Inca Trails Experience to Machu Picchu

INCA TRAILS EXPERIENCE TO MACHU PICCHU 12th April – 28th April 2019

FOREWORD For me Dream It is all about relationships, passion and sharing epic fitness-related experiences by partnering with our guides and travel partners to enable us to deliver the Dream experience for our clients.

Dream It offers ambitious travel and fitness experiences in amazing global locations, providing a truly immersive cultural experience that is well researched, well executed and difficult to replicate.

Our Peru experience took 12 months to pull together and deliver and it is hard to put into words how privileged I feel to have been part of this trip with such an outstanding group of people that are now firm friends.

Kiwis tend to be amazing people to travel with and this group left a wonderful impression on the local people in Peru. A special thank you to Lisa Cameron for her efforts in bringing this group together, arranging our training weekend on the Tongariro Crossing and for her help hosting and the unrelenting enthusiasm and smiles each day.

The pay back for me personally is seeing the personal growth and absolute joy of our clients throughout their experience which we have captured in the following pages.

Michael (Mavis) Davis Dream It Founder

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU TRAVELLING THE GREAT INCA ROAD IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CHASQUIS For this adventure we immerse in the mystical world of Incan history and travel the Great Inca Road between the ancient sites of Choquequirao and Machu Picchu. Our journey follows in the footsteps of the legendary Chasqui runners who supported the vast Incan empire delivering communications along the 38,000km Inca Road.

As we trek between these two lost cities we will have opportunity to view impressive landscapes, explore high Andean villages and travel through five climate zones – including Andean Puna and Cloud Forest where endangered condors are common. Along the way we will immerse in the Andean way of life and see the mountains through the eyes of these historic messengers.

OUR CREW Andrea Pfahlert

Jon Hogan

Lynda Watson

Ray Watson

Charmaine Michell

Karin Hogan

Maria Heron

Julio Camacho (Guide)

Dianne Gulland

Kate Sanderson

Michael Davis

Grecia Camacho (Guide)

Helen Bosch

Lisa Cameron

Wayne Shelford

Joanne Shelford

Luke Hogan

Lorna Drake

And our horseman, cooks and 32 horses.

OUR GUIDES Viaduct with Mavis explaining the whole concept of Dream It in detail and what we deliver, why and how it is so very different. We talked about previous trips, looked at coffee table books, trip booklets – turns out we know quite a few of the same people and I got a true feeling of Dream It………I really and truly wanted to be part of it. Roll on 24 hours and I was spreading the word to help bring together our 2019 team, which I had the absolute pleasure of co hosting.

LISA CAMERON LISA’S STORY My desire to travel really started when I took the opportunity to visit Japan, Hongkong and Singapore as a Teachers College student – it stimulated in me a real need to see other cultures, experience their food, customs, crafts and lifestyles through my own eyes….and I’ve never looked back.

I was incredibly fortunate to meet Mavis through a mutual friend who also has an amazing travel history. When told about Dream It, Mavis and the company concept I was drawn in from the very start and quickly investigated the website and face book page. I was taken by the huge point of difference with Dream It – training weekends, group get togethers, face book groups to inspire, encourage and also get the group to know each other before embarking on the adventures to come. Lifelong friendships formed through joint experiences. And of course the use of the very best guides, alternative routes and trails, support crews, chefs, horsemen. Every detail planned and executed with precision.

A phone call from Mavis took me from being inspired by his work to meeting him in Auckland to see if I could fit the Dream It team and co-host a trip to Peru – Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and onto the Galapagos? Seriously! Do I need to think about this? Not at all, yes, I’m in! He suggested a four hour meeting – which was daunting to say the least – but it passed quickly after a few coffees and a good curry in the

Spring forward 18 months – closed face book groups, group training, a fair bit of banter and we are at Auckland Airport lounge meeting everyone, drinking bubbles and about to embark on a trip of a lifetime – minor detail – Mavis and Lorna had an issue with a connecting flight and may or may not make our departing flight… Fear not, we will soldier on and see them when they get there – I think it was my first test? They did however make it in the nick of time – a quick bubble, a few canapes and some late boarding notices and we were off…first stop Chile enroute to Peru and the epic Inca Trail.

