tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91006297913091671522024-03-12T20:16:17.074-07:00the world through the windsheild of ron and kata traveling retirement life on the backroads of planet earthRon and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-87450507828841315332013-05-10T15:52:00.000-07:002013-05-10T15:52:01.545-07:00LIMA AND PANAMA CITY ..back to the 21st cnetury <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Bus, planes, trains and automobiles</strong> is a good description of our last few days in Peru. After 3 weeks in the Peruvian countryside we flew into Lima and the 21st century.<br />
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Our home base for a couple days of sightseeing is the upscale area of Miraflores, a Lima neighborhood perched on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean.</div>
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Lima is entering the time of the year when the fog rarely lifts for 6 months. The housing density of this region reminds me of Vancouver, BC. but on a bigger scale. Lima is a city of apx. 3 million and a lot of them live in the high rises that form the impressive skyline along the bluffs above the ocean.</div>
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We had read of Lima's reputation for extremes between the very poor and the very rich. On our tour of Lima in a open air bus the driver did a good job of only showing us the "charming" side of Lima. We traveled down wide boulevards and cute narrow streets, from the modern glass towers of the coast to the clean well kept Colonial Center.</div>
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After visiting the many diverse areas of Peru for the past few weeks, ending our odyssey in Lima was fitting. Life for the residences of Lima are about as far removed from the life in the Amazon as one can imagine.</div>
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<strong>Panama City and the Canal</strong></div>
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We arrived in Panama just as night fall began and was amazed by the skyline.</div>
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This trip to Panama was planned as a week of the pool and cold drink with only a quick city tour and a visit to the Miraflores Locks and Museum planned.</div>
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The Gamboa Rainforest resort sits just several hundred yards from the shipping channel on Gatun Lake with its heavy canal traffic.</div>
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With in several hundred yards of the heavy noisy canal traffic I was able to snap a picture of this Capuchin Monkey.</div>
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The locks and the museum were very interesting. The men in our crowd could have stayed at the locks all day. The museum features a simulator that lets you pilot a freighter through the lock. Now that was fun!</div>
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This is our final day of this trip and I must say it was a rewarding trip. The Amazon experience was amazing and our choice of doing a lodge instead of a ship was at least for Ron and I a good one.</div>
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To have the time to leisurely explore the beautiful villages and historic sites from our rental house in Urabumba was a blessing. The staff at Villa Runa took very good care of us. You can check them out at <a href="http://www.virbo.com/">www.virbo.com</a>.</div>
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Our location on the Plaza de Armas the main square in the beautiful and historic city of Cusco was perfect. We could walk just about anywhere we wanted or grab a bench on the square and soak it all in. The all female staff at the Loreto Boutique Hotel also went out of their way to take care of us. From fixing Ron his unique breakfast eggs to that delightful mad dash for our luggage mentioned earlier, we couldn't have ask for more. We found the Peruvians to be very kind, quite and reserved. But that polite reserved demeanor never hid the twinkle in the eye or the quick grin.</div>
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To post this blog I have been lucky to have traveled with 3 who know their way around a camera. The photos I choose for this blog is a mixture of my own photos and those of Pat, Patsy and Helen. Thanks friends.</div>
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I hope you have enjoyed sharing our travels.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-65506645364095295312013-05-10T07:54:00.001-07:002013-05-10T07:54:35.817-07:00UROS, THE REED ISLANDS ON LAKE TITIKAKA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Orient Expresses Andean Explorer</strong><br />
<strong> </strong>Over the top of the Andes in style.<br />
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We were starting our 10 hour rail journey on the Andean Explorer from Cusco to Puno on the shore of Lake Titikaka. We arrived at the station and were ushered into a waiting room resembling a hotel lobby. We were greeted by a live band and folkloric dancers. Go ahead pamper me....</div>
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The train was posh indeed, with wing back chairs and real linen table cloths on which was placed a elegantly presented 3 course lunch.</div>
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The train also had a lounge car and ......</div>
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At the end of the train was a partial enclosed observation car, a fun place to watch the passing scenery.</div>
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The Andes snow covered mountains provided a backdrop for our first glimpse of the Llama and Alpaca herds.</div>
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We went up to Puno on the train and returned to Cusco on the bus and both ways I was surprised at the abundance of family farms and the absence of unused land.</div>
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The highest elevation of 15,000 ft above sea level is at the small village of El Raya.</div>
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As the train approached, the vendors rushed about to set up their booths. At El Raya we were offered our only chance to get off the train. At 15,000 feet Ron celebrated being able to move at altitude by promptly buying matching Lama sweater for both of us. Accuweather.com was predicting 40 degree weather so the sweaters and the knitted Inca hat Ron bought in Cusco should keep us warm, if not fashionable.</div>
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It was dark by the time we were dropped off at our hotel. Again we choose to be right on the Plaza de Armas. The balconies on the left are off our rooms on the 3rd floor. I must take a minute to celebrate....yea!... elevators for the first time .... We tried hard to book only "charming " hotels which until now translated into "no elevator" hotels. At nearly 12,000 ft. to not lug luggage up 3 flights is a blessing. I guess since this trip is the high part of our trip in elevation at least, I can safely say that at least for the 6 of us the prescription for altitude medication has worked. We have huffed and puffed up and down hills and stairs, but none of us required the extra oxygen all hotels trains and buses carry. </div>
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<strong>Walking on Islands of reeds.</strong></div>
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This water way was busy with boat loads of tourist in the channel out to Isla Los Uros Islands. A group of 64 islands made by hand and grouped to form a community. The islands have their own school, church and hospital.</div>
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This greeting station is the first stop into the floating islands. Our guide is given the name of the Island who will be hosting us today.</div>
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The ladies were waiting to greet us to their homes on the island Summa Willjta. They represent all the women on the small island made of reeds, which I would guess are about 1/2 acre.</div>
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We were given a very interesting demonstration on the building and maintaining of the islands. Most islands are similar to family compounds, but they don't have to be. Anyone can start their own island or live on any island, although I suspect you have to get permission to move to someones island. This island's base of reeds is eight feet deep and is anchored in water that is 45 feet deep.</div>
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The risk of fire is great, so all cooking on the island must be done on this community stove.</div>
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Most of the ladies of the islands wore their hair in braids decorated with these unusual tassels.</div>
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Each of us were invited to visit the home of one of the ladies. Each lady makes textiles for sale telling the story of their family. We all ending up buying one from our hostess.</div>
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The ladies dress was colorful and distinct to their part of Peru.</div>
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Currently there is one baby on the island, do you think he is spoiled?</div>
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This young lady was Helen and Skips hostess. She is the mother of the baby. Helen said she was very proud to show off her tidy home to them. Mercedes hosted Ron and I. She did not seem to have the same pride in her home, so I choose not to take pictures of her house or yard. I guess on the islands as elsewhere in the world there are tidy people and some not so tidy people.</div>
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The end to our visit was a cruise around the islands on this reed boat. </div>
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The old reed boats would only last 6 months, but today they are filling the pontoons with as many as 3,000 plastic bottles and the use nylon lashing has replaced reed lashing. These improvements have increased the life of the boat to 3 years.</div>
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We had a delightful time on the floating islands. I have wanted to visit since I first read about them in a 5th grade geography text book. The islands of those geography test book were a real and hard way of life. Today, generations later these islands are definitely more tourist geared than subsistence geared. Tourism puts bread on their table, so better preserve the ancient ways for tourists like me than let their heritage fade away.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-41912689254578328652013-05-07T14:46:00.000-07:002013-05-07T14:46:14.342-07:00CUSCO<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Cusco</strong><br />
