C o m m u n i t y
Woman’s Pass’. And yes, it was tough. The climb was constant and the altitude was really beginning to impact on our breathing. At one stage, we were stopping every 10 steps to catch our breath and calm the pounding hearts. At the top the outburst of emotion in the group was testament to the physical and mental effort some had made to reach the summit and we all hugged each other and celebrated the moment.
From there, it was all downhill to the next campsite at Pacamayo but the going wasn’t any easier since the steps down were steep and wet in places, and the effort of getting up the mountain had left many of us with tired and wobbly legs.
The following day saw us trek the longest but most beautiful part of the Trail – 16km in the Cloud Forest. The first part saw torrential rain and scenery more reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands but when the weather cleared, we were able to drink in the most amazing scenery I have ever seen – towering mountains, deep ravines, stunning ferns and mosses, lichens and orchids, all bathed in mists and cloud.
The entire descent comprised steps, steps and more steps but by now our legs were accustomed to the effort and I for one found
this part of the trek quite easy. One of our group, however, took a tumble on this part of the trail and she disappeared over the side of the path, much to the consternation of her friends who saw her cart-wheeling to what they felt certain was her death at the bottom of the ravine. Luckily, a bamboo tree broke her fall and, other than feeling shaken and stirred, she was able to continue. However, this incident reminded us all of the risks and we all stepped a little more carefully from then on.
The final day saw us up early to complete the last stage into Machu Picchu and we all now felt that success was in our grasp. The last leg was only 6km and, other than a few steep climbs (including the ‘Oh My God’ steps up to the Sun Gate) we were able to amble along easily, enjoying the forest views down over the valley.
Wilo presented each of us with a small necklace to mark the occasion and gave a moving welcome speech as we entered the site. Looking down on Machu Picchu I was certainly thinking of my family back home and feeling incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to undertake this amazing challenge.
That night we all slept well and I felt that we’d achieved something pretty special. Our last
day was a free day for us do a little shopping. Alpaca woollen garments were particularly good value and I managed to pack hats, socks, jumpers and assorted other gifts into a rucksack I thought was full when I left home. I donated my RAF Association t-shirts to the porters and I enjoy a wry smile thinking of them promoting our charity as they go about their work on the Inca Trail.
I pay tribute to Global Adventure Challenges who made this trip possible. The trouble is, this was supposed to be a once-in-a lifetime trip but I’ve now got the challenge bug! I place on record my thanks to everyone who sponsored and helped me. And if any are thinking: ‘Perhaps I could do that?’ my advice would be, in the words of that famous sports brand – Just Do It!
UK BOARDING SCHOOLS who welcome service children
You are strongly advised to visit a number of schools before making your decision.
For specialised advice contact Children's Education Advisory Service (UK) on Mil Ext (94344) 8244
(01980 618244). Your Allowance Section of Station HQ can advise on allowances etc.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Spring 2010
35
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