On reaching Cusco we were welcomed by Greci and met Julio later that evening – our outstanding Peruvian guides. They shared with us not only the history and culture of this ancient civilisation over the days to come but also a real love and passion for their country. Greci and Julio opened our eyes and our hearts with an incredible support crew of horsemen, cooks and our amazing chef Edgar. The logistics of the behind the scenes work that went into pulling off this faultless life changing journey are hard to imagine – but they did it. Anticipating our every need and always with a smile…being woken each morning at our tent with coca tea or coffee was only just the start.

After acclimatising in Cusco for two days, a walking tour through the Pisaq ruins, a visit to the Sacred Valley including a moving Shaman ceremony, local markets, group dinners and taking in the local sites. We were on our way through the mountains to Cachora to begin the trekking aspect of the trip. My first view of the incredible Andes was breath taking…remote, vast, snow capped and cloud covered to start, there were glimpses of a spectacular daunting and yet inviting landscape……….it felt surreal to be here. We had breakfast in a traditional Mountain tea room clinging to a cliff face, met our phenomenal horsemen, geared up and we were finally off…led by Julio – our first descent into the beautiful valley down to the Apuimac River Gorge. A lot of switchbacks and a steady climb through the Andes we came to our first campsite at dusk. Already set with tents, warm water to wash in, amazing smells coming from the chefs tent and a dining tent to relax in and unwind and relive our first day… wow what a start.

The following 8 days on the trail from Cachora through to Aguas Caliente could only be described as surreal. Mountain villages, crops farmed on what seemed to be vertical inclines. Visiting the lost city of Choquequirao and taking in all of its beauty. Immersed in its history by the tales of Greci and Julio. A moving prayer ceremony led by Jo Shelford whose ancestry hales from Peru. Camping on the ledges of ruins, in private camps, within our horseman’s family farm. Climbing through rare echo systems, wandering valleys of wild flowers, butterfly forests, seeing peeks of the local people farming and going about their everyday lives in the Andes. Reaching our high point of the Yanama pass at 4654 metres – starting in cloud and mist and clearing as we descended for lunch in a small village. Beautiful tropical micro climates of fruit trees, water falls, coffee plantations. Sharing an incredible traditional Panchamanca meal. Sounds, smells, tastes and a real feeling of contentment and wonder.

THE FOOD Chef Edgar and his team prepared the most phenomenal Peruvian fare in tents, shacks, under trees, in small kitchens, over gas and fire with love and pride. It is hard to describe our food experience on this trail. We were continually surprised, wowed by flavour, presentation, variety, precision and the obvious love and passion that went into our food. Clothed tables, napkins, 2 – 3 course meals – each and everyone different. Beautifully serviced by our kitchen staff…..And the micro climate produced abundant, tasty, organic fresh food…I believe this took our experience of the Andes to the next level.

an insight into what made each other tick. Incredible new friendships have been formed and since returning from Peru many of us have continued to meet up, attend trail events as a team, tramp, share a meal, pot luck lunches and ponder new adventures to share.

Machu Picchu itself delivered a spectacular blue sky and a vista that I feel forever grateful to have stood amongst. It was spiritual, calming and definitely had an anchient energy. The phenomenal architecture. Greci and Julio expanded our minds in their stories of how it came to be. It was the most incredible feeling to be in the ruins of the place I had only seen in post cards and on travel programmes. An absolute highlight was climbing Wayan Picchu… so famous in every picture I have ever seen of Machu Picchu. I felt like I was standing on top of the world. The feeling is hard to describe.

Edgar our chef, Baltran our head horseman, Yasmani , our ever smiling tail horseman and their crew were the most amazing team you could ever imagine.

From prepping and serving the devine food, breaking down and re setting up camp before we reached our destination each day, providing warm water to bathe in morning and afternoon, they seemed to anticipate our every need even before we really knew what we wanted. They were a flawless beautiful team and along with Greci and Julio I see how Mavis really delivers the very best experience because it is all about the people.

