Day 4 - October 9th
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First off I want to say how fortunate I am to be a part of such an amazing, diverse group of people! From Norway, England, Italy,to Texas, and a huge crew from Denver…my home town, I already feel like I have traveled the world! I LOVE music and can’t believe that I am able to trek while listening to professional musicians from around the world…the outdoors, exercise, meeting new people, and music! I’m in!!!
Today was another breath taking day in Cusco! I decided to sleep in until 8…figured I should get some zzz’s while I could as tomorrow morning will still be dark outside! I headed to breakfast with my roomy Serena (whom is GREAT by the way) in my PJ’s and had my usual morning cup o Joe and omelet! Muy Bueno! I felt the need to do a little shopping and exploring on my own of the city…the tour sounded fun, but bartering sounded better! Tank tops, log sleeve shirts, even some flip flops that were probably too worn to trade, but ones used goods are someone else’s treasure… Claro? Serena bet me another cup of the mighty tasty Peruvian coffee that it wasn’t going to work, and it did, or I am just really good at faking Spanish! I ended up trading a Nike pink long sleeve shirt for a really nice cute scarf! It came in super handy as it was semi chilly and rainy!
“Anyone who says that sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain”…or trekked in the rain!! YEE-HAW!
Lunch at La Tratoria was fun…Aiden, Serena and I shared a piece of delicious chocolate cake after some slices of pizza…yes true Americans! We thought why not consume as many calories as we can now before the trek! I can’t wait!!!
Headed back to the hotel decided to swing into yet another market…Aiden had some shopping to do, and I love to shop! I am shocked at the prices here in Cusco (very cheap) and I think I got some really good deals! My nephew Tadan will love his little Peruvian beenie for our Colorado winter!
I finally made it back to my hotel room, packed my stuff for the trek and got ready for our first group dinner at Tunupa, an authentic Peruvian restaurant in Plaza De Armas! What a presentation! Candlelit dinner for 62 people, buffet style!! I was in heaven! I think I tried 4 different kinds of meat including Alpaca, Lamb, Trout and Chicken! The salads here are so refreshing and the desserts….um to die for! The tres leches was the talk of our table! We were all accompanied by a professional band and a couple of really unique dance shows for entertainment! Being a professional dancer myself I truly enjoyed watching!
Why I am here…I survived skin cancer, Clarks 3 and I have had several friends, now even more that have been diagnosed with Cancer. My best friend Sara sent me an email while at Surf Camp in Lurin, which I attended with Meghan, Colleen and Ilan prior to Traveling to Lima, that stated her mother was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer…I am trekking for her, and for my dear friend Kourtney! Kourtney I think about you daily! Ever since you told me your story and took a week of Pilates with me prior to your news I have definitely had a different outlook on life! The paintbrush you sent to me is already attached to the outside of my bag in your honor! “This is my favorite paintbrush and represents a lot about me. It represents me as an artist both personal ad professional. It’s a scenic art brush so it is specific to theatre, which has been a huge part of my life, and I will work for it to become part of my life again once I recover.” Kourtney was diagnosed with Cancer a couple of months ago and is back home with her family in California while she recovers! I am so thankful to have met you Kourtney….Easton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is your home away from home…Sus, Junior and I can’t wait to see you roll with the boys again! I am trekking for you, and for EVERYONE out there that are battling the “C” word!!! LOVE HOPE STRENGTH…need I say more!!!
Hi to my hero, my best friend and my fiance Sus….I wouldn’t be here without you…Junior I miss your smile, and Boo Boo I can’t wait to snuggle with you! My family (Mom, Dad, Adam, Jenny, Tae) and ALL of my friends I love you more than anything! Thanks for your support, messages and thoughts!! You all ROCK!!! Peru ROCKS!!!
I am so grateful to have these new life long companions…its nice to meet you all!! More treks to come!!
Shannon you are amazing woman! Thanks so much for getting me involved! I love you!!!
Buenas Noches from Peru!
Hugs,
Abbe Helm
Cusco, Peru
October 9, 2008
tell ole he’s always been my favorite - love, jim
Hi Nick!
Good luck starting the trek today! And that’s good luck to everyone.
