Went on the best excursion today. Got up at dark and joined a small group at a coffee shop then boarded a van for the trip out of the city - switched to a 4X4 loaded with mountain bikes on the roof an hour later and started up. At 11:30 we got to 4,400 meters and started climbing. An hour +/- later we were at 4,800 meters and reached a tiny lodge for a great lunch. Then we pressed on and 90 minutes later were at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft). An hour + to only go 200 meters you ask? In gravel - 7 inches up, slide three inches back, take a breath, repeat for 35 paced, stop and rest. We finally reached the ice cap, Try it!
When we got down to the 4X4 later that afternoon we raced mountain bikes down hill through huge switch-backs to a lagoon at 3,500 meters.
Unfortunately camera battery was dead and phone in hotel so I'm hoping a canadian women who took a few shots for me will forward them.
If the customs office opens tomorrow I'll probably be heading toward the coast.
Exhausting but a Great Day!
Nick
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