Day 6 - October 11th
Can’t see the video? Go to our Your Tube page or download the latest version of Quicktime.
I would like to thank Iridium, our satellite phone sponsor. We ran out of battery power and without the phone would have had no way to let you know we were all well and having a wonderful time!! Looking forward to getting back and having an ice cold Dale’s Pale Ale after this amazing journey. We will be one day behind with our communication but will caught up as soon as we get back to a city with power, running water, hot shower, tarantula-less beds, and we stop crying with emotion from the amazing people we have met and the stories that have reverberated from the Andes. Now, onto the journal from yesterday…..
Hey World
When the journey started, we were overwhelmed by the names. So many names. Names of those we carry with us, names of our supporters, names of fellow trekkers, names of musicians, even the names of our guides and porters. It wasn’t a bad feeling, just a daunting task to remember everyone. So many people affected by cancer, it felt important to know those names, file them into our brains as best we can. A system developed naturally, identities formed among the group. And later, as we started to talk about our loved ones, identities formed among them too. This day was another great adventure that formed more “personas” and amazing moments… here are a few…
Welcome to the biggest summit day.
The alarm clock wasn’t the roosters on the property but the ‘Screaming Sisters’ yelling “can someone help us!!!’. A beautiful bigger than life tarantula visited their tent. Our lovable ‘pharmacist’ rescued them, but only after calling over ‘frick n frack’ to video the commotion.
‘
The 1200m climb began with some inspiration. ‘The Marathoner’ had almost recovered from her 1.5 day of food poisoning, sickness and fatigue. She found the strength to fight her way to 4200m / 13,700ft with the rest of us. A Survivor, made a courageous decision that we applaud. We’ll see you T, at Machu Picchu!
We had dubbed one of our trekkers as a ‘Sacrificial Lamb’, an offering to the weather gods. She did her job and our day was blessed with optimal hiking climate – occasional sunshine and no rain.
Nothing was more inspiring and spiritual then a concert at 3,800m with the backdrop being the Peruvian mountains and local guides/porters. ‘BPB – Big Production Boss’ picked an amazing spot to enjoy the inspiring songs created by the ‘rock stars’.
Team Otto was out in force with many memories, spirit and, of course, the reverberation of screaming the name “Otto” through the valleys of the Inca trail. Hopefully it was heard on the Lost Cost of California and in San Francisco. We would say yes. The “Texan” was a trooper as the effects of altitude set in for the second time in the form of aching legs and fatigue. He carries a ring from a friend with liver cancer who gives him the strength to carry through. The beautiful “Portuguese Coloradan” carries with her the words of her grandmother who recently passed just before the trip. The “viking from Texas” holds in her pocket the serenity prayer on a coin to remind her of an amazing man that touched her life. the “stylish handkerchief wearing trooper” has three bracelets on her name each in honor of a dear friend. Pictures of loved ones fill pockets. Names are carried on flags. The names and faces all of those we love and hike for are around us at every moment. They carry us as our legs get weary and show us the way when the path seems unclear. It was a long and tough day but nothing compared to what those fighting cancer have to battle every day.
To say that reaching the Summit was awe-inspiring is an understatement. We weren’t left speechless, we were joyous, elated and cheering. The usual ‘Lead Trekkers’ reached the top well ahead of the usual ‘Bringing Up the Rear Gang’; and they began to sing and shout to those of us below, inspiring us to climb the insurmountable rock stairs. They even took song requests to serenade the weary.
We want to put out a special thanks to the following: La Jefa and the Founders, Production team, Musicians, The Gladiator, our Supporters, and all those who inspired our climb. Without each one of you this adventure would never have happened. And it is because of you that today, the Peru Rocks team, are SUMMITERS
I am amazed at the support level for this journey. Thank you to my friends who donated and the rest of the Otto crew who is hiking, chilling and enjoying life but always have the big guy spirit. Much love to Sharon Held and her memory and beautiful sprit…“Hey world what you say, should I stick around for another day or two” we love you Otto…Dex
Thanks so much to both sets of parents and all my brothers and sisters for your support. Ryan, you’re an inspiration. To B and the boys: I miss you and love you. B – AmL, AmL. …Molly
Molly Harrington and David “Dex” Dexter
Inca Trail, Peru
October 11, 2008
To the entire crew: You are all amazing! Sending you all my love, hope & strength! It is so much fun to follow your journey! Love, Chritine Alan
Heather, Jaime, Jamie,
Good luck today! From what I read, it looks like a very challenging day. Heather, if you can hike up The Highland Bowl, you can do anything. I wish I was by all your sides treking up the Mt. Love you all!
