Accomplishing a Life Goal

For years and years I´ve wanted to come to Peru and see the most famous of the Inca ruins, Machu Picchu. As we approached the gateway town of Aguas Calientes after a 4 day trek through the Andes we heard stories of the way Machu Picchu was a mere 7 years ago. Back then the crowds were minimal, the tour buses didn´t drive up and down the mountain all day, and people were actually allowed to camp in the ruins. Much has changed since then...at 5:30 am we got in a long line that had formed on the main street in town and waited for the buses to arrive. The procession of tourists continues all day long, and I have to admit I felt a little disheartened to see the eager mobs.

After a 30 minute bus ride that carved its way up the mountainside and a quick 10 minute hike to the first lookout, all those feelings of dought and animosity had disappeared. This is a place that photographs really cannot do justice for (even though we probably took 50+ photos while we were there). In fact, I won´t even try and describe how it felt to stand there as the sun came up because it will probably bore you, and it it might make me cry--kidding of course. All that needs to be said is that it was an amazing experience in a remarkable setting, and one we will never forget.

After a tour of the main complex we hiked the famous mountain, Wayna Picchu, that is in the background of the photos. The hike itself was 35 minutes of the steepest trail/staircases I think I´ve ever entountered. Perched at the top were ruins clinging to the edge of the cliffs that I didn´t know even existed. How this place was ever concieved and constructed is hard to imagine...the Inca people were scientists, engineers and mathmaticians who were decades ahead of their time. (Analogy...Inca is to civilization as Pink Floyd is to rock and roll.) Anyway, I could ramble all day about the overwhelming beauty, but everyone should see it first hand...and soon, before the human impact (which is thousands of people every day) is too great for the ruins to endure.