From Aguas Caliente we took the train back to Cusco for our final evening, group dinner. We each shared what the trip had meant to us and while some prepared to return to NZ, 5 of us continued onto Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for more life changing adventures. A truly magic experience in itself.

AFTER RETURNING

OUR TEAM Our group of 15 – some of who knew each other prior, some who met at the training weekend, some who got an insight into each other via our closed face book page all hailed from different backgrounds. It was wonderful to see how everyone helped each other, supported each other, pulled together, made new friends and laughed together. We shared many a joke and laugh, some bad karaoke and got

OUR SUPPORT

To everyone who made this trip happen, shared the journey, supported us, welcomed us, shared their culture, history and lives – thank you. This adventure sits with me as something that was life changing. I am ever grateful to for Mavis for seeing something in me that fitted with Dream It, Rob for his support and input, Greci and Julio for their passion and love and ability to share their lives and culture.

Bring on another Dream It experience…. I can’t wait!

I am also truly grateful to my friendship forged with Mavis, his humour and absolute passion to deliver something truly unique and different than any experience I have ever seen.

OUR ITINERARY JULIO CEASAR CAMACHO DAY 1

Julio was born in Cusco, the great ancient capital of the Incan Civilization and his family came from the small town of Pisaq in the Sacred Valley. He did his entire education in Cusco, and studied Tourism and Business at the local university in Cusco San Antonio Abad. When he was a teenager he was a boy scout, which introduced him with the outdoor world and the Andes Mountains.

DAY 2 DAY 3

DAY 4

I got a message from a friend of mine in 2014 telling me he had a friend in Peru who was looking for a guide and someone helping him to organise a trip to Peru, to explore some of the most beautiful mountains in this part of the country.

DAY 5

I really enjoyed this trip. The scenery is outstanding, the Inca Trail between Choquequirao and Machu Picchu is well preserved and isolated and it was a great way to meet God’s creators of this unique group of mountains (Pachamama). I was inspired all the time, especially when I saw this group from New Zealand enjoying the trail, getting excited for all the beauty around them and doing their best in each step they were making.

CUSCO TO SANTA ROSA

2,240m • 12.8 km • 5-6 hours

SANTA ROSA TO CHOQUEQUIRAO

2,880m • 6.4 km • 3-4 hours

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO PINCHAUNUYOC

2,408m • 14.4 km • 3-4 hours

Today will be another opportunity to explore Choquequirao, then after lunch we will climb through the forest to a high pass overlooking a spectacular valley which we will descend. Here the micro climate changes and will have the opportunity to see many different plants and animals. We will then camp over night on the ledges of a small ruin with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.

Choquequirao (Golden Cradle) was always one of the most challenging trails for all hikes and has been considered one of the most mysterious Incan sites in Peru.

We began to organise this trip putting together two impressive Incan sites, being Choquequirao and Machu Picchu, in just eight days.

Rob and the team at Dream It pulled all this together and enjoyed this experience in 2017 so much they pulled together another group for this tour in 2019.

CUSCO TO TEMPLE OF THE MOON

Today you we climb into the cloud forest to the lost city of Choquequirao. Here amongst the clouds you will have the opportunity to explore one of the least visited monolithic ruins in the world, learn about its incredible history and take in the incredible flora and fauna as you camp within its walls.

I made special contact with this guy and the first time I met him there was something special about him. I really liked the way he described his journeys hiking in some other parts of the world and his curiosity to know more about Peru and it’s ancient society. After a few years me and this man (Rob Harsh) had the chance to organise a trip to visit one of the most amazing Inca sites in Peru.

I was inspired all the time, especially when I saw this

DAY 6

trail, getting excited for all the beauty around them and doing their best in each step they were making.

The end of every day was special because the energy from this group of Kiwis was enviable and makes me believe that I had been doing the right job in the right place with the right people. My highlight of this journey was meeting this group of people, each individual and hearing every personal story….special thanks to Mavis and Lisa and your trust and of course to all my team for making an exceptional service during this 10 days hiking in Peru.