Brad
vickie, this is how i always wanted to see machu picchu…thru someone else’s eyes! this was one of ted’s dream trips, so i am sure he’s with you in spirit. while flipping around the channels last night i found “everest rocks”…thought of you and the great thing you’re all doing. xoxo ellen
Aden,
The video from the 10th was amazing (and a little scary). I hope the adventure is going well and I am wishing everyone all the best. My mother’s second melanoma surgery will be tomorrow (13th), so may I ask for some positive vibes be sent her way?
Also, Mavs have won all their pre-season games so far! Hope that puts an extra feather in your cap.
Mike & Jules,
Not sure I’m leaving my messages in the right place so here’s another!
Thinking of you and hoping it’s all going to plan.
The end is now in sight! What an achievement!
Can’t wait to hear your stories on your return (over a sherry or two);-)
Cariad Mawr,
Del xx
Hey Merc,
Hope all is well, sounds like a tough day, hang in there. It’s been a great weekend here, weather-wise(upper 70’s & 80’s). Had coffee & menudo with your mom yesterday, she really misses you. Left the pepper plants in the yard intact since it’s so nice out, they’re still producing fruit. Spooky & Cisco are fine. Going to Paul & Lisa’s for a cookout & fire tonight, Spooky’s coming with. Blackhawks are 0-2 so far. maybe they’ll win the home opener tomorrow, Art’s going with me. Talked to my Mom yesterday, all is well in Koziki, they say hello. By the way, don’t forget about Bogdan when you get to the top, he beat the bastard(Hope it stays that way). Anyway, take of yourself & Stay healthy.
Love ya,
Daryl & Spooky & Cisco.
Michelle,
How are you? Have you learned how to play the guitar yet? Keep up the good work! I’m with you in spirit!
Beanie
Team Otto and all the LHS Trekker,
I tried posting to the website but had some issues, so I am not sure if you will get this. Wow, what a great journey you all are on and with such amazing and beautiful people.
Give Thanks!. I wish you and the other trekkers lots of good health, love, healing, strength, courage and hope for today, I know you will ALL be successful!…”to climb a mountain”..it’s not hard and you won’t regret it just reach out and grab it”..”put your love on ottomatic”
PEACE to Peru Rocks! Many blessing to all.
Audrey
love on otto-matic - lyrics and music by Paul Turner
we share our music, we share our soul
we share a future only our children will know
so much time wasted thinking life’s so hard
with love in our hearts we will always go far
its not hard and you won’t regret it
just reach out and grab it
we’ve got to turn our dreams into our habits
and put our love on otto-matic
they want a part of you- to go
they can’t take the heart of you - no no
this gift you’re given will never
compare to the gifts you give which last forever
its not hard and you won’t regret it
just reach out and grab it
we’ve got to turn our dreams into our habits
and put our love on otto-matic
one man’s sunset is another’s sunrise
so take a look from that other mans eyes
to climb a mountain, to touch the sea
to fall in love, that’s what life should be
its not hard and you won’t regret it
just reach out and grab it
we’ve got to turn our dreams into our habits
and put our love on otto-matic
its not hard and you won’t regret it
just reach out and grab it
we’ve got to turn our dreams into our habits
and put our love on otto-matic
and put our love on otto-matic
and put our love on otto-matic
and put our love on otto-matic
and put our love on otto-matic
Be Good to Yourself! »« Thoughts and Prayers!!!
Hey power’s back!
Word to all the UK footie fans:
England 5 (yes FIVE!)
Kazakh 1
Wales 2
Liech 0
Scotland 0
Norway 0
Mike and Jules
Hope all is going well.It has been a fine sunny day in Wales today.We took the boys to the new Rhuddlan Park they had a ball and are both in good spirits .Hope the trek is still going well and we send our best wishes and respect to every one of you taking part.The world is a better place because of people like you.
