South America

     Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, 2019     

We did a G Adventure tour with Rick and Colleen to see the Galapagos islands for one week.

        our boat

                                                                                                    blue footed boobie

           Inca Trail/Machu Picchu, Peru, 2019            

To train for the 3.5 day Inca Trail hike we hiked Humphrey's Peak a few times:

The Inca Trail hike:

• Day 1: 7miles, 1200 feet elevation gain
• Day 2: 7.5 miles, 3700 feet elevation gain, Peak at 14,000 feet
• Day 3: 10 miles, 3,300 feet elevation loss
• Day 4: 3 miles

• The porters carried food, tents, etc. We just had day packs. They set up the tents and fixed us our meals. It was still hard!! 
• Arriving at Machu Picchu was surreal. We smelled . . . hadn't showered in days . . . and suddenly we were surrounded by thousands of tourists who had taken the train to get there. The trip was really about the adventure and challenge of walking the Inca Trail and seeing things few others get to see. 

               Chile, 2023               

• Day 1: After an all night flight and a few hours with customs, bags, and rental car made it to our hotel in downtown Santiago (las Condas area, next to Costanera Tower). A nap and ceviche made everything right!

• Day 2: hiked to the top of San Cristobal Hill to see a spectacular view of all of Santiago (5.6 million people). More ceviche!

• Day 3: wine tasting (Camanere is their local wine)

• Day 4: Valparaiso: Easter island museum. Walked the steep hills (think San Francisco) and enjoyed all the murals.

• Day 5: Baha’i Temple in Santiago

• Day 6: Greg skied at Valle Nevado (Andes). I thought I broke my ankle when I slipped in the shower. A day of bed rest for me.

• Day 7: Barrio Italia. Walked 7 miles. This is the area to stay in (less crowded, great restaurants).