I find myself these days particularly searching for positive things that have resulted from the pandemic. I am grateful to report that I have accumulated quite a long list, and now I can add crossing off another bucket list item to it. I am hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu next month! Yippeeee!
When I have researched doing this trek in the past, the waiting list was so far out I couldn’t commit. Now, apparently, you can make super-spontaneous wild and adventurous decisions on the fly! Which I highly recommend, as it keeps life interesting, and most importantly, unpredictably fun!
I was speaking to a friend about Machu Picchu one day, asking a million questions… in my mostly-grammatically-incorrect Spanish, when I just happen to ask how far in advance I would need to book it. And the answer was not what I was expecting. As it turns out, he had a friend who was a guide that had a trip going in March, only six weeks away…. and had just enough room for me and my friend! This unexpected opportunity felt like the Universe inviting me on a most magnificent adventure, filled with magic and mystery. So, of course, I used my best-loved Peruvian mantra, ¿Por qué no?!?!?!? (Why not?!?!?!?!??)
Now, I have just shy of a month to prepare myself… my body (especially my lungs!), and my mind. Shockingly, I have gone on fewer long hikes here than I ever anticipated. Focusing on writing a book of Meditations, Rituals, and Sacred Practices …and spending a lot of time practicing them… the very wet rainy season, and… let’s just say the largest wandering wild-hangry dog congregation known to gringa-kind, all play a part.
Nevertheless, this feels like such a wonderful nudge to once again step outside of my comfort zone and ensure I do all I can to nourish and prepare myself for this ambitious commitment! I have had this dream for such a long time it feels surreal to be actually figuring out what I need to take with me on this grand adventure. It also feels strange and oddly comforting to be guided on such an excursion. Typically, I am the guide, I am in charge, I am in control, and I can rest assured that I am at least ten times over- overprepared for any hike. This time… ha!… I barely have what I obsessively go on a day-hike with me, on this trip to Peru, let alone a multi-day trek topping nearly 14,000.’ However, I fortuitously packed with me (and magically manifested) everything I need to be warm, dry, and happy…. And I can sleep well, knowing the guides have all the rest. Lol.
What a gift! Life is amazing! I am so grateful.
