Phil’s Peruvian adventure – May 2009

First the bad news – despite extensive efforts, I failed to catch even a glimpse of Paddington Bear. Now the good – the trek through the high Andes to Machu Picchu was one of the best experiences of my life to date.

Starting out it didn’t seem too promising – travelling to a continent I had never visited , with a group of people I had never met,  our destiny in  the hands of  an unknown 24 year old Peruvian guide, some mules and a horse. Happily, initial impressions can be misleading.

After a days' acclimatisation (we flew into Cusco at 11000 feet) we set off on the trek. What a fabulous experience! What was best about it? Was it the challenge of climbing to 16,000 feet and taking in the glorious majesty of the Andes, with its snow capped glaciers and verdant valleys? Was it overcoming the awful altitude sickness which affected us all? Was it reaching the lost city of Machu Picchu, unspoilt by history and completely undiscovered by the West until 1911? No. Without doubt the best thing about it was meeting the people in the group.

The trek’s challenges forced us quickly to get to know each other, work together and provide the support that each of us needed to complete the challenge. Together we camped, ate, walked, shivered (it was -4 C at night) sang and laughed.

I met some fantastic, inspirational people. All had been touched by bowel cancer in some way. Each shared a special drive and determination. After 10 days we had completed the trek, raised over £50 000, but most importantly I made some great friends.

As for Paddington Bear – how could I have forgotten that he emigrated to England in the 1960s?  It must have been the altitude!

Phil Cragg