June 24-25, 2007
Day 634-635
La Paz is already the highest capitol city in the world, but it is dwarfed by Illimani, which at 6439 meters, constantly looms in the background. Whenever I entered the city, the massive mountain always seemed to be beckoning me to climb it, and after talking to a few… Read More »
June 23, 2007
Day 633
I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I received an email from an old friend who was in La Paz for the summer. I originally met Kathleen in Antarctica, then saw her again a few times in Buenos Aires and even in Madison, WI. She happened to be… Read More »
June 22, 2007
Day 632
Today was highlighted by confusing and bad advice. I wanted to go back to La Paz, and everyone I talked to told me a different story about the bus situation. The lady at my hotel told me that there was a bus at noon, and to take it I… Read More »
June 21, 2007
Day 631
Taquesi Trek Day 3
For once I wasn't freezing all night. I actually found it easy to leave my sleeping bag when dawn finally broke. I started the day by walking about an hour uphill to the horribly ugly town of Chojlla, which was built… Read More »
June 20, 2007
Day 630
Taquesi Trek Day 2
Last night was bitterly cold. I slept in all of my clothes in my sleeping bag, but I was still cold. I emptied my backpack and put my legs inside, but it didn't help much. This being the tropics, the nights are always about… Read More »
June 19, 2007
Day 629
Taquesi Trek Day 1
I got up early today and walked to my supposed departure point as soon as it was light enough to do so. To my delight, there were actually several buses at the intersection, and one of them was even going to Ventilla. The bus… Read More »
June 17-18, 2007
Day 627-628
I decided that my next trek would be the Taquesi Trail, a three-day trek that goes from the mountains to the yungas. I still couldn't find anyone interested in going with me, so I'm going to go alone. I bought food, fuel, a topographical map of the region, and… Read More »
June 16, 2007
Day 626
Laguna Glaciar Trek Day 4
We got up at dawn again, had breakfast, and took down camp. The walk back to Sorata only took about two hours, and we passed many farming communities along the way. In many remote locations, kids in such villages would ask what my… Read More »
June 15, 2007
Day 625
Laguna Glaciar Trek Day 3
Last night was bitterly cold, much colder than the night before. I stayed in my tent for over ten hours, but probably only slept five because I was too busy shivering most of the night. My whole tent was covered in frost in… Read More »
June 14, 2007
Day 624
Laguna Glaciar Trek Day 2
We got up at dawn today, ate breakfast, and got ready to walk. We would be returning to the same campsite later tonight, so there was no need to take down camp. As an additional courtesy, Alvaro's friend came up to the campsite… Read More »
