ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

“My unprecedented experience of a lifetime”

From the moment of arriving in Cusco on Saturday April 16^th, we were in Inca country and it seemed that all roads led to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, which we would reach after four days trekking through the mountains and jungle forest. Suddenly my dream was coming true. Would I succeed in my quest for St Andrew’s Hospice in far-away Airdrie, would I do justice to the trust my sponsors had placed in me, and would I be able to withstand the rigours of high level trekking and camping?

Well, we made it, and I would like to tell you about my experiences. We arrived in Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire, seized by the Spanish on their conquest of South America in 1534. This marked the end of Inca culture of which we were to see much amazing evidence in the next few days.

Our Inca Trail started at “km 82” (sounds like the wild west!) from where we did some acclimatisation walks with spectacular views of the high Andes and Mt, Veronica (18,641ft) in the distance. The steep mountain sides, the river Urubamba far below, lush vegetation, and beautiful orchids growing wild were from now on our daily scenery.

We were a group of 23 persons, supported by porters to carry the heavy baggage, supplies and tents, two cooks and       three local guides who were always helpful and good humoured. We quickly got to know each other and worked as a real team. This friendship, care and concern for each other were an inspiration to me.

The goal and climax of our trip was the sacred city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, lost for centuries after the Spanish conquest. When we pitched camp for the night and knew that the following day we would follow the trail to Intipunku (The Sun Gate) there was a feeling of great anticipation. Very early in the morning (about 4 am) the sun rose, and we could see the snow topped mountains around us. The day promised to be really special.

We came to the Sun Gate and there in the distance on the side of a hill under three jagged peaks lay Machu Picchu! Another hour’s walk along the stone paved road with the retaining wall built by the Incas, and we were there. We had arrived!

I had a feeling of sheer exhilaration, a sense of wonderment and achievement. I asked myself if I was really here, had I really achieved the plan I had been dreaming about for so long? I stared and stared. I was full of admiration for the people who built this city, the skills of the architects and masons, the precision of the stone work, the magnificence of the scenery, the sheer drops, the awesomeness of the landscape. What a feeling of history, of walking in the steps of the Incas and a lost empire.

We saw the temples, the Royal Mausoleum, the residences and houses, agricultural terraces, the series of sacred water basins and fountains one above the other, granaries and storage. All signs of a well organised society with its rules and hierarchy.

And then, unexpectedly, I stumbled upon the huge stone sculpture of the Condor in the Condor Temple – so huge that a single photograph was insufficient. It was like finding the Holy Grail after a long quest. It felt to me like the core of Machu Picchu and was tremendously uplifting.

As for me, the Inca Trail was an unforgettable experience. The friendship and camaraderie between the group and with the porters and guides. The help and good humour in overcoming the challenges. The understanding of the Peruvian people and respect for their way of life. The sense of achievement and of overcoming difficulties. I treasure the memory of climbing “Dead Woman’s Pass” (13,722ft). Our guides encouraged and urged us on, and when we arrived at last, we were clapped on the back, embraced and congratulated. It was a beautiful and very emotional moment. The spirit of the whole trek and our days in Machu Picchu and Cusco in a nutshell.

And above all, I had kept my promise to my sponsors and raised £2972 for St Andrew’s Hospice.

Thank you everyone!                                                       Roddy Clark