Love Hope and Strength,
The Grand Parents Peter and Dorothy
Hello Tracey! I hope you are adjusting to the thinner air and doing well. I know the hike is challenging and tough but I also know that you’re tough, too! You’re truly an inspiration and I am so proud to be your friend. I’m so excited to hear about everything when you return.
Best wishes, Karin xoxo
Its Sunday evening in Sheffield, just come back from a 7 mile walk around Rother Valley Country Park, enjoying the Autumn sun. Okay so your walking over there from the pics seen so for gives you an amazing set of sughts and harder walking then the mainly flat areas I’ve been trodding round ….
Jackie & Trina hope it’s going really well for you and you’ve not been tempted off thhe trail to start digging for those Inca Relics.
Can’t seem to access any of the download files for some reason all the PC’s I get access to has a problem with Quicktime no idea why … get them on Youtube as well please someone!!
Whilst walking today I was thinking I guess like a lot of you about friends who have passed away or undergoing treatments for cancer right now …. it makes the mind think and ideas start to create ….. ideas are buzzing, reality of doing something needs to be looked at …. ideas in place logistics to suit, ……
Tp all you out there you each have you own stories and experiences … maybe a jpurnal of everyones experience and how Peru has changed , influenced you will make a good read whenyou get back? Keep on walking in the free world guys ….
NP Hildegard Von Bingen Choir - Favus Distallans
Hi there Kit Kat & Jackie
You’ve been missing some brill summer weather here - pushing 21C these last days. Don’t you wish you were here?! No, is probably the answer! It’ll likely be snowing of course by time you get back.
Have you been enjoying all those Harpic ditties, Jackie?!
Kat - had an idea in the early hours. It’s wild, but a posso, and oh would be super fantastic. Will run it by you when back, and then maybe on to Mike and Nick.
Lots of support and interest going round the net for Peru Rocks. Think everyone on MySpace is heartily sick of me now!
Love to you both.
L x
To Uncle Mike and Aunty Jules.. We are enjoying seeing you everyday on our computer and look forward to you coming home so Daddy and Uncle Mike can take us to whizz kids with Dylan and Evan - hope you won’t be too tired to come down the slide with us. Lots of love & kisses Kieran & Sammy xx
Hi Shannon Woolsey,
What an adventure you are on!!! Scott is very jealous, as he’s always said that one of the places on his “bucket list” is Machu Picchu. Seems you are in an amazing place with some amazing people. Hope those feet are holding up. Hang in there!
Hola, Danny!
We are keeping you in our heart-prayer & are so proud of the incredible journey you are all taking together.
We are visiting with your two angels at home & know legions of angels surround you now and will see you home.
Peru is blessed by you, and we know Peru is a blessing for you beyond words.
Love & Hugs!
Susie & Michael
Laine — Thinking of you today of all days — even Alfie doesn’t like uphill all day…
Love,
Rick
Hi to Mike and Jules, hope you are feeling o.k. and coping well with the trek. Love to you both xxxx See you in Manchester.
Julie and Vickie,
Lots of love coming your way from Texas! We are all cheering you on and wishing you well. You are touching many lives. I hope you can feel our energy coming your way and giving you strength! One foot in front of the other! The end is in sight!
Loren and Alexis both won their soccer games yesterday! Go Pink Tigers and Groovy Girls! It was a gorgeous day here yesterday. The monarchs are still passing through on their way to Mexico so chasing butterflies is still fun!
I wore my ‘Life is Good’ hat to the soccer game yesterday in your honor. I’m remembering past trips with you both and looking forward to our next one! (only a few more weeks!) But honestly, life is good and it is a nice reminder of all that we are blessed with.
Lots of love to you all! Can’t wait to hear all the stories! Hugs and kisses, smooches and smacks!
Love,
Tiffany, Alexis and Alyssa (who has decided she can climb too! And if the mountain won’t come to her, her crib will do just fine!)