Don’t get into any fights with llamas! (Is this year’s yak attack a llama drama??)
Love you lots again and again xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LILxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Hi all, thanks for the updates,great pictures and write ups, enjoy the trek.
Katt and Jackie so good to see you on videocast 1.All thinking of you over at the Hack, we want all the gossip when you get back..
See you in Cardiff in November..
oh and Dougs finally admitted i’m the better man!!
luv to all
Welsh!
Hi guys another great podcast enjoyed back here in the land of Oz, Brien you are a great addition - about time we had an aussie who could sing (we don’t count Matt or that other guy from last year). Hope it’s stopped raining for you all! Big Hugs Kris XXXX
Matt - A$ as low as 64 cents in late trading !!!!
Hola Nick, thanks for sharing your beautiful music with everyone again
Maybe next time I’ll even be inspired to go with you all (heh heh). Hope your first day trekking is ache free and awe inspiring… besos y abrazos, Px
PS: Perfect pop moment with Fastball! Loved the rainbow in the distance at the end, nice touch from Mother Nature
Okay so I do know and love a few more of your songs than “The Way”… apologies, I shall go get an album now 
Hello to Lyn from the Landolfi crew in New Jersey. Remember to take lots of pictures!!
Hey Merc, great picture, great smile, great hat. Looks like you’re having a blast - good for you. We miss you here, especially Spooky. I saw him yesterday and he cried his eyes out for you. He can’t wait until you get home. Good luck, god bless and hope to see more pics of you. Love, Anna
To Nick: I see that you are wearing your trusty Crocs again. Matt, aren’t those the shoes that have “seen things that no shoes should ever see?!!!!” Lots of love, Christine Alan
hello trekkers, friends & the incredible ppl on your journey -
it’s a beautiful day in lovely union county *eliz, nj* to be exact. We have been talking about you guys - Kac, GWD, RG, Mondi, Cherron and the rest - nonstop. I hope the first day of your trek goes well and you get to feel rewarded for your many hard months of fund raising and training.
Know you are never far from our/my thoughts and we all love you tremendously.
PS - Thanks Kac for your email last nite and GWD for responding back on BB. It’s great to hear from you guys.
Love Hope Strength & All My Love,
Carolyn
Good morning Vickie,
Wow, you’re my hero! When I look at the pictures and see what you are hiking through I am so impressed. Be sure to bring back lots of good memories to share with your “friends back home.” We pray for you each day so we know you will make it to the top!
love you,
Bobbye and Lisa
Tony, Miles, & Joey,
Kick butt! We are proud of you.
Always,
Scalzo’s
YO Abbe and everyone! I have been keeping up with your progress through this awesome website! I watched all the videos and didnt see Abbe in them or the pics…and that to me was the strangest thing. She is always in every single picture and every single video…and with music around, doubly so!!! And then I started to think…Abbe must be the one videoing!!!??? I heard her laugh in the day 4 video from somewhere. And if she was there, she’d have to be in the video…unless….unless…she was the one videoing!!????
Am I right? Or am I right? I’m right, right?
xxoxoxoox
sus
Hey Merc,
Missed your call last night. I was dropping off Harley parts for Bob(he says hi)& left my cell in the car. Color matches this time. Anyway, good luck on the trail, kick some butt!! Hi from Spooky & Cisco.
Love ya, Daryl
stay safe and stay strong….this will be a piece of cake for you guys
prayers to all of you
Ennis & I are looking at the pic. Simply fab. What great memories you will have. We are so proud of you. Have a ball and stay safe. Going to Loren’s soccer game Sat. Have a great time with all these beautiful people. Don’t eat too much chocolate!!! Love U, Mimi
Hi Paulie,
Thinking of you. I have been following your trek on the website through pictures and the fantastic podcasts. Have a great time trekking up the mountain, hopefully the weather will be nice for you. Best of luck to eveyone out there.
Much love, Jana
Hi Shan, Erin and Mol,
Thinking of you!
Love the picture of you guys today! Hope that the trek went well
Phillies won! YEA!!!! Pat and Dad went to the game
Lyn,
What are you drinking in that picture? I don’t wany to hear that you stumbled off any trails!!
