Huaraz

Huaraz is really stunning. The Cordillera Blanca towers 12,000 feet over the surrounding valley with the massive Neviado Huasceran anchoring the range at its center. To the north and south, jagged peaks extend like a spine covered with flutings, glaciers and shear rock faces. I arrived in Huaraz after an 8 hour all night bus ride from Lima. Of course I got a seat behind one with a box underneath it, therefore no leg room. Despite the vast distances that separate people and cultures the world is actually rather small. On the bus ride I met a dude what was, until recently, living and working at the lab in Los Alamos, NM. He was coming to Huaraz to meet some college friends and do some climbing and treking. We all agreed to hike the Ishinca Valley and atempt Urus, Ishinca and perhaps Tocllaraju over the next several days. I am excited to get in the mountains. After a day in Lima, my lungs need some pure mountain air to recouperate from the extensive air pollution. I can say that after hours of riding around white-nuckled in a taxi that I would be happy to never leave the Lima airport again. I had to leave my friend Austin in Lima, but I am fortunate to continue on in Peru and see some more of the Andies. Gracias Austin! para viahar in Cusco y lima.