PINCHUNUYOC TO MAIZEL

2,926m • 8 km • 5-6 hrs

This morning we will descend all the way down into a deep river valley fed by glaciers above. After a quick soak in the cool waters we will climb back up through a pretty forest filled with butterfly’s and colorful birds. The climb is steep but rewarding as we reach our camp on the edge of the mountainside overlooking another spectacular valley, and snow covered peaks rising above.

group of people from New Zealand enjoying the

DAY 7

MAIZEL TO YANAMA

3,505m • 9.6 km • 5-6 hrs Today we continue to climb up to a into the Andean Puno, a rare ecosystem found only in Peru. Here we will walk preserved Inca Roads that allowed the Chasqui Runners to traverse these steep mountains. After reaching a high point of 4,267 meters (14,000 feet) on Victoria Pass we will descend into the village of Yanama and participate in our service project benefiting the local children in this high Andean community.

DAY 8

COLLIPAPAMPA TO LUCMA 2,606m • 20 km • 5-8 hours

After breakfast, we leave the for the mountains on private bus to Cachora where we’ll begin our trek. We will descend a beautiful valley to the Apuimac River Gorge, and then ascend to Santa Rosa, and incredible views of the snow covered Andes mountains above.

I always believed there was something special behind the highest peaks. I always believed the spirits of my ancestors were at the top of the mountains, watching us and taking care of our families.

DAY 9

Today we descend the Santa Teresa River Valley along a beautiful trail in an idyllic tropical micro climate with fruit trees and waterfalls. Here we camp in a coffee plantation, and have a unique experience making our own coffee and having a traditional Panchamanca meal.

Tour Cusco and Opening Despacho Ceremony with a Q’ero Shaman. Group Dinner.

JULIO’S STORY

It was a great challenge for me and my team because logistically there were many details to cover and a lot of organisation. After many months preparing the programme we finally did it in April 2017 and I have to admit it was one of the most challenging tours that I have ever organised but it was really successful because there were many people behind the scenes who were taking care of the camp sites, tents, food etc. This group of Peruvian workers did a great job-their mission was to provide a good service to our visitors and they made it!!

ARRIVAL Arrive in Cusco check into our hotel. Group Dinner.

YANAMA TO COLLIPAPAMPA

2,896m • 24 km • 6-10 hrs

We get an early start this morning climbing up a picturesque valley into the high alpine Cordillera. We reach our high point today crossing Yanama pass at 4,654 meters (15,270 feet), and then descend to our camp at Collipapampa at the foot of Nevado Salkantay 6,271 meters (20,574 feet).

DAY 10 LUCMA TO AGUAS CALIENTE 2,078m • 23 km • 3-6 hours

We depart early this morning climbing back up into cloud forest along a beautiful trial with waterfalls, orchids and flocks of parrots. We then descend to Llactapata, a small ruin that looks directly across the valley to Machu Picchu. We continue descend through lush rainforest till we reach the Urubamba River, then hike through beautiful forest till we reach the bustling village of Aguas Caliente where you are greeted with hot showers and a 5-star meal.

DAY 11 MACHU PICCHU CITADEL 3,078m • 6.4 km • 3-4 hours

Today is the day we visit Machu Picchu getting an early start where we will climb Mt. Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu and then spend the afternoon exploring the vast ruin above the clouds. You will be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime feeling the incredible energy and hiking along stone paths.

DAY 12 AGUAS CALIENTE TO CUSCO We make our way back to Cusco today taking the historic train to Ollyentaytambo, then visting Maras Salt mines and Chinchero before returning to our hotel in Cusco for a final celebratory dinner. There will be time for final shopping and some local dance and song before departing the following day.

DAY 13 DEPART CUSCO FOR HOME Today we depart Peru for home or fly to Ecuador to explore the legendary Galapagos Islands.

OUR TRAINING AND PREPARATION Thanks to Lisa for organising a group training option at Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Tongariro National Park pre trip as a group get together.

