and I can’t wait to hear all about your journey when you get back into civilization… I hope there haven’t been anymore falls! Jen.xx

By Jen.xx on Monday, September 17, 2007

Re: Ah, the joys of travelling!!

The fitter, stronger, more challenged but stinky you should be heading for level ground in the near future. I expect you'll have many stories to tell on your return. We are entering our final week of term and I'm really looking forward to two weeks off. There is a big Rafferty family get together tomorrow, Tuesday. More details about that on your email. Hope the happy chatter in your head has been working well on your long hours of walking and challenging climbs. You'll be able to tackle anything that may cross your path now I expect. Lots of Love from Mum. xxxx PS I had a "Pip coffee" on the weekend. Still the best.

By Mum again on Monday, September 17, 2007

Re: Ah, the joys of travelling!!

Hi Beck,
Hows it going?? We have sold more crads at The Fringe and people always ask about you and the whole GoT project. It is very inspiring and I hope you are finding some magic out there.

By Richard on Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Re: Ah, the joys of travelling!!

How are you going to settle back into life in Mundane Melbourne? What an adventure!!! Next you should try life in a van. We can recommend it for it's 'laid back' appeal - expensive but with a new best friend to meet every time you visit the laundry. Also a wide variety of music to listen to, however, you may not get to choose what type of music, the volume or when you would like to listen to it!!! There is always a party going on too even if you're not invited. Anyway it's worth considering. Keep sending the updates cos we're enjoying reading them.
Kath and Gerard xxx

By Kath and Gerard on Wednesday, September 19, 2007

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