Capital City of the Incas<br />
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Rosalia our feisty young driver for the past week almost swore when she arrived at Cusco's Plaza de Armas where our hotel was. In the above photo our hotel is down a pedestrian passageway between two churches. All entries to the plaza were sealed with police barricades, blocking access to our hotel. It was nothing serious just another of the many parades and demonstrations that happen here weekly.</div>
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This group of Kindergartners weren't demonstrating on the day we arrived but they were out in force 2 days later. </div>
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Rosalia called the Loreto Hotel explaining that she had a van load of senior citizens and she couldn't get anywhere near the hotel. The directions she received from the hotel must have been great because in just a couple of minutes we had turned around, dashed up a alley or two and came to a stop. Before we knew what was happening 4 young ladies in navy blue uniforms had our bags out of the van and were rolling them down the street indicating we were to follow. I have never seen a flash mob, but wow.....those young women were there and gone before we knew what was happening. Remember we are at 11,000 ft above sea level and the limbs and minds alike weren't functioning to full capacity!</div>
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The Hotel Loreto is a small hotel with a capacity of 30 people. Like most of Cusco it has a strong history. During Inca times it served as a dormitory of sorts for young female virgins and their chaperons. The wall behind Skip is the original Inca wall. </div>
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We checked into the hotel, made sure our bags got to the correct room and dashed out to the plaza to see what the excitement was about.....but quiet and serenity had been restored. We would have to wait 24 hours before another demonstration appeared.</div>
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What we did find was a Double Decker open air tourist bus picking up passengers. We paid our fare and found a seat on the top deck, suddenly we were on a impromptu tour of Cusco!</div>
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A delightful part of the architecture of Cusco is the variety of balconies, a lot of them offered out door restaurant seating. </div>
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We found the people of Cusco dressed in jeans, business attire or in their traditional costumes.</div>
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As in any city commerce must go on, so the young lady waits for buyers for her bread.</div>
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The weaver threads her spindle to spin the yarn for her loom.</div>
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The nuns leave the Cathedral preparing for their next duty.</div>
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The Violinist warms up his instrument at the Folkloric Dance Performance.</div>
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Cusco is a historically rich country. When the Spanish conquistador's marched on Cusco in the 15t century, all the temples and important buildings were covered in gold. Almost all the gold and silver was striped and shipped via Panama to Spain.</div>
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Then began the Spaniards need to destroy all things Inca. Temples were razed and Catholic Churches and Spanish Mansions put in their place. </div>
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As a result all over Cusco you are able today to find Inca stonework and walls supporting the Spanish Architecture.</div>
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The Cusco of today is a proud new democracy and its youth seem happy to pass out as many free hugs as they can.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-31987852319150823212013-05-05T18:43:00.001-07:002013-05-05T18:43:26.935-07:00MACHU PICCHU <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>The Big Day Arrives Early</strong><br />
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We had to catch the Vista dome Train from the nearby town of Ollantaytambo (Olly) to the locals. The plan was to take the train to the base of the mountain and explore for a day and a half. We had to drag ourselves out of the Villa quite early for ol' folks like us. So we opted for sleep instead of breakfast. We gave the cooks the day off and just whipped us up a sandwich or two for the train.</div>
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The train leaves from a station about halfway down the valley. That valley quickly becomes not much more than a canyon. </div>
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Surprisingly we were rarely more than a few hundred yards from someones farm. This surprised me, I had expected wilderness.</div>
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The train followed the Urubamba River the whole way.</div>
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<strong>Aguas Calientes </strong></div>
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The hub of all activity near Macchu Pichu is the small town of Aguas Calientes whose name means of course hot waters after the hot springs in town or the trouble some may get in celebrating the end of hiking the famed Inka Trail.</div>
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Reviews had us expecting not much more than a shanty town. And yes it pays to not look to carefully but......</div>
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....over all we found it to be full of it's on charm.</div>
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The square was tidy and the side streets although all running up hill were worth the climb to explore. </div>
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But remember that little germ I picked up a day ago? It was starting to look like it may have been festering in the gut of all those who ordered the chicken after the Pisac visit. Two down two to go. With two days filled with train rides, bus rides and hiking it wasn't looking good.....sigh</div>
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<strong>Macchu Picchu</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvGf80cdsBALwNR-CR4hTGNriI_4MKAL3bfB_fVs2y-7xLJsvCFjWaH5dN760HOv8y2O_qy0STNXb2FV7MwH6mmQ8zitpEjqaAJds9T8xdDym4nwfbjbYYbHIDwaaMhViwmtRtFmNrvdX/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvGf80cdsBALwNR-CR4hTGNriI_4MKAL3bfB_fVs2y-7xLJsvCFjWaH5dN760HOv8y2O_qy0STNXb2FV7MwH6mmQ8zitpEjqaAJds9T8xdDym4nwfbjbYYbHIDwaaMhViwmtRtFmNrvdX/s320/131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The long line is for the only bathrooms at the Macchu Piccu ruins. Not what the last two standing wanted to see.</div>
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The Inca Ruins of Machu Piccu are breathtaking. The history and explanation to involved for this blog, so enjoy the photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZs1HBWEbCdgwjiZWMDpLvjZdK60LyqOftAqkSlbHLvp9rVUFZgUR-5Gxey3YAXg2LlN4i2eiwm3iuHKb4UFjP-pnsFAXK5EKY-zkh1LlXr9TzeJUWUkgcKlNPseRairZB7qXrl1zL0V0/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZs1HBWEbCdgwjiZWMDpLvjZdK60LyqOftAqkSlbHLvp9rVUFZgUR-5Gxey3YAXg2LlN4i2eiwm3iuHKb4UFjP-pnsFAXK5EKY-zkh1LlXr9TzeJUWUkgcKlNPseRairZB7qXrl1zL0V0/s320/153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a long exciting two days and as the train took us back to the station at sunset the full moon was rising. Did the serene sight help to ease the sore ham strings or the sore tummy muscles? I doubt it. Now the remaining three who had eaten the chicken were recovering and they just wanted to go to bed for a long time.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-29459054097144816002013-05-05T12:20:00.000-07:002013-05-05T16:26:50.849-07:00SCARED VALLEY OF THE INCA'S part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Pisac Market</strong><br />
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On Sunday and Tuesday villagers will walk for miles to bring their products to the mountainside town of Pisac.<br />
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We visited on Sunday and found a mix of products for sale. There were grains, fruits and items for trade. There were also numerous booths with items for sale to the tourist trade. The atmosphere was colorful and the costumes were vibrant.<br />
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The older Inca women wear traditional garb most of the time, especially those over the age of ...let's say 40. As in so many places in the world the men for the most part have adopted the jeans and tee shirts, making getting a photo of a male in traditional dress very hard indeed. Most of the women's dresses were similar, but the shape, color and style of their hat denotes where the women are from.</div>
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Market days seem to be as much a social happening as a commercial one. These two ladies appear to be exchanging the latest tidbits of gossip.</div>
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A colorful display of textiles designed to separate the tour bus riders from their wallets. I'm not above spending a little.....just saying.</div>
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This Inca lady was wearing layer upon layer of skirts (petticoats?) very colorful indeed.</div>
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Ice Cream bars must be a special treat for these cuties.</div>
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Patsy's new Peruvian friend.</div>
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This picture looks like I am the luckiest tourist in the world to stumble upon this perfect scenario...well truth is, children are dressed up like this to wander the market and pose for the tourist for a Sole (.26 cents). </div>
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Look out Bryce I'm thinking up a costume for you!</div>
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<strong>Weaving Center</strong><br />
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Near the Village of Pisac is a tourist trap/weaving center that was quite interesting for photo taking. Attached was the expected gift shop where the prices were so high they forbid photos!<br />
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The Vicuna, this little guy produces the most prized fleece. He is protected by the government and is not allowed to be exported. Perhaps by not allowing exportation of Vicuna stock to farmers around the world they hope to control the price of his fleece.</div>