Hey trekkers, hope you are all safe and well and ready to get your first view of Machu Picchu tomorrow - I am so excited for the lot of you, and so proud of what you are doing. My uncle is fighting cancer and found out this week his radiation treatment is not as straightforward as hoped, he’s awaiting a second opinion at Mass General. I’m trying not to panic as he’s always so positive, but he’s one of the people I love most in the world and I’m so sad he has to deal with this, especially when I’m an ocean away… but at least he has access to treatment, and to docs and nurses I owe his life to. Thanks to what you’re all doing, less families around the world will lose the people they love to cancer, and that’s worth more than anything.
Big hugs to everyone, and a huge wave and HULLO! to Katrina and Nick, Paula
Hei Tone. Håper du har det fint og koser deg skikkelig.
Gleder meg til du kommer hjem
Stein
Hi daddy I hope you are having fun hiking in Peru.I hope you see a beautiful sunrise tomoreow . I miss you. Love,Ellie
Hi Merc, thinking about you and hope you are doing well. I’m confident you aren’t having any problems. You are very active and physically fit, so I have the utmost confidence in you. A prayer at night doesn’t hurt either. Everyone here is fine; Art is in Atlanta for the Bears game (they lost by 2 points with only 1 minute to go), Alex could not join him as planned, but Rich came from FL to meet up with Art. You know they lost because I wasn’t there. Anyways take care, be good and I want pictures, pictures………
Love you, Anna
Hi Matt & all
We have sent lots of messages but looking on the website I don’t think they are all getting through! Thanks for your phone message this morning, hope all is good with you all.
Kev has guaranteed all bank depos in Australia now it is carnage but the Aussie battler is on the way back
Love you
VPP
Hi Lyn!
I’m hoping you had a terrific weekend - I know from the website yesterday’s climb was supposed to be a challenge. I just took a look at some of the breathtaking photos posted on the website - they’re incredible.
Also, please tell Katrina and Jackie I was asking for them too - I recognized them in one of the photos.
Be well and talk to you soon,
Mary Ellen
Laura decided to name the twins for your trip: Machu and Picchu! Even your mother is reading the blogs and keeping track. Hope you are having fun!
Dad
H Laine, After today the hardest part is over. You have done It! Keep he positive vibes and keep enjoying the trek. We love you. Esther and Stu
Hi Jimmy,
Hope all is going well!! Everything is fine here. They have already painted a good portion of the house and it really looks good! Miss you so much! Elmo does too!!
Love,
Lori xxoo
Jaime, Heather, and Laine
I hope you are having the time of your life. We all miss you very much. Robert and Janet have tried to post messages but are having computer problems, so they send their best wishes and love. All is well here, and Baby Claire says hello (although it sounded like “UGH-UGH”. Miss you tons, Love Michael
hope the toughest day went well - if anyone wants, i’ll track down the best helicopter service in the andes and get you out of there! - love, jim
Hey Jimmy,
I having my Peruvian students follow your trip. I love bragging that an old guy like you can keep up with all those young kids. We’re proud of you. See you soon. Love, Marilyn
Laine,
Thinking about you today…you did it!! I am so proud of you and a little jealous of how skinny and ripped you are! Hope you and Jamie are having an amazing time! Miss you.
Love, Shay
Hi Nese,
Well it’s Sunday and I bet you have had quite a day. The boys are doing good. We all miss you, be careful.
Love,
Mom
Hey Heather, Jamie and all the Trekkers,
We just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you guys. What an awesome thing you are doing for a great cause!!
We are praying for all of you and can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
Love,
Tawny,Gene,Jared & Jake
To all you wonderful trekkers,
We are keeping track of your progress and wish you the best of luck during your hike. The hardest part of your hike should be over, hope everyone made it through okay and are in fine spirits. You should all be so proud of yourselves for doing this, I wish I could be there. I would hike for my stepfather Michael who passed away from lymphoma a month after my daughter was born (she’s going to be 14 this month). He was a wonderful man and father to my 3 older brothers and myself and I miss him every day. 3 years after he passed away, we had a son and named him Michael in his honor. I also give thanks that my mother in law is now cancer free about a month ago after having gone through some tough treatments for uterine cancer, early detection was key which is one of the main reasons for your hike, think of all the lives you will be saving in the future! We followed along with you all during Everest Rocks and are doing the same here and have donated money for such a great cause.