OUR ADVENTURE

THE HOGAN FAMILY STORY When my wife mentioned to me she had just found the trip of a lifetime on the internet I was excited. When she told me it was two weeks of trekking at altitude camping in tents with a dozen people I’d never met my enthusiasm waned. Even though I’m from a rural background my extent of outdoor leisure activity was either fishing or the Sunday afternoon session at the Boot & Flogger listening to a band and having a few quiet brews.

She then mentioned that our son had just turned 19 and it probably would be our last family holiday together. Having never got close to a nomination for father of the year a trip to Machu Picchu would have to put me in the running…

Training started 6 months prior to departure date. Going good 2 or 3 days a week at the gym, 2 days of walking up Wairere Falls and still a few kilos overweight but happy with progress. Finally get to airport for departure check in and meet my travel companions. I think I’m going to go alright. Great bunch. None of them look like elite athletes and except for a couple of them all 50 plus. I’m feeling good.

From Day 1 it was obvious I was going to struggle. Wife and son took off like it was the New York marathon…not to worry. Slow and steady will win the day. As darkness approached I realised I was dreaming. As I plodded on I could see a torch light approaching. I thought thank god… it will be my wife or son coming back to make sure I’m alright.

It wasn’t. It was our illustrious and fabulous camp leader Mavis coming back to tell me that wife and son had eaten and gone to bed and could I be careful when coming into tent not to wake them up as it had been a big day. He also commented how wife and son looked after me so well. I was starting to question why my wife had wanted my life insurance policy increased.

Not being much of a tourist I honestly couldn’t tell you the names of the historic sites we visited but as the days progressed I stopped worrying about being an hour behind the main group but truly appreciated the scenery we were walking through sometimes I felt I could have been in a helicopter. The views and the landscapes truly spectacular.

The comraderie I got from the group was something I had not experienced since playing team sport a long time ago. The group of 16 had become a really tight group of friends. Always with words of encouragement and helpful advice.

One guy on the trip was Buck Shelford. A guy I had admired as a rugby player but just as much past rugby he is still is a guy I look up to. We visited a low income

The comraderie I got from the group was something

school in the mountains enjoying their hospitality and also a friendly soccer game.

I had not experienced since playing team sport

I cant describe my euphoria when after the game Buck asked me to do a haka with him. Having never done a haka before I eagerly accepted. As I was doing my

a long time ago. The group of 16 had become a

stretches pre haka I though to myself after 60 odd years of a good but possibly

really tight group of friends. Always with words of

mediocre life this would be the pinnacle. As I was doing the haka I really felt like a Māori warrior or great All Black. With sweat dripping off my brow and a huge grin I

encouragement and helpful advice.

turned to Buck and said…How was that? Worst haka ever been involved with!!! Oh well. Winning the U.12 grand final for Narabundah Comets will have to remain my sporting pinnacle.

Things I learnt from my trip.

1.

Machu Picchu, definitely one of the greatest wonders of the World, totally incredible. Like watching a virtual tour on the computer.

2.

All people are good. I think take people out of their comfort zones and they will look after each other.

3.

My wife is an incredible woman. I’m only head of the house because that’s what she wants me to think I am.

4.

It always worries me that our son was very shy and quiet and would be walked over the top of throughout life. This trip made me realise just how tough he really is…the original quiet achiever.

5.

How lucky I am to have the family I’ve got and how hard it is to put your undies on in a tent.

So thank you Mavis and Dream It for making this trip happen.

The Hogan Family

KATE SANDERSON’S STORY I only found out about the Dream IT trip to Peru at the very last minute. About 10 years prior I had read about Choquequirao, an Incan site seldomly visited due to the several days of trekking over reasonably challenging terrain to get there, unlike Machu Picchu where you can literally catch a bus to the entry. I love adventures and exploring places that are less travelled so when I realised that the Dream IT trip included not only Machu Picchu but also Choquequirao, I had to be on it! To add in the Galapogas was just a bonus…

When I contacted Mavis, he said he could accommodate one more person on the trip but that the t-shirt’s had already been printed, and because all the people on the trip were New Zealander’s they were designed with that in mind. No problem, to get on this trip I was more than happy to be the token Aussie disguised as a New Zealander.

