Our goal for the up hill portion is called Warmiwañusca Mountain also known as Dead Woman's Pass. For awhile I thought they may rename it Jeff's Death Pass! I slowly chugged my way up the incline way behind the group but always with either one of my guides Mike or Albert checking in with me (they were great - supportive and encouraging) as again I Was the slow cog in the group. Also my fellow hiker and friend David was there for encouragement as well which was awesome. After lunch (which at this point the smell of food was making me nauseous) we were making one last push to Dead Woman's Pass. I believe the first members of our group got there in an hour or so. Halfway into this push the oxygen tank made an appearance but not used. I finally reached the highest summit of the trek after 2:30 hours to claps and cheers by my fellow hikers. I have to say I was worried about slowing things down but they were all so encouraging and supporting. Again the views from the top were worth it. We also with the guidance of our guide Mike completed a ceremony involving thanking Pacha Mama (mother earth) which was nice.
And here I thought the hardest part was over. The next "two" hours were all downhill, only on rocks. It took me 3:30 hours of careful stepping. I suppose I am not as nimble I think I am. The last 30 minutes were in the dark but had headlamps. I finally arrived again to claps and cheers and still had no appetite to eat (a fellow hiker gave me some protein bars which helped) and went to bed after 12 hours of walking time.
Minimum Altitude: 9,840 feet
Maximum Altitude: 13,766 feet
Distance: 7 miles
JB
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