We woke up and started our hike before dawn.  The goal was to get to the Sun Gate right about the time of the sunrise.  The view from the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu was supposed to be spectacular.  Of course, everyone who was hiking the four day tour had the same idea as us.  [...]

Picture taken by Pam Lauroff.
We took a morning plane to Cuzco from Lima.  Cuzco is the town where all of the journeys to Machu Picchu begin.  It is small town with a lot of character. It also is 3400 meters above sea level and it is recommended that each hiker spend at least two days [...]

After my presentation at the conference in Panama, I took a few days of rest and relaxation.  My friend and colleague, Kathi Dennis, was heading to the conference organizer’s beach house for a few days.  When the offer for me to join her was extended, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.  I first met [...]