Lazarow World-Hike-About

Magens Bay viewed from Mountain Top. A bay is a shielded body of water which coincides with the Hebrew word (magen). Looking from above the town out towards the ocean. Taking a break after a sweaty climb. “You need rest, more food—look how scrawny you’re getting—we’re going to the beach today,” our 'bossy' editor informed us. We preferred it when she gave us commands rather than the combination of commands and personal criticism of how we look. We did agree that it’s time to unwind a little as the near month stay in Peru took it out of us, particularly the language bits. However, we were not ready to admit it, certainly not until she withdraws her comments that we used to be so much more loveable when we were carrying a few pounds more. After numerous delays, we finally made it to the beach, a rather small cove. We positioned ourselves on chaise-lounges and prepared for the afternoon’s activities. Perhaps activities might be an exaggeration. “You have to lie...

A view from 3rd camp, that river crossing makes it tough. A subtle sunset viewed from the camp outlines the jagged and rugged mountains. The mountain path from Marampata, camp 2, to the ruins. Three days on the outside edge...fantastic. It is difficult to relay the feeling of being on top or near the tops of mountains, few people, if any, about and not have a clue where in the world one is. The only access back to, as some like to say, civilization, is to follow the trail or path. Miss that path and one is lost in what feels like the middle of nowhere. The isolation, the tranquility, the beauty of the mountains and the night sky filled with an untold number of stars is not a feeling describable easily. It probably means something different to each of us. Should a spectacular sunset precede the evening dusk, then better still. Sitting in the darkness and gazing at the jagged outline of the mountains, sometimes aided by moonlight, the trickle of a stream or the pounding o...

On the roof of the apartment again, in Cusco at 5am, the morning of the trek. City lights still shine before nature dominates the day. In the middle of 'nowhere', Marampata actually, nature's lights put on the evening's entertainment. Thirty minutes after arriving at camp 2, the mountains and clouds got into an argument. We hate that, especially when the clouds cry. Be nice fellows! Engineers of the 14th century. The wall or terrace is well below the city (top-right). The adventure began when we walked through the city of Cusco searching for another trek to undertake while in the country. Two weeks previously, we had enjoyed a wonderful experience, the Salkantay Trek. We found Edwin, a business owner, who offered us this option. He also spoke good English and seemed a very nice young man. He also did not mention how tough the hike is—perhaps he’s not such a nice young man after all. In fact, he drove us to the commencement point in Cachora, a near 4-h...

Dear Friends and Family, We returned from an adventure, the subject box is no exaggeration, that took us through a physical endurance test we don’t wish to repeat too soon, if ever. We read on our return that it is the toughest trek in the region. Briefly, the only way to get to the Choquequirao Ruins is by foot. To achieve this, we hiked 45 miles over 3 days return, acquired elevation of more than 12,000 feet with over a mile (6,000 feet) on the second day. The climb on that day was both a test of physical and mental endurance. There were times one wanted to sit and ‘cry for Mom’. However, we knew Mom was probably at work and besides, we’d only feel foolish. The solution was to put on the brave face, one foot ahead of the other and move upwards, especially over a two-mile stretch, rising 1,500 feet per mile. As an aside, there are so few people on the trail—a busy day at these amazing ruins is about 12 visitors. Machu Picchu has 5,000 per day. We thought we’d display a fe...