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Alpacas and Lamas are raised on mountain slopes several hundred miles from here or as our guide said "way on the other side of those mountains, the big ones with the snow". A few days later we will be snapping pictures of these herds from the train window.</div>
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One of the displays of the many colors you can dye the yarn using only natural materials.</div>
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There are so much woven items for sale in Peru there must be electric looms somewhere.</div>
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<strong>Pisac Ruins</strong></div>
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High above the Village of Pisac and the weaving center is a ancient Inca Village known only as the Pisac Ruins.</div>
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<strong>Chinchero Moray Circles and the Salineras Salt Mines</strong></div>
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After spending the previous day seeing all there was to see in and around Pisac in one end of the Sacred Valley, a good nights rest was the plan. After our home cooked (not by us) breakfast we were to head out with our driver Rosalia and Guide Armando to explore the other end of the valley. Most of us made it, one did not. If there is a germ to be consumed, I am like the miners Canary, I drop first. So long before day break it became apparent there was only going to be one short route for me to travel and travel again for most of the day. So following are everyone else's pictures and impressions of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme8iIjJ29QvfuSXG5INY_Ao-iRc8_4iDdwR-KcKFex6eD5MKHlXz7yQt-E0r040cRf9_7QIPLKu7IxAOeljjxCSVkZWvDmXQqiL166uMzjuf6qx9aO5pIonSgw8JalG4hGxktLc6JjqKU/s1600/sacred+valley+190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjme8iIjJ29QvfuSXG5INY_Ao-iRc8_4iDdwR-KcKFex6eD5MKHlXz7yQt-E0r040cRf9_7QIPLKu7IxAOeljjxCSVkZWvDmXQqiL166uMzjuf6qx9aO5pIonSgw8JalG4hGxktLc6JjqKU/s320/sacred+valley+190.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Chinchero Village is said to be the birthplace of the rainbow, it is also the highest village we will visit on this leg of the trip. Probably not a bad thing to be back at the Villa by myself. Look at those stairs!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yKYFC1HASMLKEvE2IwmphuYwiyd6XCqkV55vqGVYxoo4e-3wggGokZACb4apN5e6BYfEqITaQq0fl6S0VjXlQwnz4UyL3Oi97tG8w8C3VEXN4Be3tjjbW2ze1f5pbjLkAGJeRmikTlwD/s1600/DSCF2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yKYFC1HASMLKEvE2IwmphuYwiyd6XCqkV55vqGVYxoo4e-3wggGokZACb4apN5e6BYfEqITaQq0fl6S0VjXlQwnz4UyL3Oi97tG8w8C3VEXN4Be3tjjbW2ze1f5pbjLkAGJeRmikTlwD/s320/DSCF2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It would be my guess that the stylish red hat denotes the Village of Chinchero.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CnVqRx55aM5osIgMDwYFyp0L-jl2gL6FLkFaMfPrXx0Q1aBTodha15QIcuoO1Ysn_g1ezQltmBwtE2vE3RYDlOc5vNPfMg6PPQqA7p6yHGybNZGxafpI94ehbneAU5wRPWxVVBfwjbok/s1600/sacred+valley+184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CnVqRx55aM5osIgMDwYFyp0L-jl2gL6FLkFaMfPrXx0Q1aBTodha15QIcuoO1Ysn_g1ezQltmBwtE2vE3RYDlOc5vNPfMg6PPQqA7p6yHGybNZGxafpI94ehbneAU5wRPWxVVBfwjbok/s320/sacred+valley+184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These salt mines have operated continuously since before the arrival of the Spanish. Families own and harvest from one or several of the individual pens.</div>
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This lady, walking the narrow path was carrying a baby on her back in the traditional way. Notice the 2 shovels in each hand. She is a member of a family who mines 10 or 12 of the pens of salt. The evaporation process takes 8 days and then the salt is placed in 125 lb bags and carried up the steep mountain.</div>
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The Morey Circles represents a Inca agriculture method. Each ring was designed to grow crops that required different temperature gradients.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiOUaoHYjt9RbmWmi0KCaE-hLlNrZht8mHhdWHKn5Rnd1DjCpo-C-nFLfvpupdN1nUxcZVFzsNqoZsZJut86uPhUG2qeu8oJ7P89oNbhe3wzkgNbn1NJIjq5-Ur8Jx-NV4BSvcSdRyliH/s1600/sacred+valley+209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiOUaoHYjt9RbmWmi0KCaE-hLlNrZht8mHhdWHKn5Rnd1DjCpo-C-nFLfvpupdN1nUxcZVFzsNqoZsZJut86uPhUG2qeu8oJ7P89oNbhe3wzkgNbn1NJIjq5-Ur8Jx-NV4BSvcSdRyliH/s320/sacred+valley+209.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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What can I say about this one?</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-52348886805531905312013-05-03T19:40:00.001-07:002013-05-03T20:07:09.472-07:00SCARED VALLEY OF THE INCA'S<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Urbamba and Villa Runa</strong><br />
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The trip out of the Jungle and into the Scared Valley of the Incas involved a voyage up the Amazon, a mad taxi ride to the airport, a walk across the hot steamy tarmac and a very dramatic flight to Cusco. I told the story of this flight previously in the blog titled <strong>Midair Angels.</strong> Once we landed in Cusco we felt the 11,000 ft elevation within minutes. Not enough to get sick, we were just aware that there wasn't quite enough Oxygen around as we would have liked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwKZ8qPVjxp6woaK85E6tPNgovNxm5CVmW2mRS9_HHyeKzu_FCIn0ShhowbiM9sfVxj256EHAuRYEA0DMggeFtS_iuIbeHrTNpnlQocQlN6L9F0QBCYh8BZ0Rr7aZNB5exgt2B0i07Q-o/s1600/DSCF2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwKZ8qPVjxp6woaK85E6tPNgovNxm5CVmW2mRS9_HHyeKzu_FCIn0ShhowbiM9sfVxj256EHAuRYEA0DMggeFtS_iuIbeHrTNpnlQocQlN6L9F0QBCYh8BZ0Rr7aZNB5exgt2B0i07Q-o/s320/DSCF2788.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXmw9JaPMy7mg1U5XSobnr-sjV1dS3cTl18rXV1qSloME0DJCbm-SxBzT-CLzqIhvJAqexTJTnLFLOPrK3D_2FOcd-EdOwz8jcSlXDg3VidJ7mteXoTb1qGfbLzhamRgqJJe6eDOJ11AA/s1600/sacred+valley+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXmw9JaPMy7mg1U5XSobnr-sjV1dS3cTl18rXV1qSloME0DJCbm-SxBzT-CLzqIhvJAqexTJTnLFLOPrK3D_2FOcd-EdOwz8jcSlXDg3VidJ7mteXoTb1qGfbLzhamRgqJJe6eDOJ11AA/s320/sacred+valley+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The drive from the airport in Cusco to the village of Urbamba and the Villa Runa was a very scenic hour and a half.</div>
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Following are a group of pictures of Villa Runa, a 3 bedroom adobe lodge style home we rented from the web. There were 5 or 6 homes in a walled complex managed as rentals for tourists.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw2EiMkuhImt9NbAsSB7JD3zarHKAwBsvp5w7dvLG6OqT9RGIwFRsU3YTWgpbKyivjuqWZelv5PzR9tYoYmXJL-nseup2AyN0b5Y-hBkYAuZPr3ab1rFD5PuNPhRj5DE0M1vOYiAOQyQL/s1600/DSCF2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJw2EiMkuhImt9NbAsSB7JD3zarHKAwBsvp5w7dvLG6OqT9RGIwFRsU3YTWgpbKyivjuqWZelv5PzR9tYoYmXJL-nseup2AyN0b5Y-hBkYAuZPr3ab1rFD5PuNPhRj5DE0M1vOYiAOQyQL/s320/DSCF2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-hTrvyYGEV5kZQaIEpxh8Un4wxkPYkQ4EIa4pwaS2dpf_U9S0AbqJOlThmVzTnlFg2MNrDleaFIqLkhWuVB2ukPgKJ4FwCaJXIzYwrolady1oIgcHppQ6hWBbTWSDNGaDp4eW76r26fL/s1600/sacred+valley+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-hTrvyYGEV5kZQaIEpxh8Un4wxkPYkQ4EIa4pwaS2dpf_U9S0AbqJOlThmVzTnlFg2MNrDleaFIqLkhWuVB2ukPgKJ4FwCaJXIzYwrolady1oIgcHppQ6hWBbTWSDNGaDp4eW76r26fL/s320/sacred+valley+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOBNvsmTxZzjHEP6k9bijnoYF5QQjZEEOL5LBpNWZa3Y9E8IBIv3GbTOWOkp0IPr7FcYm6f8qNMCh9zSCIo34Def8a03RtJ33E79E0xeKJ9uNqGN5jo87Y6w_rMHlI7T-wkkSD6_X8dU2/s1600/DSCF2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOBNvsmTxZzjHEP6k9bijnoYF5QQjZEEOL5LBpNWZa3Y9E8IBIv3GbTOWOkp0IPr7FcYm6f8qNMCh9zSCIo34Def8a03RtJ33E79E0xeKJ9uNqGN5jo87Y6w_rMHlI7T-wkkSD6_X8dU2/s320/DSCF2824.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNPhDnrUXFRPGvohPKFOWT-0amm7xrr_4SmhITedf3v0Y-2XisHi2RiA-nUNPWS-FCl49iyQOsR13iXFB-9TIGlrSRLZEhrWhhkRmTeLQKJcw7wc2vi7GmXpahXIJOXU_OPJ0rLWs2PZK/s1600/394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNPhDnrUXFRPGvohPKFOWT-0amm7xrr_4SmhITedf3v0Y-2XisHi2RiA-nUNPWS-FCl49iyQOsR13iXFB-9TIGlrSRLZEhrWhhkRmTeLQKJcw7wc2vi7GmXpahXIJOXU_OPJ0rLWs2PZK/s320/394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Villa came with two maids who cleaned each day after they cooked us breakfast. My favorite breakfast were the small crunchy quinoa pancakes served with an unidentified fruit jam. We found most of the fruits were unidentified or unpronounceable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJBl9Ea_NaJdtF0Ha3z5dVIUZipMt9r5c9BIM5dTMZQYcCHLJJu_FrUpwkOEvKNAJhy5XW3Ho_kgnQbkCSu4OPGYXPEgSZmvfIQcPP68azut4W162Zl8LNTPW9xYHY_jktWravgDdiDBp/s1600/sacred+valley+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJBl9Ea_NaJdtF0Ha3z5dVIUZipMt9r5c9BIM5dTMZQYcCHLJJu_FrUpwkOEvKNAJhy5XW3Ho_kgnQbkCSu4OPGYXPEgSZmvfIQcPP68azut4W162Zl8LNTPW9xYHY_jktWravgDdiDBp/s320/sacred+valley+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had arranged for the services of a driver for the week (at extra cost).The first day we just wanted to shop at the market and get to know the village. So we arranged for Rosalia to pick us up for the journey into town to the markets. While the Villa staff, Maritza and Inailia cleaned up the breakfast dishes, we took off to the village of Urbamba to lay in supplies for when we had to fend for ourselves. </div>
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We had heard of the vast variety of potatoes they grow in Peru, so what a better place than the market to find a few of them. The above photo is just a sampling of the many, many varieties of potatoes they grow. We never saw a Russet or a Red Potato, a Sweet Potato or a Yukon Gold.</div>
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But we did find the cutest little vendor!!! </div>
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On through the market, fruit was on our list.</div>
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As well as cheese.</div>
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With fruit and cheese purchased we headed past the church on the main square in search of a bakery. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8xuU0qgh0fI9FWCJ-0NKjhy7H3VAYC-mAABb5neXIGD6Mqr1X8EFmIVO1DvtfTqcHWlqPqs24yvRsN1t8q5cBG8JHarWM97H10dSY7X0KBGMFz1Y32yzEvlg6zROMzQXr4O06yhyEmW7/s1600/sacred+valley+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8xuU0qgh0fI9FWCJ-0NKjhy7H3VAYC-mAABb5neXIGD6Mqr1X8EFmIVO1DvtfTqcHWlqPqs24yvRsN1t8q5cBG8JHarWM97H10dSY7X0KBGMFz1Y32yzEvlg6zROMzQXr4O06yhyEmW7/s320/sacred+valley+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now deciding on bread and goodies certainly requires a lot on conferring.</div>