Bon
Vic & Julie,
Jamie just called and said you started your accent today, can’t wait to hear about your experience!!! I am very happy for all you guys and miss you a bunch.
Hugs & Kisses,
Billy Bob
Hey Merc,
Nice Pic!!!! You like like your having fun. I am off to see Mr. Knight tonight in LaSalle. I am excited as always when it comes to seeing him. It’a going to be a beautiful weekend. Nice fall temps. 70-close to 80. Anyways, looking forwards to tomorrows pics. God Bless and travel safe .. Sue. =)
Laine…
Good luck- you worked your ass off with the trainer to get here so enjoy it!! And think about Ruth’s Chris and Maggiano’s when youre hungry
Lots of love
Megs
Laine, I feel so bad you left your musical instruments at home! Miss you!
Rick and A
Nick
Thinking of you today as you all head off, and hoping that you end the day, maybe a little footsore, but glad of heart and spirit.
One (or 7.5 miles of ‘em!) small step for man, one giant leap of love, hope and strength.
Never give up. Never give in. Believe in the impossible and make it possible. Whenever someone says you ‘CAN’T', show them that you ‘CAN’.
L x
Best of luck to all-
Use caution in the water. I heard Peru has the most electrifying eels in all the land! Mike may never need hair gel again:)
Trek-on!
Michele
Please do a “shout out” for Dick Dale. After very extensive surgery, chemo and radiation, he is recovering from colon cancer and will perform his first show in over a year next Sunday. He says “I’m glad to still be looking down at the grass instead of up at the dirt”"
Date line 18.24BST Friday 10th October .. location, the offices of The Sheffield Star, Sheffield, UK
Good Evening from what has been another sunny Sheffield day, the sun is now setting and giving some interesting cloud and sky colours from what I can see sat in the office wasting a bit of time before going off to see Mr Grantly and the rest of the SLF boys start the punk revival at The Plug tonight.
Well I guess as I type this the first bit of serious walking will be underway. Good luck. I think tomorrow I may be off out to emulate your 10 mile walk possibly around the Peaks or York. Okay not quiet as spectacular in some ways as what you guys will be seeing on your travels. Hope all the feet survive.
Been great to look at the pics of the crew out there and the amount of people armed with acoustic guitars I can guess it’s not gooing to a quiet walk for a lot of the journey.
Yet to see the podcats as can’t seem to access it at the moment … maybe need to see if someone can get it loaded up onto YouTube to hit those that don’t know about PeruRocks yet out there in the big bad world!
Enjoy the walk, watch out for the llamas, and someone keep Mike fed with honey & lemon to lead the vocals!!!!!
Cambria to Danny Salinas! Hola Daniel! Como estas? I hope you are doing and feeling well. I saw my new friend yesterday, and we are still friends! =:} Tonight, I go to a film screening about immigrants detained in the US while seeking asylum. (Eduardo is going to tango.) I am also beginning to volunteer for the organization sponsoring the film — the San Diego chapter of Stop Torture, International. I’m scared, but I’m going to do it.
On another note, I realized in my previous messages that I hadn’t said that I admire you — for this trip and so much else. But I do! I hope you know that. You are my bud. I wish you the best of health and happiness and really good maté there. I wanted to leave you with a few irreverant words from that interesting poet who does commentary on NPR sometimes — Andrei Codrescu. He is from Romania, and has lived in New Orleans the past 20 years. I thought this was a wonderfully outlandish first line to his radio essay yesterday. “I was sharpening my chain saw when they called me from Washington, D.C., to ask me how to fix the economy.” Anyway, I’ve been reading that short piece over and over since I heard it yesterday. I’m grading papers again and thinking of you. Vaya con salud y allegria. Con cariño, Cambria
Merce,
Well, as per our conversation, I went to SLD today.. let me put it this way… our Classmate stuffed my Vibe so full of stuff that Astro only had a 1′ x 1′ square to stand in, and that’s it! Even my front seat was stuffed!! I couldn’t see out the back or sides!! I have 12 boxes ready to go when you find out the Hospital address!!!
You look like you’re having fun in the pic! Is that drink in your hand the one you mentioned???
Be safe, drink tea, and I’ll type at ya tomorrow.
