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Sue's Fundraising Trek

MY FUNDRAISING ADVENTURE TO MACCHU PICCHU

I have always wanted to go to Peru to see Macchu Picchu. I knew that it would be hard doing the trek - I am not as fit as I used to be, but I knew that if I didn't do it soon then time passes or life gets in the way and these things never happen.

I have owned a few greyhounds over the years. I feel very strongly for these beautiful creatures that spend a life working hard on the track only to be dumped in, some cases, to a life of misery when their use is finished. The lucky ones get to go the Retired Greyhound Trust to be rehomed and loved, so what better way of raising funds which could to go to this worthy charity.

I went to Peru for sixteen days altogether. The trek was five days long. I hadn't trained up as well I should have really. I went on as many walks as free time permitted and the rest I knew would be sheer determination. I hadn't quite bargained for the intensity of the trek. I had never done altitude and didn't know how my body would react to it all. Walking in England is one thing but walking at 4,215 metres high, uphill and downhill, is another matter.

We left the trailhead about lunch time on the first day of the trek. It was sunny and pleasant. There were about twelve porters with us, plus two cooks and two trek leaders - one leading the other at the back with the stragglers - that was me. The porters were just amazing, they carried tents, cooking items, food, sleeping bags all on their backs and they literally raced up and down the mountain with all that on their backs. By the time we had struggled with two poles each and arrived puffing and panting into camp it was all set up ready with a toilet tent, our sleeping tents erected and the dining tent with hot food waiting to be served for seventeen people - how marvellous is that?

The first half day wasn't too bad. The weather was kind to us, it was hot and sunny. Spring runs into Peru's rainy season so there was the doubt as to whether or not this trek would stay dry for us. After crossing the river bridge - the start - we began a quarter of a mile ascent which was pretty steep. The route flattened out after that and we saw lovely ancient Inca sites along the way, large cactus and flowers. After a couple of hours we came to our lunch time camp site. The porters had done us proud with soup, a main meal and light pudding washed down with camomile tea or coca tea. The walk was tougher after lunch and my breathing got harder and my steps slower as we carried on steadily climbing. We ambled along at a slow pace. I just plodded on at the back determined to go at my own pace and not overtax things too much as there was a long way left to go. The leaders' motto was "slow slow, do not rush". That statement was repeated many times during the trek. At around 6 pm we got to our first night camp. As at lunch time a hot meal awaited us and all our tents had been put up for us. This was my first ever experience of camping and I was not overjoyed at the prospect. The sleeping mat was about one inch thick and there was only a thin ground sheet underneath that between the ground and my body. I was very uncomfortable that night, also cold despite wearing all my clothes, a silk lining and a 4 seasons' sleeping bag. I just kept telling myself it was only for a few nights then never again.

Day 2 was one of the hardest climbs I have ever experienced in my life. We were woken up at the crack of dawn by a porter tapping on the tent flap and offering us a small plastic bowl full of lukewarm water - that was for our wash and teeth cleaning for the day accompanied by a cup of camomile or coco tea. After breakfast it was announced that we would climb that day from 3,000 metres to 12,500 metres. The whole morning climb was just steps, steps and more steps - four hours of steps. The back of the group - about six of us altogether - kept stopping every few steps to gather our breath and strength for the next few steps. The rain decided to accompany us at this stage and stayed with us for the next couple of days non-stop. We were very relieved to arrive at our lunch time camp but our relief was soon dashed as Juan, our guide, casually informed us that we only had another two hours of steps left to climb. Around mid afternoon we reached the summit. This is supposed to be that hardest part of the climb called "Dead Woman's Pass". It is called that because the top of the mountain apparently looks like a sleeping woman. I personally felt like a dead woman so it was aptly named I thought. After reaching the top we had to come down again which was harder than going up. Inca steps are very uneven, and in some cases about two feet high, so climbing down was a work of art for me. This ordeal lasted a good two hours. My legs had turned to jelly, I was wet and tired. The evening camp was welcomed with open arms.

Day 3 consisted of another two hour climb and, unfortunately, another two hour descent on those steps. The rain just poured and poured as we went on our way. The steps were full of puddles and, in places, could be slippery. In some parts a river had developed over the steps, so we now had gushing water to encounter as well.

After lunch the sun came out and for the remainder of the day it was step free. The scenery was stunning with mountains, flowers, butterflies and I just meandered along soaking up all this beauty and feeling that all my effort had been worthwhile after all. The evening camp was just unbelievable. We were surrounded by snow capped mountains in the distance. The mountains which surrounded Macchu Picchu were by now visible to the eye. We sat on a large rock and just stared in wonder at it all.

If I thought day 2 was bad then day 4 was even worse. During the night it had rained continually and I woke up many times during the night freezing cold and wet. We left camp early morning and had four hours of walking down those uneven wet steps again, some of which were about as high as my knees. By the time I made it to lunch time camp all my reserves had gone. My legs were like jelly again and I was so tired. Determination kicked in and I knew that Macchu Picchu was only a couple of hours away and then I would have achieved my dream. It was onwards and upwards after lunch. Two hours - not too many steps this time. Once again the scenery was spectacular; we were by now surrounded by the high peaks of the mountains. Just when I thought I was home and dry a corner was turned and there in front was a bank of HUGE vertical steps. The only way to climb these was literally like a monkey, using hands and feet and not to look down. There were around two dozen altogether and at the top I knew I would see Macchu Picchu. I hauled my tired body up that vertical incline and staggered to the top. There it was Macchu Picchu nestled in the valley in all her glory. What a sight. AMAZING. All that effort and pain had been worth every step, I didn't regret any of it. I was on top of the world.

Would I do it again? Well, if ever I do go back I would take the easy option and jump on the train which only takes three hours instead of four days of trekking. It was worth it for the greyhounds though. I raised £350 which is fantastic and well worth all that effort.

Forthcoming events:
28 January - Morrisons, Harrogate We will be outside Morrisons, Harrogate along with some of our own pet greyhounds
04 February - Greyhound Walk Quarry Moor Ripon - if you'd like to join us, please ring Karen Fraser on 01609 761014. Tea/Coffee provided after the walk.
04 March - Greyhound Walk Ripley - this is a lovely walk. If you'd like to join us, please telephone Karen Fraser on 01609 761014.

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Rati is mainly black but has a few white flecks. She coul.d be homed with small dogs. Rati is frie …

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Sue's Fundraising Trek

Forthcoming events:

Adopt a Greyhound