Keep safe and rock on always, Jan & Dan Boutin
Enjoy your time in the “City Amongst The Clouds”. How awesome to be able to meditate in such an inspirational place
I left a longer message on the main message board. I’m so proud of all of you, you can only begin to imagine the love hope and strength that will be shared with the world 
Alan from California
Everyday i log in and i read your entries, and then i go to your pictures to see who is writing for the day. Its amazing, everyone really has a story to go with them to the top of the trek! It seems everyday on your trip you also meet someone that is inspirational to you. Keep on treking.!!!
Today the Broncos lost…boooo! Its been cold and rainy in Denver for the past 2 days, snowing in the mtns, YEA!
Hey Shannon,
All I can say is WOW!!! you did it(and did you take pictures?) I think there are times in our lives where the “stars line up just right” and there is pure magic! It seems like this is happening to all of you on this incredible trek. Enjoy! (and drink water!)
Love Mom
To Lyn Nelson and George Devanney -
A request or shall I say plea - ha ha ha! Lyn, maybe this is the opportunity to talk to the directors of Love,Hope,Strength while you are together and get them to agree to that Cruise Idea that you were telling me about this past September. It can be dubbed “LHS Rocking the Seas and Disease”!
George or should we say Wally? I’m trying to figure that one out. Anyhow George, I see you got Mr. Cy Curnin up there with you, maybe this time he can be convinced how awesome it would be to play MusicFest this upcoming year. I carry the hope! Maybe Mr. Peters and his lovely wife can put a word in on how wonderful it is and that despite the hurricane there will be insanely devoted fans waiting to be serenaded to!
To Tracey C:
I just wanted to encourage you on your trek. Sounds like today is going to be a killer climb. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Next time you all get around the fire for some quality music, I double-dog dare ya to yell out ‘Freebird’! (after all…there’s one in every crowd) Rock on!
Merce,
Hi sista’. Sounds like you had an awesome day. The concert must have been amazing. I hope you didn’t get sick from the food or encounter any terantulas! We miss you. I check up on the website twice a day to see if anything new has been posted. You are in my prayers every night. I tell everyone that I see about your trip and how proud I am of you. I love you sis. Can’t wait to see you. Be careful pseudo mom!
Love,
Baby Blueberry
Hi Aden and Serena,
You picked the optimal weekend to be outta town. It’s been raining and raining more - and I think it’s really winter now! My hikes this weekend were much shorter, wetter, and muddier than yours I’m guessing. Eight hours of walking! Hope your feet are hanging in there.
Can’t wait to see today and yesterday’s videos and hear stories when you get back. Amazing I’m sure.
Soak in the goodness of the rest of your adventure and bring some back please.
See ya soon.
Angie
Dear LHSF Team,
It is such a pleasure reading about your journey. I am living vicariously through you! Wishing you all the best and many massages upon your return!
BTW - Cardinals vs. Cowboys went into overtime. Crazy game and I’m not even a football fan.
Jon
Thinking about you and know the day was a tough climb but what you are doing for such a wonderful cause thrills us. The videos are fabulous and make us want to be with you. Enjoy the new friends you are making, the music and the scenery. We miss talking to you. On another note, the Sox lost the 2nd game. Beckett got hit hard and then Timlin gave it up in the 11th. Sorry but the Cowboys lost to AZ today in OT after they kicked a field goal to tie the score with :00 on the clock.
Hi to Sam, Heather, and Jaime.
Love Mom and Dad
Hello Daddy (Brien)
We miss you! It;s almost my birthday( Saylor)
Lots of hugs and kisses.(Vienna and Phoenix)
Hola amor all is good,looking forward to seeing you and sharing your stories. I think we may have a few more cokateils (or eggs?) when you get back- fatty and pretty have been at it again! PS- we really got to think up some better names for those birds! Love you! Nadi
Hello to Katrina Copping and Jackie Collins, Hope trek is going well and you are having fun. Look forward to seeing the video and photographs. Love from Stuart and Hayley.
Greetings trekkers, glad I am not there I hate spiders, thinking of you all thanks for the voicemail Matt!
More carnage today as the Aussie Govt guarantees deposits - stay tuned - sunny and 27 celcius in Sydney but wish I was there. Are there pringles up there?
Love
Kris XXXXXXX
Hi Lyn!