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Mission accomplished!!!!!!!</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-75281955561331519942013-05-02T06:10:00.000-07:002013-05-02T06:10:41.586-07:00DAILY LIFE ALONG THE AMAZON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppxfLz2XnvLUOeGnuk5MoggJvXQVamBXeti-KB3YJAU0QZgYo6fz5Awwoo0gc-0feG66p5sAEEAXLcCQvjwCoS2IoJOZNTgIPFGPU2KgCpX6Df6dyTPhdRpuJ5l4g3jPGzIiSQPC3z_6N/s1600/Amazon+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppxfLz2XnvLUOeGnuk5MoggJvXQVamBXeti-KB3YJAU0QZgYo6fz5Awwoo0gc-0feG66p5sAEEAXLcCQvjwCoS2IoJOZNTgIPFGPU2KgCpX6Df6dyTPhdRpuJ5l4g3jPGzIiSQPC3z_6N/s320/Amazon+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Amazon and its tributaries carries the life and the goods for the people who live along its banks.</div>
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I will just let you enjoy some of the pictures I was privileged to snap.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkIE7UGvZJJXTjzf_jziKZGSK30IC2OIz5uJCyCX4I73MK3LaBZVhEY6zIK9yzvKIwk-VwKYIHdRQKDXMvXEHQtHRU4QCQLCXG6hC7VQxqDJRW2Tq4WwfmlknOTYNDxwyQjBfkb77vxO6/s1600/Amazon+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkIE7UGvZJJXTjzf_jziKZGSK30IC2OIz5uJCyCX4I73MK3LaBZVhEY6zIK9yzvKIwk-VwKYIHdRQKDXMvXEHQtHRU4QCQLCXG6hC7VQxqDJRW2Tq4WwfmlknOTYNDxwyQjBfkb77vxO6/s320/Amazon+143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERkHId1dxGi5AM_zOdjev-KGBlN7tBjgG-9T6Ou-UR4aonyL_yB6l21WPiezZ7XVaBEaALjg7tp52Xez8CnJ9i-IsA4eO_Oc7-Gco8uVuWHaUpEH-mOIvVavwt3An1keqynw4f0Atiqio/s1600/Amazon+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERkHId1dxGi5AM_zOdjev-KGBlN7tBjgG-9T6Ou-UR4aonyL_yB6l21WPiezZ7XVaBEaALjg7tp52Xez8CnJ9i-IsA4eO_Oc7-Gco8uVuWHaUpEH-mOIvVavwt3An1keqynw4f0Atiqio/s320/Amazon+147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW1MYXzb94uwY5_2ZX4UEG2zuI9rZSU9ig6KcFyMCiqlWQLU9RTrZBfvL2kKcYwcv6n6JJwVYf46xHLvGw3Hbfp6fJJ4NW8r8dRNNLGMgHaoFE_HGPGLlDgsBAHd66Oe-5b2btJkBYpKG/s1600/Amazon+338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW1MYXzb94uwY5_2ZX4UEG2zuI9rZSU9ig6KcFyMCiqlWQLU9RTrZBfvL2kKcYwcv6n6JJwVYf46xHLvGw3Hbfp6fJJ4NW8r8dRNNLGMgHaoFE_HGPGLlDgsBAHd66Oe-5b2btJkBYpKG/s320/Amazon+338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We all were enthralled with the Amazon and with the tenacity of its people.</div>
Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-55374568817318803612013-04-28T07:15:00.000-07:002013-04-28T11:11:09.352-07:00REAL AMAZON CAMPING<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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OPTION ONE: SLEEP IN OUR CHIC CABINS<br />
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OPTION TWO: SLEEP IN THE MUD<br />
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Patsy and Pat actually choose option two, enthusiastically?<br />
I know where my bathroom is do you?<br />
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The anticipation the evening before.<br />
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The anticipation the morning of.......<br />
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Clouds hover over the anticipation as guide Edson sharpens his machete. Why does it have to be as sharp as a razor blade?<br />
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I can do this! A piece of cake.</div>
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Rafael has a determined look on his face. Is he worried about pitching tents on this tiny piece of dry land?</div>
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First order of business is building a table to keep the gear off the ground.</div>
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The two guides and the boat driver then get down to the business of setting up camp. Their jobs probably depend on keeping these four Gringo's dry and happy. I wish them luck on the dry part.</div>
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As they cut down this considerably sized sapling with Edson's machete, the mystery of the intense sharpening efforts is revealed.</div>
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Only Patsy could have done a better job of building a camp fire.</div>
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Finishing touches on setting up camp. Only thing not available is seats and bathrooms. Overheard after dark from the Canadians tent "I got to go to the bathroom" pregnant pause, "what's plan B".</div>
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Dinner was Chicken Stew!!!</div>
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Pats thinking wow this isn't so bad.</div>
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Edsons thinking...Get in the tent silly man you are going to be eaten alive by bugs!</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-74176590830361295872013-04-27T08:01:00.001-07:002013-05-10T16:31:32.269-07:00JUNGLE EXCURSIONS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Journeys into the Jungle.</strong><br />
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The Lodge offers 4 jungle activities a day. None of which are mandatory, especially after they took a look at the 6 of us! Your day should you choose begins with a 2 hour, before breakfast hike looking for birds and anything else that is foolish enough to be up and out in the mud at that hour.<br />
Every adventurer or Bird watcher knows he or she must arise at dawn to start THE HUNT.<br />
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This happy crew sets out early despite my dire warning of a lot of rain.</div>
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This canoe full of fools chided me as they paddled past my cottage.</div>
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Within the hour the water started to fall from the sky, really fall, It was so pleasant in the hammock with the warm amazon rain surrounding me. Not a drop touched my skin. Meanwhile in the deeps of the Jungle.....</div>
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......... the hardy before breakfast crew found out that ponchos and rain hats could not keep them dry. The guide used his machete</div>
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to fashion rain breaks.</div>
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The bird watchers snuck back in to the dining hall soggy, their boots covered with mud and I don't think they saw anything.</div>
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<strong>Piranha fishing.....</strong></div>
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A activity offered after Breakfast was Piranha fishing, the quite tropical downpour had passed. We all grabbed our sunscreen and bug spray and set out once again into the far reaches of the flooded Amazon.</div>
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Now I have seen Pat land almost record Salmon but this 3 oz little fish must have been just as much a thrill. </div>
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This is a picture of one of Ron's two P fish. He was so excited (scared) he flipped both in the bilge of the boat and the guide had to dig them out.</div>
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AFTERNOON EXPLORATIONS</div>
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After lunching on a typical Amazonian lunch of stewed chicken and stewed fish served with rice and tropical fruit the afternoon attack of vines and trees began again. Rafael on the bow of the boat was quite adapt at cutting a path through the tangle of vegatation while at the stern the motor man worked miricles by not breaking a propeler.</div>
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This afternoon we were in search of the giant water lilly. At time Rafael would stand on the bow like Ahab searching around the boat for a path to the prized lilly. These beautiful palm trees appeared to form a protective barrier around the lillys.</div>
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Take a close look at the barbs on the trunk of one of those palms. Rafael said these barbs protected the tree and its fruit from rodents.</div>
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At last the giant lilly's came into sight. Each pad was about 5-6 ft across and felt like the finest finished leather.</div>
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Each blossom was the size of a beach ball.</div>
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We saw a lot of monkeys high in the trees during our trip but this little Owl Monkey was the only one polite enought to pose for us.</div>
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Every trip on the river for the entire week, even the night trips offered us a sighting of the Three Toed Sloth This on was the best by far and it was old eagle eyed Pat Mitchell's sighting.</div>
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We did not see the exotic colorful birds I was expecting. This is the Black collared Hawk.</div>
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Black Headed Turkey Vultures were everywhere. The Jungle telegraph must have broadcasted that 6 medicare recipites were in the Jungle!</div>
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This row of umbrellas are lined up waiting for a shower???</div>
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No, in the Amazon they are used mostly as a shield from the intense sun.</div>
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<strong>Night Hunting</strong></div>
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Everynight after a dinner of Amazonian treats of chicken and fish stew server with boiled rice and tropical fruit I couldn't pronounce, we could head out in search of night creatures.</div>
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The main prey of the evening is Caimon, which Rafael would catch with his bare hands.</div>
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Now this is suppose to be a baby Tree Boa, we voted and we think it is a piece of orange plastic someone placed in the tree for the entertainment of tourists.</div>
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The 6 days and 5 nights we spent on the river were a pure delight. The Lodge and the personel were a hoot to spend time with. The meals were different from most food we had eaten in the past but absolutely delicious. Where there dishes we only sampled once, sure there were. But that was also part of the adventure. The animals and birds were not as plentiful as we would have liked. We knew that coming in. We chose the wet season to encounter as little mud as possible. In so doing. we cut down on the amount of wildlife we would see. Viva Amazonia!!</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-28621752040094988432013-04-22T14:53:00.001-07:002013-04-22T14:53:13.171-07:00TOWN OF TAMASHYKA OUR FIRST INTER ACTION WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE AMAZON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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First stop on the River for us!!!<br />
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This town with its population of 5000 we will discover is a metropolis compared to other population centers on the Western Amazon. In addition to being a commercial hub it also serves as a county seat.</div>