Kerry
Vic & Julie,
Second message of the day - Still excited and still miss you - Since I don’t email from home, it will be Monday till you hear from me. Had a good visit with Brother Gary on all our mutual efforts. Enjoy yourself, but don’t forget to come home!
Love ya,
Billy Bob
Hey Katrina! How does today’s walk compare to Snowdon?
Great seeing your pics on the site, you look like you’re having a wonderful time… I suspect it’s just gonna get better! hugs, Paula
Dearest Vickie, I am so proud of you and what you are doing. My prayers are with all of you untill you are back home safe. Vic, do me a favor when you reach the top and say a prayer “hello” to Earlene for me. love you sis! Deb
Dearest Vickie, I am so proud of you and what you are doing. God bless each and everyone of you and my prayers are with you till you are safely home. Vickie do me a favor, when you reach the top say a prayer “hello” to Earlene for me. Love you sis, Debbie
Hey Merc!
I am truly envious! I KNOW you’re having a great time! Can’t wait to hear all about it during Floozie Fest! You make us Chi-town locals very proud….go-sista-go!
Love Cat, LuLu & Iggy
My Fellow UC Spartans,
Continue to be safe on your journey as you march triumphantly to victory and glory!
There is no doubt that all your hard work & diligent training has prepared you to to succeed on this glorious and worthwhile quest!
Your Brother Spartan,
Dan V.
Hi Jules & Mike,
So proud of you both after all you’ve been through to be able to think of others less fortunate than yourselves and fight for recognition of your cause. You appear to have a good band of people around you with lots of enthusiasm. I’m sure you are having a wonderful time as we are here looking after your beautiful children Dylan and Evan. What an interesting story to tell your children when you arrive home. Hope everything works for you and you live your dream. Praying and thinking of you every day. Lots of special love Nanna & Taid
Hi James,
Love the picture of you!! Hope the first day went well! The house is looking really good!!
Love,
lori xxoo
Jimmy,
2 things-1.Do we have fire insurance?… I forget what the other thing was…Just Kidding!
Many people have been asking about you and coming by to wish you all the very best. I guess you have been keeping a low profile since I haven’t seen any pictures of you doing “the flip”. Be well.I’ll be following.
Love, Eileen
Julie and Vic.
Love that red hat (you need one too Vic.
Did u see a Llama.
Loren got five 100’s this week. Will
let you know about soccer tomorrow.
Alyssia is climbing “in” her bed.
Jules and Vic!
You made it! One day down! You should be so very proud! (and maybe a little tired and sore) But that’s all definitely worth it! We can’t wait to hear all about it! Hope the weather is nice and you are able to take it all in. Take lots of pics! We want to see everything! Loren wants to know if you have seen any llamas yet!?!?!?
All our love,
Tiffany, Alexis, Alyssa, Jamie, Loren, BeBe, PaPa
Hola, Peru Rockers!!!
Looks like you’re all having an amazing time…and you haven’t even started hiking yet! Perhaps LHSF could do a spinoff event like Dining for Charity. I would definitely take part in that! Love the pics. Love the little Hamilton Terrace Bear. Love you guys! Take care of my sister, Meghan!
love,
Vicki
Merce,
Wow! That dinner looks and sounds like it was amazing. The food sounded great as well. You look like you are fitting in fine. Please pray for dad on your trip so that his cancer does not return. I am really proud of you and I know that dad is too! Don’t forget to bring me back something;) Love you!
Signing off: NON_SI!!!!!!
Gary
We are so proud of you and we know that you are having the time of your life. We captured the photo of you and a friend on October 09.
Have fun and we will be watching for more news and photos.
