The Island of the Sun

Dear Everyone,

Well, we did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who voted on the poll and encouraged me to lose my wimpiness and just DO IT. We did indeed spend a night camping on the beach of the north side of the Island of the Sun. And it was great! We arrived at the south end of the island on Thursday morning, and hiked across the island (about 12 km) with all our gear. Yes, Matthew carried most of it, but Katie and I carried bags too. We got lost as soon as we started out, but in our defense, there were no signs anywhere!! Fortunately, when we were splitting up in three directions to head into the bush to follow questionable "trails," a local came along and I was able to ask him for directions. We eventually found the Inca trail again.

We set up on the beach and settled in for a great afternoon and evening. Katie went swimming in the lake, because she's hardcore like that. We met some other Canadians, we found a bathroom after I had talked to several of the townspeople, and we enjoyed the sun. The sun went down around 7pm, and we went to bed soon afterwards, for what I shall call politely an uncomfortable sleep. Sleeping on sand seems very similar to sleeping on rocks. But I wouldn't have missed it - the moon was so bright it was easy to see everything around the beach, and so many stars! Matt saw the most of the sky activity (including a meteor shower!) because he slept outside under the stars, while Katie and I had the tent.

So, passing lightly over all the fun we had in Copacabana as well (trout, jewelry, cheese fondue, my favourite hostel...), I shall conclude by saying that we are all very well and happy, and have one day to recover and do laundry before heading out again.

Much love to everyone,

Rachael (for the team)