We have been thinking about you and the rest of the trekkers, and the wonderful scenery and exciting adventures you have been experiencing. Our prayers continue to follow you all for good health, good weather and good fellowship. Your friends at church were excited to hear about your Andes Adventure and send their love and prayers. We love you and admire you for putting your dreams into reality and persevering to complete your adventure of a lifetime. The hardest part of climbing should be over now. Hope everyone is in good shape. Thehot springs should help you recover. Connie and Lee arrived home safely from their cruise. We got gas in Brockton for $2.89 a gallon!!!! Hope that’s a sign of more good thing$ to come, Love Mom and Dad
Yet another name to add to your long list of a.k.a.’s. We are watching and reading about the journey every step of the way. And I thought all I had to worry about was a mis-step off the mountain, but big, hairy spiders? I’ll have to get up earlier - my prayer list has grown.
They may take away your guitars, but they can never take your hearts, voices, spirits and dedication. As we were one year ago, we are so filled with love and gratitude to ALL of you up on that mountain. Your stories have brought me to tears each time I read them. God Speed to all of you.
And p.s. - please make sure Ann’s flag is carried extra high today. She starts yet another marathon chemo treatment in just one hour and she needs to know that somewhere today she is free and flying.
We love you, Juds and Slacks
Dear Jules and Mike
Hey you two! We’re really enjoying following your progress on the trek so far. I’m wondering whose legs are hurting more, Jules, yours (after trekking over half the Andes) or mine (after my netball coach made me play a whole game at Centre last night - grr). I thought you and Mike might appreciate a footie joke “What’s the difference between Spurs and Samosa?” “A Samosa’s got three points!” Yeah, yeah, haha! Well, wishing you all the very best with the rest of the trip. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Helen, Scott & Isla xx
Mike, Jules & Kat
Great to read the daily journals and see how you are all getting on up there - what an amazing experience, I hope you are all proud of yourselves. Can you sing one along the way for my Dad (Ken Owens) who I lost to cancer 15 years ago this month at the age of only 57 - miss him loads
Take care, see you on the tour.
Sue
x
Julie,
I am so excited for you and the whole group. I love what you have all done and feel that you are all an inspiration for all survivors.
Take care and walk with knowing we are all so proud of you.
Stacy
Cherron,
We watch you daily praying for you and your fellow trekkers. We are very inspired by your physical climb as well as the hope you are giving to all those you are climbing for. We are proud of you and love you very much. Stay strong and enjoy your incredible journey.
Godspeed,
Aunt Donna & Mark
Hello Kelly-
Greetings from NJ. Just wanted you to know we are thinking about you and hope you are still going strong! Enjoy!
Alyson, Scott and Maegan
PS. Get in more pics!!!!
Cy,
Hope you are having an extraordinary adventure that fills your heart, mind, and spirit. Walk steady. Sing loud. Hug a llama.
xx,
L
Vickie,
Just a note to let you know we are thinking of you. I hope you don’t have to many blisters from all the hiking. I’m sure you are having a big time and will come back with some precious memories that we can’t wait to hear about. We love you,
Lisa & Bobbye
Hey Lain! Did you ever think that a year ago when we were sitting in Cosi nursing my hangover before my big moment, that you would be going on a hike? Any hike! And I mean, a big hike! Wow! I am so proud of you Lain! Hope you are having fun!
Love, Stacy
Aunt Laine,
Mom and Dad took me to the groomers on Saturday and they put this ridiculous Halloween themed bandana around my neck. I hate it. I am going to regift it for Alfie since he loves flair. Then they took me hiking and let me off the leash and I got a bunch of cactus prickers in my face and I was bleeding! It was awesome.
I miss you! Love, Josey
Molly-
Congratulations on the summit and all the other accomplishments.
Now please get back here and make me a chicken pot pie. I’m starving.
B
I never doubted you guys could do it. Thanks for carrying all of us along with you.
M
Aden,
How was the sunrise?
I can see snow on the mountains this morning. Pretty.
Miss you.
Angie
Vickie, You did it!! You are on the TOP!! I am so very proud of you. I never doubted you would make it.
As a loyal Razorback fan I know you will be glad to hear that we beat Auburn on Saturday 25 to 22…GO HOGS!
Love and miss you!
B