Friday, July 22, 2005

Antofagasta

July 17th.

One hour bus break in Antofagasta.

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22 hour bus

July 17th.

I just left San pedro in the midst of a 3 or 4 days of heavy winds. Should have left yesterday. Though now riding in style on the salon cama bus overnight to Santiago.

Pictures of the dust storm leaving the Atacama, and now the shoreline two hours north of the capital.

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Friday, July 15, 2005

July 13th.

More ruins at the top.

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The peak

July 13th.

5916 meters after 1500m rise. Not very technical, though lots of loose rock. This was our guide Marcelo's 348th trip to the top. Here is Andrew, Marcelo, myself and Chris.

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4am

July 13th.

Started very early after a nutritious 5 minute breakfast of a tortilla and a cliff bar. Marcelo keeps us at steady slow pace through the dark with the occasional pause. The day before I was easily winded at a normal hiking pace.

The sun started to come up over Argentina about 2 hours into the ascent. Both lakes are finally visible together. The top is reached after about 5-5.5 hours.

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Thursday, July 14, 2005

Base of volcan

July 12th

A last shot from the base, and salt on the green lake. Tommorow up and out before dawn.

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Laguna Verde

July 12th

At the base of volcan not far from laguna verde (4400 m). Said to be green from the Incas tossing copper away as the were fleeing the conquistadors. Inca ruins right here as well. Three of us will tent here, but our guide Marcadio "macarena" only sleeps outside (30° F).

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