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How many of you recognise Patsy's back side? I have a lot of these pictures as she is always bending over doing something. This time she is sharing with a group of Tamashyka's youngest residences pictures of themselves she had just taken during our brief leg stretching break on our trip out to the Lodge.<br />
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Transportation up and down the river comes in many forms, but for longer trips, perhaps to the big city of Iquitoes you can always catch the River Bus. </div>
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The arrival of the River Bus in Tamashyka causes a flurry of activity. Prospective passengers, friends and family meeting passengers. </div>
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Vendors also arrive providing food and beverages for the long journey arrive at the rickety dock.</div>
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Good service is provided by the vendors, there is no need to <span style="background-color: yellow;">leave</span> and risk losing your precious seat. Seats are only provided on the upper level.</div>
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Below is standing room or hanging room only!! This is a Cabybara, it appears to be about 6 feet long all stretched out. They are nothing less than the largest Rat in the world they really grow to be 25" tall and weigh 200 lbs. Was he being taken to market....back to the family for food.....spin your on ending. </div>
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More on another day as we make our way up river.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-48665827199767657132013-04-21T06:06:00.003-07:002013-04-22T07:47:57.276-07:00MUYUNA LODGE <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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INTO THE AMAZON FOR TOURISTS</div>
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Muyuna Lodge is 80 miles from the nearest city we traveled around 40 miles a hour in the "fast boat" to reach here. </div>
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We are all very happy with the Lodge. It is just as advertised on their web page. </div>
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Our visit is in the wet season so all buildings are in the water. Notice the water line on the white bark in the for ground of the picture. Last year there were record rains and all buildings were flooded. Wouldn't have liked to be there then!</div>
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Since this is the rainy season, approaching the lodge by water is the only option and it is a pretty one. There are 17 cottages, a dinning and recreation lodge and a bunk house for employees all linked by a covered walk ways. </div>
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Each cabin has an attached hammock porch which was put to good use.</div>
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All meals were served at a specific time and were buffet style. The group visiting during the week we were there was a varied one. Varied both in nationality, age and the number of days staying. I think the most guests at one time during our stay was 12 and the least was 8. We were by far the oldest in fact we could easily have been almost every ones grandparents. The group was a interesting one made up of Frenchmen, Brits, Spaniards, Russians and Canadians as well as Peruvians from Lima. We were told that guests from the United States are in the minority,</div>
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The Cottages were very open air with blue mosquito screens. The bathrooms were all tile with stylish fixtures. So for being structurally no more than a garden shed it was very posh and comfortable. The <em>almost</em> open air sleeping left us rested each morning and ready for the 4 excursions offered each day</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-85937404187175774822013-04-20T10:41:00.004-07:002013-04-25T10:46:20.439-07:00MIDAIR ANGELS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TRAUMA OVER PERU<br />
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At the Myuna Lodge on the Amazon we shared a bottle of wine with a delightful young couple who were taking some R&R on the river after volunteering with a Trauma Unit in Hati.<br />
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Angels come in many forms and yesterday on our flight between Iquitoes and Lima, Angels took the form of that young married couple from Nanaimo, BC.<br />
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There was a young mother from Iquitoes or the Amazon seated across the aisle in row 13. The mother was taking her 3 month old little girl to Lima for treatment for a congenital heart condition. This little baby girl was so beautiful. Ron keep watching her and cooing trying to get her to smile. About 1 hour into the 2 hour flight she started to fuss and mama, herself maybe just out of her teens became distraught. The baby started to turn blue. The flight crew declared a medical emergency and the plane immediately began a descent toward Lima.<br />
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Molly and Curtis were sitting behind the baby in row 14 they jumped right in to help. As the pilots were cleared for a emergency landing Molly and Curtis worked to keep the baby alive during the eternity it took to land and taxi to the waiting ambulance. The baby was just barley breathing on her on when the para medics took over.<br />
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Molly and Curtis it has been a pleasure to have briefly spent a bit of my life with the two of you. Thank You for all the volunteer work you do. And thank you to all the medical Angels of the world all the Firefighters, Policemen, Military, Nurses, Medics and Doctors who take the time "off the clock" to offer aid to those in need.</div>
Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-77279505433089603342013-04-19T03:26:00.001-07:002013-04-20T09:39:59.097-07:00ALONG THE AMAZON<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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INTO THE AMAZON<br />
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We do not really know what to expect as we watch our luggage being hoisted and tied down on top of the 12 passenger steel hulled river boat.<br />
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We are visiting the Amazon near the end of the rainy season so lets hope we can travel the 3 hours to our lodge with out our luggage getting wet.<br />
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There are eight new excited river rats aboard what is referred to as a fast boat. Besides the six of us there are two young women from the oil fields of Alberta Canada.</div>
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We are going into the Jungle with what we hope will be a weeks worth of groceries. The lodges web site says we will be enjoying a Amazonian Cuisine. I suspect that means we will be eating a lot of fish.</div>
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The shores of the Amazon around Iquitoes is alive with maritime business...</div>
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This industries river side activity will soon give way to slower more substance oriented life style</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-24199822186358534792013-04-13T06:11:00.002-07:002013-04-13T06:11:40.183-07:00The historical city of Iquitoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Peruvian Amazon City<br />
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Wow, what a city Iquitoes is! Our first expectations of Iquitoes, located on the banks of the Amazon was once a small backwater village.....well were we wrong. With a population of over 500,000 it is the largest city on earth that can only be accessed by water or air. The city is alive with activity until late at night.<br />
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The rumbles of the motor motorcycle rickshaws, the blowing of horns.... and the smells.... in my imagination Iquitoes would be ripe with the musty smell of the muddy river during rainy season, the rotting of wooden pilings in the river community of Belene, and I expected the smell of rotting fish flesh and human waste. Instead the "moto cars" were mostly silent as they darted in and around anything in their way.<br />
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Those anticipated orders of rotting fish and human waste were not to be whiffed. Instead the air was fresh and the shore of the river was lined with water flowers.<br />
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This homes just off shore rise and fall with the river. We are visiting in the middle of rainy season so they are now 17 feet above the muddy bottom where they will rest by mid June.<br />
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Iquitoes has been around since the Jesuits entered this part of the Jungle to "enlighten" the lives of the native people. During the late 1800's and the early 1900's thousands of Europeans arrived in the jungle tempted by easy money during the a era know as the Rubber Boom. These mostly single men brought with them the culture and living conditions of their countries building mansion after mansion. We are staying at a restored rubber baron mansion the Casa Morey.<br />
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The view from this window is below. </div>
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After dark we took a little walk around town to experience the quiet day time streets transformation. The early evening took on the appearance of a sunday afternoon in the park as families gathered to visit after the heat of the day had subsided.<br />
Our beds at the Casa Morey called us early to sleep in preparation for our venture 80 miles down river into the Amazon Jungle. Check out our home in the jungle at <a href="http://www.muyuna.com/">www.muyuna.com</a> because for the next week we will be totally out of touch so until then.....<br />
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-49068776591839096092013-04-11T03:31:00.000-07:002013-04-11T03:31:23.284-07:00Destination Lima<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Ready for Peru.....finally</strong></div>
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The day that has been almost 18 months in the making has arrived. A person could say that the incubation period for this trip began over a glass or two of wine in the middle of the South African Veltland. During 2011's self drive Motor home Safari in South Africa and Swaziland the subject of the next trip came up and Patsy stated that if she could only visit one other place it would be Peru. Ron has always wanted to indulge his "Indiana Jones" at the Inca ruins of Maccu Piccu so, another trip was born!<br />
