Glad you enjoyed the scenery and that you can relate, Josh! Thanks for the feedback.

I did a quick conversion on-line, Debra 14000ft equals 4300m, higher than the highest point on the Inca Trail! It sounds like a real blessing to have spent so much time in the Rockies. When I was younger I dreamt of visiting and climbing all the highest mountains in the world, including the Rockies! In fact I’ve always had this dream of living in a log-cabin high up one day, close to a lake, with a magnificent view – and write a lot, of course! That has bee a child-hood Dream Quest and maybe I can reach it on retirement – I still have quite a few years to go, but something to aim for!

As for the Vision Quest – in fact I experienced that in the Colca Canyon, a week before I started the Inca Trail. It was very different. I was completely on my own (not recommended by guide books or locals), except for a few hikers passing me, coming from the opposite direction. I got somewhat lost a couple of times (the maps not being very good), did not have quite enough water at stages, (got close to being dehydrated from the heat) and it was really challenging mentally.
It was as steep, if not more than the Inca Trail (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon) and very dry. There was a sense of isolation out there, which I did not feel on the Inca Trail.

I reviewed my entire life in the Colca Canyon… (as well as my future..) 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the Inca Trail pictures and got a good feeling for it!

Marilyn, glad you liked it! I hope your sister enjoys her trip to Peru – it really is an exceptional country to visit and Muchu Picchu doesn’t disappoint. Here’s a tip though – it can get really crowded at Machu Picchu around national and public holidays, and on weekends, so if at all possible – to improve the experience, it’s worth trying to organise a visit accordingly, avoiding the busy days. Ollantaytambo is also highly recommended!

Hi Michelle, thanks for reminding me of that film, – yes, I saw it when it was released and was very inspired to do the Camino de Santiago. Still am. Maybe next time when I pass through Europe. That trail is less steep, but much, much longer: 4 weeks as opposed to 4 days!

There’s a movie you should watch some say – The Way. (starring Martin Sheen)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_%28film%29

It’s about the camino de santiago pilgrimage in Spain and sons-fathers. It’s a brilliant subtle movie. Totally love it.