April 30, 2000
Day 191 To Sicuani
We get a very early start, even before seven, we are on the road out of town. The first 30 km are rather boring, just like yesterday we follow a wide, flat valley. In the distance are snow covered peaks visible. We need to climb a 4312 meter high pass to exit the altiplano. Most of it is gradual, only the last 5 km or so make it necessary to use the granny gears. At the summit we set up our tripod for some pictures of us, and check out the souveniers women have spread out along a parking area. Rachel fits on alapaca wool sweater but can’t find one that fits properly.
We have started to shed some of our luggage. First, Patrick discards the bottle of olive oil, a can of tuna and a jar of tomato sauce to some kids herding alpalcas. Then, a little bit later, we leave the battered frying pan at the side of the road, a young boy runs to collect it after we leave. We won’t be needing it anymore on this trip.
The downhill lasts almost all the way to Siuarni, only the last bit is a bit undulating. We pass by the hot springs at Aguas Callientes, but decide there are better ones to visit in Idaho. We’ve done a hundred and ten km when we reach our destination for today. The hotel recommended in the guidebook cannot be found, but there are two good candidates near the center.
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We check into Hostal Royal, get a matrimonial with hot shower and for 35 soles. It takes a while for the water to get hot, but in the mean time we can watch soccer. At about four, we walk across a footbridge that crosses the river and walk around the town square. There is a recommended restaurant where we eat fried trout. We get back to our hotel just as it starts to get dark. We read and go to bed early.
Today's ride: 110 km (68 miles)
Total: 6,037 km (3,749 miles)
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