I could write endlessly about all the places we visited and the experiences I had, however here are a few memories that come to mind; • hiking for days in the Andes, through isolated communities, across mountains and rivers and being in the most magnificent scenery; • being humbled by the Peruvian people. They were beautiful people; friendly, polite, obliging and generous. Rural communities in the Andes are known to be some of Peru’s poorest areas. We travelled through remote communities with no electricity, no modern heating or lighting. The people all worked collectively as a community, sharing tasks and resources rather than focusing on their individual needs. Their comforts and possessions were few and yet all the people were happy. Their way of life was so foreign to mine in so many ways.

They had little, lived simply and they were happy people. A great moment of reflection that has stayed with me; • the stray dogs we came across, which seemed to be in good health and cared for by the local people. I had a small set of scissors with me and I would cut the matts off their fur. Weird I know!

• spending way too much time thinking about food and what we would be having for lunch and dinner. The food we ate on the trip was outstanding so it was understandable that it took up much of my thoughts.

The Dream IT trip was so very unique was not like any other travel company I have come across. Mavis is passionate about designing trips with a difference, visiting lesser-known places and having authentic cultural experiences.

• my dread when I found out we were doing an impromptu Haka in front of the Yanama community. I could imagine it would be every New Zealander’s dream to do the Haka with one of the country’s best rugby players Buck Shelford, however I had only seen it on TV and only remembered the part about looking scary and poking your tongue out at the end. My heart sank. I strategically positioned myself in the back row and I am pretty sure I looked like some bad act from New Zealand’s Got Talent. Anyhow, my embarrassment only lasted a short while; • how well our pack horses and mules were treated and looked after by the horsemen; • and of course Choquequirao. What a magnificent and magical place.

Only about 30% of the ruins has been excavated with most of it remaining undiscovered. I am so grateful I saw it in its relatively untouched state and before it becomes more well known.

The Dream IT trip was so very unique was not like any other travel company I have come across. Mavis is passionate about designing trips with a difference, visiting lesser-known places and having authentic cultural experiences. And I can’t wait to join another Dream, IT trips. If I have to pretend to be a New Zealander for a second time, that’s fine with me.

BUCK’S STORY

‘Do not be put off by challenges but strive ahead to the goal’.

‘Kaua e hoki i te waewae tūtuki, ā, āpā anō hei te ūpoko pakaru’.

In 2012 Jo had the opportunity to go to a friends wedding in Santiago, Chile and of course she took it. She’s an adventurer. While there, her and her mates shot up to Peru and headed for Machu Picchu. A chance in a lifetime. When she returned from South America, the magic of Machu Picchu was all she could talk about, returning and taking me with her. Mountains that touch the sky and a real fear of heights, yeh right.

Jump forward to early 2018 and there is this guy called Mavis, (dodgy right there a guy called Mavis), spouting on about a trek to the Andes, Machu Picchu, bucket list, love you to come along. He sent a pretty impressive large coffee-table book and I must be getting silly as I get older but I agreed to meet up with him. I told Jo and she’s blown away by the opportunity for me.

Anyway, what can I say, Rob and Mavis were pretty convincing, Jo has me at Kathmandu before I can think straight and I’m heading for Peru. I’m a busy guy so training is hit and miss. Turns out I should have climbed a few more hills in New Zealand.

Actually, I’m in awe of the task ahead, way out of my comfort zone and as the day of departure heads closer, I must admit there is trepidation. Did I mention me and heights, you know, how I really don’t like them…

It was great to finally meet up with the some of the crew at the airport, have a cold beer and chill. Right from the start there are a few hiccups but the crew roll with it and I just know that we are going to get along.

We meet Julio and Gracie our Peruvian guides in Cusco and they were fantastic.

It’s great to have locals on board, such fountains of knowledge. To hear their world view was so important, to be privy to their customs, and to hear their stories made the trip so much more fascinating.