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Below is a photo of the the intrepid travelers. You have meet them before on our travels in Mexico or South Aftica.</div>
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Each web site we visited, each tour we investigated and each cruise we drooled over brought us closer to our decision. The decision to slow down and savor this diverse country was really very turned out to be a easy one. However, the draw back to taking the extended trip we wanted, is we would have to do all the work ourselves. Thus began a year of research and e-mails that has added up to these 6 ageing friends and their pile of luggage on the curb waiting for the airport airport shuttle before the sun has even thought of rising!<br />
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We will land in Peru's capital city of Lima with just enough time to grab a few hours of sleep before heading out on a dawn flight to the Amazon. Once on the banks of this legionary river we will try to post again. Glad to have you all aboard and we six hope you enjoy traveling with us with out the possibility of dysentery, altitude sickness, malaria or aching muscles.<br />
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-71218449821984639112012-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:002012-01-12T15:43:18.507-08:00Baja beaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Bahia Conception Winter Beach Visitors</strong></div>
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RV'ers from the snowy reaches of North America have for decades used the beaches of Conception Bay in the lower third of the Baja as a escape from the snow and icy winds. Before the so called drug wars frighted a lot of visitors, these beaches were packed to the water line with RV's of all description. Just a few short years ago to find a place to park your RV on any of the many beaches along Highway 1 you would have had to claim your spot no later than early November. Today these beaches are sparsely occupied with some virtually empty. </div>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-75793646477211598842011-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:002011-12-28T19:36:22.422-08:00IN SEARCH OF DINNER<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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WHERE'S RAY'S?<br />
At one time Ray's was very easy to find. <br />
When you felt the urge for a 4 star meal in much less than a 4 star building you would just drive south down the Baja Peninsula for 637 miles to the Village of Mulege. You would then drive a few more miles south and you would have found Ray's Beach Shack Restaurant sitting on a beautiful crescent beach on the Bay of Conception.<br />
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After a fire destroyed the beach shack Ray rebuild his restaurant</div>
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not on the beach but somewhere past the water plant. You must follow the trail of arrows down a sandy path toward the mountains outside the Village of Mulege.</div>
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Past the date Palms</div>
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Toward the Mountains</div>
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Turn right before the Mountains</div>
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Turn left and avoid the sand.</div>
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At last we are getting close.</div>
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In case you missed the last sign.</div>
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Ray is the gentleman standing, he came to Mexico from Cuba by way of San Diego to become legendary on the Baja for his food.</div>
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We started our meal with a goat cheese first course followed by these Oysters Rockefeller.</div>
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A Green Salad followed.</div>
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The entree we all enjoyed was the most tender and luscious Calamari Steak ever. The shrimp were stuffed with scallops and cheese, then wrapped in bacon before being grilled. Delicious! As usual after a feast of this size and a couple of Margaritas we had no room to sample his desert offering.</div>
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Now for the task of finding our way back to Mulege.........</div>
</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-43280120551928852512011-12-25T12:27:00.000-08:002011-12-25T12:27:02.787-08:00MAMA ESPINOZA AND HER LOBSTER BURITTOS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Baja Landmark</div>
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The Baja 1000 starts some miles south of El Rosario and this seventy two year old family run restaurant has always been the first check point. </div>
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In 1930 Anita Espinoza started her business by welcoming hungry, weary travelers into her home. El Rosario at that time was quite literally the end of the road with nothing but desert wilderness stretching southward. That first year only 10 cars passed by her door. </div>
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Today her restaurant is still the most popular check point on the Baja 1000 and other off road races. We stopped for her famous lobster burritos and were not disappointed. If you are planning a stop for dinner and a soft bed, I suggest you make reservations for the bed. We didn't, but were lucky enough to get the last two rooms at the Cactus Hotel. Mama Espinoza's lodging also looked full.</div>
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A week ago before those macho looking off road vehicles came rumbling into our hotel parking lot in San Felipe I knew nothing about off road racing. I still know nothing about the sport except the name Walker Evans, so this signed photo caught my eye as soon as I entered Mama Espinozas.</div>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-20848311477367108342011-12-24T19:02:00.000-08:002011-12-25T11:03:06.371-08:00SOUTH BOUND FROM ESTERO BEACH<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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IT'S ALWAYS HARD TO LEAVE THE BEACH<br />
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We leave the chilly coastal resort of Estero Beach wishing not only for a dry day but one that is considerably warmer. The cold front that is messing with everyone on the west coast of the U.S. is keeping us bundled up in our jackets and sweats.<br />
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The only water we will see for three days will be in a bottle.<br />
The old Baja road of a half dozen years ago has improved greatly. We remember this 200 mile section of highway as a endurance trial for driver, passengers and vehicle suspension. The pavement is smooth, the lanes wide and the shoulders although not exactly wide exist.<br />
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We found a 30 mile stretch under construction, but even the detour was not the usual spontaneous path devised by local drivers. As we progressed down the Baja we began to notice that the worst Vados and seasonal stream beds now have bridge crossings.<br />
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For two days we followed the circus down the highway.</div>
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We played leap frog down the road until.... </div>
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they stopped to set up for a performance. They would give one show break down and pass us again the next day. If we ever stop for the night at the same place we will have to go see the show. </div>
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The Cactus Hotel in El Rosario was a sweet find. The new part of the complex was absolutely top drawer and charming. Just stay away from rooms 1-8, these rooms are part of original old motel and have not been upgraded. </div>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-16826799552466684052011-12-22T07:44:00.000-08:002013-04-09T14:45:54.080-07:00Highway 3 across the Baja (San Felipe to Ensenada)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Highway 3</div>
The Highway 3 short cut from the Gulf of California to the Pacific Ocean runs slightly north before turning west and dropping down to the Pacific Ocean in Ensenada. One hundred and twenty miles and 5 hours to drive shore to shore.</div>
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This route is very lonely with almost no traffic for the first couple of hours. We did find a Pemex (Fuel) station about two thirds of the way. This one even takes credit cards, something that you should never count on when traveling in Mexico.</div>
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The closer we got to Ensenada the more difficult the driving became, as we drove up and over numerous scenic mountains littered with bolder fields. </div>
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The level of difficulty and the danger of the roads that wind over the mountain passes are often marked by shrines erected by the locals. Drivers will pause to recite a prayer for a safe journey.<br />
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We entered Ensenada on its mountainous east side. Being unfamiliar with the roads from this direction we were surprised we only had to turn around once to find highway 1 south. Nothing much had changed in the last several years so it was easy for us to find the hotel where we had stayed many, many times.</div>
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We stayed the evening at the Estero Beach Hotel and RV Resort. A old haunt from our Wagon Master days.</div>
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When we dropped by the restaurant for a late lunch we were greeted by a familiar face. It was fun to see Raoul who we had done business with on our caravan trips.</div>
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During the evening the rain really poured from the sky. We awoke to a very wet world. We were lucky the rain fell during the evening. The forecast is for a dry drive today.</div>
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Tonight I am posting on Christmas Eve and would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We will be enjoying a Christmas Meal tomorrow with old and new friends and thinking of our far flung family and friends.</div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-62681060777212984362011-12-18T22:52:00.000-08:002013-04-09T14:47:32.267-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>San Felipe </strong></div>
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<strong>Day Two</strong></div>
