March 02, 2005
Vicuņa
Overlooking Vicuņa as we arrive from Hurtado.
Leaving Vicuņa today for the pass into Argentina. It is hot as blazes out. We plan to take three days to cross the pass. The next town in Argentina will be Rodeo.
The 60 kms from Seron to Vicuņa were fantastic. It was 40 degrees the whole way but we stopped for water often, each carrying 5 litres. The pass was 1994 metres so not too bad. A good challenging day of cycling.
Will upload some photos from Argentina.
Posted by Scott at March 2, 2005 02:44 PMI know how you feel mate. The lift was out last night and I had to take the stairs. That must have been at least 1,995 metres, and I didn't have 5 litres of water to keep me going.
Anyway, good luck keeping those creaking old bones pedalling between drinking binges. I can't believe you're going to miss the NPC! Wen should be reading his economic report in just a couple of days, and you're stuck over there riding your bike, missing all the excitement. So sad. Well, nothing more to say but... jia you, lao pengyou!
Posted by: Andy at March 3, 2005 02:18 PMSorry, I forgot to say... that "Gear List" you posted is the saddest thing I've ever seen. Just had to get that off my chest. Oh, and when you next post something, can you clear this up for me: I was wondering if you engage white man's overbite while cycling the really steep sections?
Posted by: Andy at March 3, 2005 02:22 PMIt has been freezing in NYC for over a week. Overcast. Snowing too. Still, I don't envy you. Cycling at high altitudes when it is 40 degrees (what's that in farenheit? 104 degrees, right?) seems deadly. Did you plan on the heat? It is probably a walk in the park for you after your previous trips.
Not to annoy you, but here's a reminder: No matter how dehydrated you get, be careful with the drinking water. I got amoebic dysentery in Peru a few years back, in spite of taking every precaution. After traveling for a while, it is easy to get too comfortable and forget about these things. It took me a week to find a good doctor. I almost died.
Looking forward to the photos!
Posted by: George at March 3, 2005 05:54 PM