Day six - the longest day

There was another unsuccessful night’s sleep. This was due to the fact that the local Peruvian Frog’s Choir was unbeknown to us holding a festival for the entire frog population of Peru. The singing only ceased when the rain became torrential and then we could not sleep for the noise of the torrent on the canvas. Those of us who had nodded off were once again called to rise at 0530hrs.

The morning ritual should be to contemplate the day ahead in “convenient” surroundings. Whilst we had squatter’s rights, holding your nose with one hand, clothes with another, it was particularly difficult to complete the exercise.

The 0630 briefing paved the way for the day forward. With 12 hours of daylight ahead, we were reminded to carry our torches and head lights. James at this stage, had to be given oxygen to settle his breathing after his fall of the previous day.

Setting off before 0700 hrs, we were reminded of the story 39 Steps, but with an extra two noughts on the end, as we once again climbed upward – a day we thought was to be on the level.

We were given to understand that the pop group Wet Wet Wet were in the area. Lost in translation, this subsequently turned out to be the weather forecast which proved to be deadly accurate and continued all day. This constant deluge did induce some shrinkage to our clothing. This was a most acceptable adjustment as our body weight was also reducing at a rapid rate by the constant exertion.

The lack of visibility caused by the cloud allowed us to walk innocently through the rainforest (well named), along paths clinging to the rock face with sheer drops of 1,000’s of feet on the other side.

Our guide introduced us to the Inca custom of carrying a stone from the lower level, up to the summit. We all were required to stand in a circular fashion and make a wish before individually placing the stones in some suitable cranny. We were not allowed to share our wishes, but the rain was to stop the following day.

A few made it to the campsite in daylight, but the majority we treated to rainforest night life. An hour or so walking up and down steps in the dark to arrive soaked through, aching and cold. The saving grace was that the tents had been erected - wet, wet, wet - with facilities worse than those described at the beginning of the day.

A lavish meal of Spag Bol and garlic chicken went down extremely well and we did not dwell on the fact that the chicken had been carried by porters for several days without fridge facilities. The thought of the toilets seemed to prevent any adverse reaction.
It was indeed, the longest day, but we did have a sense of achievement and exhilaration that we all made it.

Ben