Left to right: Lynn Warren, Julie Walmsley, Marilyn Reynolds, Diana Bedwell and Dave “Ausy” Ausman paused for a photo op after a 26-mile trek to iconic Machu Picchu.
Trekking to Machu Picchu
Lynn Warren
Although the hiking club frequently hikes outside the valley, Peru is a bit outside the normal range. On June 13, five PebbleCreek hikers left from three locations with the objective of meeting in Dallas to fly to Lima and Cusco, Peru, for a four-day, three-night classic Inca trek to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Although there were delays because of airline mechanical problems, which resulted in the loss of one day and a 4,000-mile detour through Santiago, Chile, the hikers eventually met in Cusco and prepared for a bucket-list adventure in the Andes. At 26 miles, the trek to Machu Picchu was not particularly long but was quite strenuous since it required climbing two 13,000-foot mountain passes. Fortunately, the hikers were up to the challenge and arrived at the impressive and extensive lost city of Machu Picchu (“old mountain” in Quechuan) just as the sun was rising above Sun Gate on June 21, the winter solstice. After touring the ruins, Lynn and “Ausy” topped off the morning by climbing Waynapicchu, the steep, high peak in the background, and experienced a unique “bird’s eye” view of Machu Picchu. After an interesting bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, the hikers enjoyed a relaxing group lunch before heading back to Cusco by train and bus. The hiking club provides opportunities to experience many interesting areas around the valley, as well as occasional trips to interesting areas abroad. Visit the club’s website at pchikers.org for more information and pictures.
Ed Bobigian, Pete Williams, Dave “Ausy” Ausman, Eileen Lords-Mosse, Clare Bangs, Lynn Warren (photographer) and Wayne McKinney pausing for a photo op with an impressive blooming yucca.
Hikers explore “Nothing”
Lynn Warren
If you have driven toward Las Vegas on Highway 93, you have passed through “Nothing,” but you may have missed it since there is little to notice other than a parking area and what looks like a hand-painted sign. The club has previously hiked the area east of the highway but on July 1, five PC hikers arrived at Nothing very early in the morning to conduct an 8.6-mile exploratory meander on the west side of the highway. From the road, this area appeared desolate and barren, but it actually had an interesting variety of rock formations and an impressive number of yuccas in full bloom. This area will likely be added to regular season hikes. The club hikes in many interesting areas around the valley, providing the opportunity to enjoy scenery and terrain that a person might be reluctant to experience as a solo hiker. Visit the club’s website at www.pchikers.org for more information and pictures.