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We found Chelo's Cafe at km 35.5 exactly where it had been reported to be. The drive took us south of San Felipe past miles of beach side Gringo housing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRUn1kcSg8P31Y066cXwSa6qlp1L3ldqC1MO9m2D8vqgH1Whmyc10eI9Uj3dqbrqfarX_ZF-2oZ5VzSZTxWFSBMoAMdTFx0mas6XjZ8CV3RACEvw1kYtJeTGPIAo9eFP7GGTOFZ31VBGA/s1600/IMG_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRUn1kcSg8P31Y066cXwSa6qlp1L3ldqC1MO9m2D8vqgH1Whmyc10eI9Uj3dqbrqfarX_ZF-2oZ5VzSZTxWFSBMoAMdTFx0mas6XjZ8CV3RACEvw1kYtJeTGPIAo9eFP7GGTOFZ31VBGA/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The homes we saw along this stretch of the beach were mostly modest homes of local brick. Or.......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4DAlbzZlEkos965rTT8N55I-U2CFI6QRew7D_whZQuFC_FHZMUInH2BytFUEEcoH1DeEeCKmv139tPRM9szlu35cjNdJJWoZFCHWbkBZfs5sbsP6KWoLw_wZ1IetIw874sweBkEE7oI_/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4DAlbzZlEkos965rTT8N55I-U2CFI6QRew7D_whZQuFC_FHZMUInH2BytFUEEcoH1DeEeCKmv139tPRM9szlu35cjNdJJWoZFCHWbkBZfs5sbsP6KWoLw_wZ1IetIw874sweBkEE7oI_/s320/IMG_1860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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.....many homes expressed whimsy and individuality like this painted lady. </div>
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By the time we spotted this sign our stomachs were in dire need of nourishment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegAUb79mcrn0EbU5E610csdLz4v1ZF0vEwqvw5MPZdwx5baYzZgbr_01O5z8lyiIY7EbHRjiJaV21h8PN7HUQcN-X5Hso3A39KKHUBAp7HlW2jx6V2vwF-MTAapggHTk9O53kb-8tCycq/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegAUb79mcrn0EbU5E610csdLz4v1ZF0vEwqvw5MPZdwx5baYzZgbr_01O5z8lyiIY7EbHRjiJaV21h8PN7HUQcN-X5Hso3A39KKHUBAp7HlW2jx6V2vwF-MTAapggHTk9O53kb-8tCycq/s320/IMG_1848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To say that Chelo's is a charming eatery would be doing them a grave injustice.</div>
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This small cafe in the middle of the desert could hold its own in the best of culinary circles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRWuzUhd4N25rEKW0rVfPfadJfjkHxqydIvIleR1zfSrvFr08j6b_Y8PqQGZLnu5oRFTSEzvyVZHC1r_OydLYVXmiCZe4EBw75jUyeigCq59Vi-GYT3_9SN7ghLtBy_WK9fuSe5TEdia0/s1600/IMG_1845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRWuzUhd4N25rEKW0rVfPfadJfjkHxqydIvIleR1zfSrvFr08j6b_Y8PqQGZLnu5oRFTSEzvyVZHC1r_OydLYVXmiCZe4EBw75jUyeigCq59Vi-GYT3_9SN7ghLtBy_WK9fuSe5TEdia0/s320/IMG_1845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chelo serves a extensive menu of imaginative breakfast offerings. We choose a 4 course breakfast for 2. We had every intention of photographing our meal upon presentation but we were so hungry we just dove right in. Only after the edge was taken off our hungry did we remember we wanted a photo of the dishes. A photo of our table at this point would not have been a pretty sight. The folks at a table near us gracefully keep their forks on the table long enough for Ron to snap the above photo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErxP1sKM3Twu5JDvx-GekHs17m25YIYFJFDBs37nh6IYdEcaDLaLH0VxVb1DhWnUf1x5OLiwGKl_4gcZdsSmofgL8PYmixrrURnv8jQNc0F7hDXiCjlkBwNoo4yPKvSQBNNyNuyvajHNT/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErxP1sKM3Twu5JDvx-GekHs17m25YIYFJFDBs37nh6IYdEcaDLaLH0VxVb1DhWnUf1x5OLiwGKl_4gcZdsSmofgL8PYmixrrURnv8jQNc0F7hDXiCjlkBwNoo4yPKvSQBNNyNuyvajHNT/s320/IMG_1866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When we returned from out breakfast trip we were surprised to find these off road racers parked at our hotel. WELL.... had I only known who and what I was talking to and what I was looking at. This car belongs to and was driven here by Off Road Hall of Fame driver Walker Evans, aka "The Legend". I googled his name and discovered that he is a 5 time winner of the Baja 1000 and owner of 21 off road championships. He and his crew had just arrived from Cabo, a off road practice trip that took them 5 days. </div>
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Ron admires one of these $300,000 racers. He looks like he sees himself flying over the desert floor like a macho rocket.</div>
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We went down to the Malacon for Fish Tacos for dinner. We choose to eat at the most popular beach side restaurant bar. The Taco Factory probably seats 100 or more patrons and it was empty. Management said that they served only 3 tables all weekend. </div>
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During our after dinner stroll, Ron tried his hand at Churro making, but he wasn't very good at it. </div>
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The young lady had to take over the task of making our after dinner snack. We had already had our dessert but after Ron took over her machine we all felt obligated to buy from her and they were delicious.</div>
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Tomorrow we head across the Baja and over the mountains to Encenada. The drive should be a beautiful one.</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-22349136513883918042011-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:002011-12-18T21:20:03.658-08:00Baja for the Holidays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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San Felipe</div>
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We are spending the Holiday Season on the Baja with Helen and Skip. If you have been following our blog you will remember them from our 2009/10 trip to Mexico in search of ancient ruins. Helen is the one who never saw a temple or pyramid she would not climb. </div>
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Our journey's always seem to begin at dawn. If you think I am complaining, I am not. I don't complain, because early departures are almost always rewarded with beautiful sunrises. A steaming cup of coffee, a sky like the one above and the promise of new encounters, I will never complain about that combination.</div>
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Our Border crossing at San Louis, south of Yuma AZ went smoothly, with only a brief stop at Immigration to get our paperwork stamped. The paperwork is a little different this year. The form has been redesigned and renamed FMM, however the cost is almost the same at $262 pesos. The trip between the border and the beginning of Hwy 2D, the new toll road east toward Tijuana would have gone better if we had, 1. followed the directions to turn right at the second street after the border or 2. followed the verbal direction of Tommy our GPS voice when he said "right turn ahead". Oh, well after a few discussions with the local traffic cops we found our road and headed into the heartland of the Baja California</div>
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The road was excellent. Solid surface with few pot holes and four lanes except for this </div>
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very short detour. Those of you who are familiar with Mexico detours probably don't believe that this is a picture of one. You have to agree that this is by far the best detour you have ever encountered south of the border.</div>
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The Arches of San Felipe </div>
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We arrived with no reservations and could have probably had our pick of any room within 40 miles. To say the Tourist trade is down would be a understatement. We choose the El Cortez Hotel. A ocean view room only set us back $26 USD.</div>
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May we bore you with another sunrise picture? This was taken by Ron on the beach in front of our room. Today we are going to explore the area south of town in search of a breakfast spot that enjoys excellent reviews. We will keep you posted....until later.</div>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-82030083372397339412011-12-16T20:04:00.000-08:002011-12-16T20:19:57.376-08:00Lake Havasu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are spending most of the winter on the California side of Lake Havasu at Black Meadow Landing. We are located at the end of the road from Parker Dam and life is very laid back and peaceful. </div>
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We and our neighbors built a fire pit on the ledge in front of our motor homes. From this perch high above the lake we gather to enjoy visiting while watching the setting sun turn the landscape into a kaleidoscope of lavender and orange.</div>
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Sunset social hours around the new fire pit requires something other than congenial friends....firewood. Firewood is not sold on every street corner in the desert, so we jump into our Jeep and Ken and Betty's 4 wheel drive pickup and head out into the Whipple Mountains in search of wood stranded in the washes by the summer monsoons.</div>
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This trip we were rewarded with more than firewood. We had heard that the Whipple mountains which surrounds Black Meadow Landing is Big Horn Sheep habitat, but had never spotted them, We were running with top off the Jeep, which made it easier to spot the 5 Sheep high above us on the top of the ridge. </div>
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Life is so rewarding!</div>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-78066937801175266542011-10-22T08:39:00.000-07:002013-04-07T14:23:13.783-07:00South Africian Safari: a review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You can do it to!!!!!!</div>
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It was sad to leave Africa, all four of us would like to have stayed longer. We were delighted with the ease of the trip. We were awed by the amount of game and how easy it was to see. Kruger National Park was amazing, but game viewing was not limited to Kruger and St. Lucia, the two national parks we visited. We saw game in the wild every day of our trip whether within a park or not.</div>
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In general the roadways were good and the traffic light. Drivers seemed to be on constant lookout for game both in the park and out. During our trip we only saw one dead goat along side the road.</div>
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The local craft markets were a delight and the practical questions of what we could take home in our luggage was always a painful decision.</div>
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Patsy's first craft purchase was a sculpture for Steve.</div>
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As beautiful as the scenery, as gracious the people and as good the roads and sanitary conditions it was the wildlife that had me squealing into the 2 way's constantly. Who could be calm when spotting elephants playing in the river or....<br />