Once we got out of the city and into our first mountain, I looked up and thought, ‘holy hell’. It was so awe-inspiring.

It’s amazing how when you’re finally standing at the top of a mountain and you take a moment to look at the view how blown away you are by that very experience and your strength in actually doing it. I can’t lie it was pretty scary at times looking off the edge of mountains but hey being able to buy a cold beer or a coke at the end of long day was awesome.

I can’t speak highly enough of Julio and his horsemen, the men of Yanama. There were the chef extraordinaires with outstanding food, and we wanted for nothing.

Their services were amazing from coffee first thing in the morning, to having our tents up every evening. We were spoilt. I had to chuckle as it’s been the first time I’d eaten so well and still lost weight.

The time spent in Yanama was a wonderful break from the hard slog. Interacting with the kids and kicking a ball around was a great hoot and we really didn’t mind that they ran rings around us. Just want to say that it was the worst haka I’d ever been part of though, just saying.

I’d like to mention my fellow trekkers. Firstly, it was fabulous to have Jo there with me on this journey. All the chicks, Mavis, Ray, John and Luke you guys were magic.

Lots of memories were made and there will be lots of conversations in the future.

Cheers all!

When all is said and done, was this trip part of my bucket list, a dream come true, not really, was it an experience of a lifetime, sure was. I would like to say that the highlight for me overall, was getting to the end of every day having faced the challenge and winning.

I’d like to end with a Māori whakatauki/proverb which means ‘do not be put off by challenges but strive ahead to the goal’.

‘Kaua e hoki i te waewae tūtuki, ā, āpā anō hei te ūpoko pakaru’.

JO’S STORY

THANK YOU

Peru holds a special place in my heart as my family genealogy leads me to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Having been there in 2012, I was so excited to be given the opportunity to return this time to walk the land of my ancestors and to share that journey with Wayne.

I had no idea what I was in for but I knew that those mountains touched the sky and the land held secrets and it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Hey, and it wasn’t but Mavis what with an amazing Peruvian crew, other crazy trekking people who are now life-long friends, you and Lisa, it was a tick on my bucket list.

Thanks for coming on this journey and

Firstly, thank you Mavis for making the contact. I know that it was for Wayne but I felt it was karma. I had always wanted Wayne to experience this trip and what a better way to celebrate a birthday milestone for me than to take up the challenge of trekking the mountain passes of the ‘chasqui’ runners.

I needed the year of walking this fabulous country of ours just to strengthen my resolve and to convince myself that no matter what happened out there I would be okay. I’m a boy scout at heart so preparation, preparation.

and sharing this experience with you.

There were some tears, I cannot lie, but at the end of the day when there was a tent waiting to be crawled into, a fabulous meal to be eaten, a cold beer to be drunk and someone to high five me on a challenge accomplished it just spurred me on.

Everyone was inspiring as we all faced our challenges and won.

Boy, were those mountains high and those valleys low, that wind wild and cold and that sun hot. Sounds like a day in Auckland. Seriously though we had it all. The chatter never stopped and the laughter kept coming. Way to get through it team.

Thank you all for letting me share my family story at Choquequirao and being part of a sacred prayer of my family’s. Io blessings to you all.

To Julio (turay) and Gracie (`na`nay) the journey would not have meant the same without your story. The story of your people, the people of the land, the story of Pachamama, Pachakuti Yupanqui, Tupak Inca Yupanqui. It was my story. Ngā mihi aroha (Much love) To the horsemen and Jasmani, to the amazing chefs and the food that was always beautifully given and greatly received, thank you for easing this weary body. It was a privilege to meet the families of Yanama. Many times we come across people who appear to have so little and yet have it all. The laughter of the children as they ran rings around our lot in the soccer game was hilarious, so was our attempt at the haka but all is forgiven. Wayne’s fault he didn’t call enough practices, oh that’s right, he didn’t call one at all.

Thanks Dream It for an amazing experience.

adventure with us. It was an absolute pleasure and thrill hosting you in Peru

Mavis & Lisa

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