Lots of love, Uncle Ed and Aunt Conni
Dear Trekker’s,
I’m looking out over the beautiful blue pacific ocean as I cyberspace this message to you. I’m also listening to Andes Flute music as I try to put myself into your perspective. I hope that this first day out on the mountains was a fantastic start to your grand adventure! I trust that everyone stayed well hydrated and was blessed with a chance to take in the scenery while wondering if they chose the right shoes to bring along:)
I’m spreading the word of your selfless cause here in the OC! Good night and have a blessed nights sleep;)
Alan from California
Abbe Lee: OMGosh this is amazing! We know you are having a great time because everything you do is adventurous and exciting. We are so glad you were able to pull this off, thanks to all your sponsors, and we really really enjoyed your letter. I started reading it and thought about you and shopping and then OH MY..you had written it and it made me laugh. You go girl…barter your heart out..ha ha. By the way sweetie…HAPPY BIRTHDAY while you are gone..what a great birthday present. Can’t wait to hear the stories and see your photos. You are in our prayers until you return and thereafter. All our love…Mom and Dad….p.s. Diane is out of the hosp. and doing fine.:)
XXOOO
hey alex,
first podcast looks great. hope the first leg of the trek went well. looking forward to future updates and podcasts.
good luck,
ed
Dex / Lee,
Give Thanks. I hope you are spreading the love that Otto created. As per the comment on his plaque “Be the change that you want in the world”. I am over in SF. Spent some quality time meeting Indra and atop the Twin Peaks. It was a spectacular day..it was a great feeling to pay my final respects to my great friend. Gone but never forgotten.
I suspect you are both exhausted are that huge trek up the mountain…I remember it fondly from 1996!
Take care, and Dex - thanks for looking after me in NY. I expect to see you down in NZ soon…there are fantastic treks down there too..
BA
Hey Jules and Miss Vic,
We are missing you while we are watching the stars game drinking beeras without u, we were going to call you to see if you wanted to come with us but then we remembered u were trekking up Machu Pichu which is much more exciting than watching grown men throw punches!
The market…well, not too many ups and downs today, just downs, it took a huge 800 pt tumble in the first two hours today be glad you missed it!
Good luck on Day 2, praying for no blisters!
Miss you and love you,
-jamie, tiff and michael
A chilly night in San Francisco. A recording of nature sounds is playing as I recline, close my eyes and breathe…and now I am there with you in spirit as you do your good work. Breathe in the goodness, breathe out the love, and let it fly…
Cuz Tony -
Wherever you may wander
wherever you may roam
our hearts will follow.
We are very proud of you.
Be safe. Love, Jeannie & Family
Hi Julie!
Good to read and see what’s going on down there, bet it’s a total blast for you.
How I remembered Christmas 1979 tonight. You and Robert spent it with me in Chapel Hill, and we were about the only ones in the movie that day to watch “The Jerk” . Beth and I watched it tonight and I thought of that happy day with you two so much.
God bless and have a great time.
Love,
Dad
Hi Shannon W.!!! Hope you survived the first day without too many blisters or sore muscles. We’re proud of you. Have fun. Love Dave
Hi Nese,
Everything is fine here. I’m watching the videos and looking at the pictures. What a wonderful experience you are having. Please add Andria’s mother to your list. Her name was Rose Senegal.
Love,
Mom
Hi Grandma Kate,
I miss you.
I am really liking school, I have a lot of new friends to play with. Today I went swimming with heartland class for two hours, then my mom came with Ayla and we swam for another two hours. And Grandma guess what? Do you know what happened at school, I had the greatest day one day because it was the best day. I loved doing tricks on the side of the pool today.
Have fun Grandma.
XO Kyra
Hi Mom (Kathy),
Today I was visiting Colleen at the hospital and there were other friends there as well. One of the friends was a 5 year old girl by the name of Leeza who is under going chemo because of her leukemia. This poor girl was/is very sick and they are hoping to be home before Christmas. I told Leeza and her mom what you and the others are doing for leukemia and they asked me to send a message to all of you to say “THANK YOU”. It was a very humbling day.
Enjoy the experience, be present.
XO Jen
Laine,
We are so proud of you and the journey that you are taking in Peru! You go girl! You will be in great shape after this adventure, ready to take on the world. Love you, Sandy & Glenn
Vickie,
Your in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m keeping up with you and where you are!
I’s amazing!
Love you
Brenda
Best wishes to all trekkers from us here in South Texas. A special hello to our sponsorees: Lyn Nelson and Nese Eddleman!
We lost my father-in-law Charles Patrick Keener to non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1992. We hope that the work of the LHS Foundation furthers the goal of finding new treatments or a cure for this scourge.
All our Best,
–John & Susan Trigg