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A lionese casually strolling down the pavement directly in front of you?</div>
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The animals in the national parks are generally not spooked by automobile traffic, allowing great viewing opportunities like the lioness below...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwwNanH04a2_d6Mw_0gEokoReK89-Mmg5DhnBLeLYrglQ59_tj3jJ6q3aYOFnYlcwmMXO8HIAdZUa6-IYW_mAfAwX4nfHrYiJ8KugqtE8YSDuOT7aGtVpkgEsfJtWH0IbIwaUpyL4tFtM/s1600/Patsy+256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwwNanH04a2_d6Mw_0gEokoReK89-Mmg5DhnBLeLYrglQ59_tj3jJ6q3aYOFnYlcwmMXO8HIAdZUa6-IYW_mAfAwX4nfHrYiJ8KugqtE8YSDuOT7aGtVpkgEsfJtWH0IbIwaUpyL4tFtM/s320/Patsy+256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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who just lay on the side of the road allowing us to take scores of photos of her. Patsy had her finger on the shutter as the lioness became bored with us and yawned largely.</div>
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One of the joys of doing a trip like this in a RV is that we would roll off the air mattress at dawn and head for the nearest water hole where we would make coffee and breakfast and wait for the wildlife to come to us. Amazingly we never had to wait for long.</div>
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We had sightings of both the Black and the White Rhino, although it took us a few sighting to be able to tell the difference between them. Don't be fooled into believing that these animals are not a serious threat to one's safety, just because they generally are not shy of auto traffic. Remember you are never allowed out of your car while cruising the park, in fact the rules are that no part of your body can extend from the vehicle. There are designated picnic areas and authorities are serious about using only these picnic areas to exit the car. This confinement to your car is another reason for the motor home, it is comfortable to always have your facilities and fridge with you.</div>
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The beautiful pictures I am posting today were taken by Patsy.</div>
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Patsy spotted this one of a kind photo opportunity from the road. On this occasion the tele-photo lens was handy. All our photos were taken with Canon digital camers with the lenses built in.</div>
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This photo is an example of how prolific the game is out side of the parks. The giraffe were crossing the road as we were leaving a private RV Park.</div>
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There are many ways to go on Safari in South Africa. The Internet makes it possible for anyone with the time and the inclination to plan the trip of a lifetime from their living room. There is the all inclusive luxury trips straight out of the movies or at the other end is the cheapest rental car available, a tent, map and a sense of adventure and all the excitement is yours. Because of South Africa's infrastructure, many choices for self drive tours are available on the Internet. I know people who booked a tour that included a rental car and B&B's or Lodge reservations and they had a great time. My advise is to choose your budget, your level of comfort, a good GPS program and get ready for a trip that will blow your mind.</div>
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Don't wait we are never getting younger!</div>
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Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9100629791309167152.post-21725198817861370572011-10-21T08:15:00.000-07:002012-01-12T17:55:40.723-08:00A stay at a Zulu Village<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong>Cape Vidal</strong><br />
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While in Kruger Park we took 5 game drives. These drives stuck to gravel or paved roads. In St. Lucia we opted for a off road drive. What fun this was. Our driver was a young Zulu man, raised not far from St. Lucia. His family had lived in the park for generations and was disposed when the park was formed, a story so familiar in our own country. </div>
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Esumuela, Zulu for builder or creator, had a voice that was made for radio and was a fun, intelligent and fearless driver. He was determined to get us as close to game as possible.</div>
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Zebra are difficult to get close to, the attempt to domesticate them has been hindered by this shyness but also because they cannot carry large loads.</div>
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My reason for choosing October for the trip was because I wanted to see the babies. I have seen many babies. I would have liked to take this one home with me. I wonder....would Sherry board him for me?</div>
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This Rhino picture was taken BEFORE we moved in close!</div>
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REAL close folks, no telephoto here! I would have loved to have gotten out of the Land Rover to get a better picture of the baby.</div>
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This cute creature is a Dung Beetle. He is huge and this photo shows he rolling the Impala dung to his nest. The eggs are then laid inside the dung and the nutrients nourish the eggs. Just another of Gods creatures you meet on Safari if you move slowly and keep your eyes open.</div>
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At last we reached Cape Vidal and find this remote beach busing with sun bathers and boaters. </div>
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Boaters launch and retrieve their boats from the beach, using special boat trailers designed for this. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3M0aWoHAYOPK3a_D_9QYlcrLzm6-9CN89PkekuEt_sAmYlBUpk1Lcd2oyS2qWrXolp0_32x3zyGpLZLOeST6FrZVEEYRIl4urUjVZTXZMM2PQdIirZ3AL4zGoLgUwLBEy7isuVPuQpxH/s1600/Patsy+2+331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3M0aWoHAYOPK3a_D_9QYlcrLzm6-9CN89PkekuEt_sAmYlBUpk1Lcd2oyS2qWrXolp0_32x3zyGpLZLOeST6FrZVEEYRIl4urUjVZTXZMM2PQdIirZ3AL4zGoLgUwLBEy7isuVPuQpxH/s320/Patsy+2+331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is only a small opening in the reef for the boaters to maneuver through.</div>
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<strong>Shakaland</strong><br />
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We treated ourselves to a overnight stay in a Zulu Village. We had booked into the Simynue Village a working village that offers lodging and a cultural experience. Simynue experienced some sort of criminal activity shortly before our scheduled arrival that made them cancel all tourists activity. The Skakaland Hotel and Cultural Village accepted their guests. The Shakaland complex was really built as a stage set for the movie Skaka Kan. We had our doubts about the overall experience, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the lodging was charming and comfortable. Enjoy the photos.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5mLA-9dB1XlZkoi33PHtaloXF-QhEKzNmikjFkKZD4erDtDN8yChck51BzorA9OKAS11dJjzvlljsZxMeFvHui_7qJG-ptKvYFCkX38Wu4F73PvQu_2_yc6y7zkEIAClMLp7yfnfclye/s1600/Patsy+2+453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5mLA-9dB1XlZkoi33PHtaloXF-QhEKzNmikjFkKZD4erDtDN8yChck51BzorA9OKAS11dJjzvlljsZxMeFvHui_7qJG-ptKvYFCkX38Wu4F73PvQu_2_yc6y7zkEIAClMLp7yfnfclye/s320/Patsy+2+453.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were escorted to the village area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_bm-SVmSnACaPTWrgFlIasDh8A01sywULdkgdGqqeVUvzueMEDZYsHwz5OezkYXccM8G5nGSZcFRN6OijyB9AtUE2Sv7-1JG52_6KQJ-N0s1F2oNNq4-UN22LorioY-HMg5K9sBdHCEd/s1600/Patsy+2+474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_bm-SVmSnACaPTWrgFlIasDh8A01sywULdkgdGqqeVUvzueMEDZYsHwz5OezkYXccM8G5nGSZcFRN6OijyB9AtUE2Sv7-1JG52_6KQJ-N0s1F2oNNq4-UN22LorioY-HMg5K9sBdHCEd/s320/Patsy+2+474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pounding leather</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsNomadGaCDnlIhDH1rExL5sPr-Ss2vs_amIN7VTHq8viq6dXqg8WaOv2UTirY8LJ7Xq1swKnvYl9PjTt7IDbu97CneI_BwBypVwVQ9G2oKSOyjtdvJKGTL_CCDmNiZ2BfAEru_yF3rIX/s1600/Patsy+2+479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsNomadGaCDnlIhDH1rExL5sPr-Ss2vs_amIN7VTHq8viq6dXqg8WaOv2UTirY8LJ7Xq1swKnvYl9PjTt7IDbu97CneI_BwBypVwVQ9G2oKSOyjtdvJKGTL_CCDmNiZ2BfAEru_yF3rIX/s320/Patsy+2+479.JPG" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chief</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56KgZ_AyNRete0y7ank1xInd1gYwe-h7XSkXih3xZDEJTKyBIzVVqnM7aq2oYgPQEdrlrGhINcXMxRUL1JAxVv2qKFefuMvO-UKnJvfDfj06DldUjSakRY1PFkWV6dTbf19bjvoVhjl0F/s1600/Patsy+2+483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56KgZ_AyNRete0y7ank1xInd1gYwe-h7XSkXih3xZDEJTKyBIzVVqnM7aq2oYgPQEdrlrGhINcXMxRUL1JAxVv2qKFefuMvO-UKnJvfDfj06DldUjSakRY1PFkWV6dTbf19bjvoVhjl0F/s320/Patsy+2+483.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chief</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZrAVJS60lrwsb7dw8R-YCm9yFE24IIAaPq6-c5StrzFznwCgLKlJMcJCg5SyFgQ_t62sr0kEcPo698QzqQV4rnFXq6WhEoJvkN4M-zo21YHpJKCPwGYwKKBw808y8hFunKb7xODPgm6M/s1600/Patsy+2+484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZrAVJS60lrwsb7dw8R-YCm9yFE24IIAaPq6-c5StrzFznwCgLKlJMcJCg5SyFgQ_t62sr0kEcPo698QzqQV4rnFXq6WhEoJvkN4M-zo21YHpJKCPwGYwKKBw808y8hFunKb7xODPgm6M/s320/Patsy+2+484.JPG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron gets physical</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafWDplSM8Wxqm_klyBlIvqVfCCWX8QMErKeZw-QziObkw6TV1Z-KHWfkpeh3C4PS0pf7DVoQYVenrlz0z57R2cm8iGTKqmr7Nj1QeKaY8jv5WBb4THtfuZcpnW8tWD_FeuIZtoFboVPao/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafWDplSM8Wxqm_klyBlIvqVfCCWX8QMErKeZw-QziObkw6TV1Z-KHWfkpeh3C4PS0pf7DVoQYVenrlz0z57R2cm8iGTKqmr7Nj1QeKaY8jv5WBb4THtfuZcpnW8tWD_FeuIZtoFboVPao/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiefs and his wives<br />
Zulu's even today can legally have multiple wives.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VcRkR2qjrpSZGAt04dhyphenhyphenUCkxRZ_YZH_wo49um_fooCterZfDNsimFCUfnsCUkNA-Ekn03bc73VyeR1Ae-IRZvhpB-6X-mudy20dPs7OjIdY4gcQZ9Tu5uhv1AUZM7YWyMcyNVNzHOkwo/s1600/IMG_1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VcRkR2qjrpSZGAt04dhyphenhyphenUCkxRZ_YZH_wo49um_fooCterZfDNsimFCUfnsCUkNA-Ekn03bc73VyeR1Ae-IRZvhpB-6X-mudy20dPs7OjIdY4gcQZ9Tu5uhv1AUZM7YWyMcyNVNzHOkwo/s320/IMG_1616.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The following pictures are of the dancers who entertained us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lodgings</td></tr>
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</div>Ron and Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698015782856281261noreply@blogger.com0